Cell Phone Cases
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Cell Phone Cases
Not to be confused with customizable faceplates and battery covers, cell phone cases serve a very important purpose beyond simple aesthetics and personalization. Cell phone cases are designed to protect our precious mobile telecommunications devices from the usual bumps and bruises associated with every day use. While they may not be able to hold off the damage incurred by dropping a handset in the toilet, most adequately designed cases will be able to absorb the impact from dropping a phone on the ground or counter. Furthermore, cases can help prevent scratches to the mobile phone and its screen. But which one is right for you?
Types and Styles
Generally speaking, cell phone cases come in three broad reaching styles. Many are available with belt clips, lanyards, and other similar devices that help you carry around your cell phone as well, so that you don't have to keep it in your pocket (or hold it in your hand when you don't have a pocket). This makes cell phone cases particularly convenient.
- Leather Case: This is probably considered the most classic of call phone cases. For bar style handsets, it usually involves a full leather backing, possibly stretchy or leather sides, and a clear plastic front (or no front at all). For flip phones, they will likely wrap all the way around the outside, with pocket-like ends (or stretchy bands/tabs) on either end to hold it in place near the earpiece and mic. Leather cases like these are typically not available for swivel or slider type mobile phones. Of course, similarly styled cases are sold in a number of different materials as well, but leather and artificial leather-like materials are the most popular. This style of case may not be the best for people who want to keep size down, because they tend to make even the smallest of phones quite bulky.
- Pouch / Holster Style: Unlike the first style, pouches and holsters are not "attached" to the cell phone, but rather are used like a pocket in which the handset is held. To answer a phone call (or otherwise use the handset), you need to remove the phone from the holster unless you're making use of a Bluetooth or wired headset for your calls. The bulk remains minimal, because the case itself will typically remain attached to your belt.
- Silicone Skin: For the thinnest protection against bumps, drops, and scratches, you may want to look into getting a silicone skin for your cell phone. These work best for candybar style handsets, particularly the slimmest of the slim ones like the Motorola SLVR. The rubbery feel will appeal to many people, but may be a turn off for others.
Where to Buy Cell Phone Cases
- Most cell phone stores and kiosks should have a large selection of cell phone cases for you to choose from, in addition to the usual fare of wall chargers, car chargers, USB cables, headsets, and other accessories. You can often find a better deal by going with lesser known brands, rather than restricting yourself to a Nokia-branded case for your newest Nokia handset, for example.
- Department stores and electronics stores typically carry cell phone accessories, especially if they are also dealers for some of the more popular service providers like T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Among the accessories will usually be a small assortment of cases, but the selection is usually quite limited.
- eBay and other online stores probably provide the best bet as far as a wide selection of cell phone cases. Just keep in mind that buying an item sight unseen is inherently risky business and you may not be receiving exactly what you were expecting, so shop with caution.
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