Have you cased up on your iPhone 4? Even if you have one already, how protected is your device from a drop?
Knock on silicone, but I've never dropped or damaged a pricey device. I guess it is only a matter of time. I've had a number of phones, tablets, and MP3 players. With most of them, I used some sort of case. I've tried several with my iPhones.
For my iPhone 4, I ended up buying an silicone case that seems to offer more cushioning for impact absorption than many others ... should my luck run out. The black case from Rocketfish (model number RF-WR1001) is cheaper than the impressive Otterbox cases. Its interior has a waffle grid pattern that looks fairly drop dampening. This makes the case a bit bulkier than skimpier offerings, but slides on and off easily.
It has a bit of grip so it won't slide off an airline tray. It could fit a bit more snugly which is a common complaint from buyers online. I have no major issues other than having to trim a small area around the LED flash. The corners of the case can slide off when pulling the phone from a tight pocket.
Though covered, the buttons function well. The audio out and sync ports are easily accessed. It does not block the speaker and microphone.
It comes in any color you want as long as it is black.
This case is not sexy, but the cusioning seems to provide good impact protection and a nice grip. It can be found online for under $20 or at Best Buy. Perfect? No, but it seems better than most I see out there. Hopefully I won't have to report any real world drop testing one way or the other.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.