grosser

I just got a Sprint HTC Hero and since it is really my first high $ phone, I would like to protect it as much as possible without going overboard, since it is basically out-dated... Sad, but true! So, I am turning to the great wisdom of fellow phandroids for help.

I did a search and found some threads for other phones, but none for the Hero, so I figured I would post this.

I know a screen protector is a must, but which one? Anti-glare, scratch resistant (like Stealth Guard), privacy, mirror, finger print resistant, etc. Honestly, I would like one that provides all the features, but not sure if they are available or where to get one, and price. Pros/Cons of all. Also, which one tends to cause the most problems (if any) with the touch screen function?

Case: I was originally looking at an Otterbox, but I would want the defender series with the belt clip, but they don't make one yet for the phone. So, I saw the metal cases with the screen cover that is on a hinge, the silicone case, plastic etc. I don't want a silicone case due to the nature of my job, and I would need something a little more rugged like the metal one. I had a metal one on an old HP PDA and it added quite a bit of bulk to the device and I am not sure if the phone ones do the same, or if it isn't really that big of a difference. However, I like the idea of the silicone case due to its ability of keeping the weather off like rain, dust, debris, etc. Is there a rugged case out there that also keeps the weather off? Pros/Cons of each case?

Does anyone have any thoughts/suggestions or past dealings with these items. Keep in mind, I would still like to use a car dock/cradle to hold the phone and when in use as a gps and charging. I am sure that the case would have an impact on that, but, as long as it is fairly simple to remove the phone from the case, I wouldn't mind that much. Does any one restrict use of phone volume buttons, headphone jack, charging/sync port, etc?

Thanks for your thoughts/comments!

JB in AZ

Actually, the screen doesn't realy need to be protected, IMHO. There is a video floating around showing a fellow seriously trying to scratch the screen with keys, etc, to no avail. I have had mine since early October, and have NO scratches on the screen. Also, many have reported applying a screen protector, and later removing it do to the reduced "feel" of the excellent screen. Something to research and consider, anyway.

Have a look at this thread, especially post # 15.

http://androidforums.com/sprint-htc-hero/45856-could-anyone-suggest-awesome-screen-protector-hero.html

Last edited by JB in AZ; April 20th, 2010 at 09:28 AM. Reason: added link

enfurno

+1

I purchased some screen protectors for myself and my wife. After receiving them and learning that the particular protector that I had bought required a 12 drying time I decided not to install them. I have had my hero since it launched and there is not a single scratch on the screen. I carry it in my pocket along with anything else that ever goes into my pocket, keys, coins, etc.

I would say that a screen protector is just a waste of time on this device unless you are looking to gain some privacy or anti-fingerprint protection.

dpeeps74

i wish i knew brands but i don't. I bought some generic type screen protectors from Best Buy, which I really liked, however they are not cut for the phone and I have to do this myself. pain in the rear. i found some on ebay that are cut, and got them real cheap, but i just put one on last week and can't stand them. they're real sticky feeling and stuff sticks to them...generally annoying. as to the screen being tough to scratch, i dunno, i have 2 small scratches on mine and got those within 2 weeks of owning the phone. they didn't occur from dropping or anything. of course, a ton of people complain of getting dust on their screen and i've never had that issue, so i tend to think my hero is an anomally

grosser

Thanks for the info, I might just look into the fingerprint & privacy thing then. Any thoughts on cases?

skoo9382

i bought a $18 Invisi-shield at best buy with my phone, and what a waste of money. i hated the sticky-ness it left and it wasn't smooth.

I bought the Otterbox Commuter case and i just used the screen protector that came with it and it works fine. Smudges a bit, but overall i like it.

Now about the case, the Otterbox is a bit bulky, but if you want protection you can't escape a little bit of bulkiness. It also is a lint magnet on the soft rubber portions of the case, but overall i am VERY satisfied with the case. it has saved my phone from a couple of drops. I wear scrubs at work so there isn't many pockets to carry around my phone in so i bought a leather Case Logic case that fits my phone with the case on it and it works for me.

dpeeps74

i just use the body glove case. it definitely adds some bulk, but really without it, the phone feels way too small for my hands. without the case i've actually had cramping in my thumb while using the phone. i guess i'm just not as petite as most people

Firemans Wife

I went cheapo and found a site call www.bargaincell.com I bought fitted, Hero specific, screen protectors, a nice leather horizontal case with belt clip, a hard case, a silicone case, and a usb car charger for less that $25 shipped, I did have a $5 off coupon just google the sites coupon codes and you should find one.

Pandam00nium

I don't understand why people pay so much for these screen protectors and cases. I've been using "cheapo" protectors for a while now and they have been doing a perfect job.

I tend to buy the ones on Amazon and ebay. 3 protectors for around $3-4 and silicon cases for around $4. Bargaincell sells stuff on amazon from what I saw too.

Vald

any chance for some links to some of the stuff your talking about here?

Kelmar

Specifically what do you want links for?

matbob

I have and like both the Phantom Skinz screen protector (you can get two for under $10) and the Seidio innocase. It is very thin and has a "soft-touch" finish very much like the Hero itself. Worth the $30 bucks in my opinion. I haven't tried any others except the silicon case my wife has on her phone (which I don't like for being too sticky to go easily in and out of my pocket), so I can't comment on anything but those products. That said, I recommend both.

peter401

I've had bad luck with phone cases made for cellphones. I am in construction, and need a case that has a belt loop, good protection, and a full cover. I have been using a Nikon CoolPix case with a magnetic flap with my Hero for four months now. It seems so much better built than the cell phone cases, which in the past seemed to come apart at the seams. Peter401

chick3nstrip

I also went the cheaper route and I went to amazon.com and bought all my cases and extra usb cord, and car charger from there real cheap and fast delivery, and i love everything and very durable.

__________________
loving my Sprint HTC Hero
~fresh ROM 2.1
COME AND CHICKEN MY STRIP

jeffreynothing43

i got a car charger and a leather belt case/clip for 5.99 on ebay. the quality of both is excellent and the phone fits perfectly in the case.

russhour

Amazon.com: 7 Bundle Pack For HTC Hero CDMA Sprint Case+Charger+Pro: Cell Phones & Service

I bought these and am very pleased. Everything fits and while they aren't Otterbox quality, they are shock absorbent and coupled with the horizontal leather beltclip, maintain an acceptable level of safety while cutting down on bulk. I looked at the otterbox and went with this package.

With shipping it was $16ish

tokuzumi

I used a silicone sleeve on my hero,until I got the extended battery. Now, my phone goes naked. No issues with scratches. But I keep keys/coins/metal out of the pocket in which my phone resides.

stamets303

I just use the boxwave holster for my phone, no real issues for me. The only thing that caused me to drop my phone was catching a bit of my shirt in the clip and not noticing it till I pulled it loose and that was that.

jonwlewis

I got the Otterbox Commuter case and I love it. I also bought a 16 gig SD card for my phone. I also own the Jabra Bluetooth BT3030 dogtag stereo bluetooth set. These are the main things that I feel are important for my Hero!

caseyatbt

Doesn't the Boxwave face the screen out. That is brutal to dings on the screen.

ElAguila

I agree with others in this post about the screen protector. I used to have a bodyguardz as it looked and felt better to me than the zagg or ghost armour. I removed it a couple of months ago. I had forgotten how much brighter and and sharper the screen looked and how much easier it was to slide my finger than it was with the screen protector. It shouldn't need one in most circumstances. Here is thing you can do to help protect your screen and that is to blow on the screen before wiping it. That helps to remove any grit on there that you might otherwise wipe across your screen under a cloth. The grit here where I live is like sand and that can scratch.

__________________
Sprint HEROoted
http://www.mobilespeedtest.com/results/112108657.jpg

tailsthecat

i recently purchased a holster/clip from boxwave.com that holds the device screen inward with a clip for the belt. i also purchased an htc brand side case, the matte one not the messenger case, from ppcgeeks. neither have arrived yet, i expect them to be here tomorrow(tuesday)

ElAguila

I have the plastic case and holster from Seidio and it works well together.