just being careful isn't an option for me. i want this phone protected. i have searched high and low and have found a few good suggestions but finally came to two possible solutions for someone who doesn't want to use a case. i don't want to use a case because i like the feel of this phone with the full body skin i am currently using.
solution number one: i found these tabs that are used to protect wood floors from scraps or cabinets from hitting the frame too hard. i put one on each side near the camera to elevate and protect it. i like the way it protects but the look isn't very nice. i wish they came smaller and in black. the felt ones don't feel like they elevate the phone high enough.
NOTE: the quality on two of these pix are pretty bad bc they were taken from a friend's 2mp camera phone. the others were all taken with my evo and resized. p/s my camera lens is in perfect condition, that picture is deceiving. lol
solution number two: this one takes a little more work. i bought the smallest suction cup at the hardware store for 29 cents and the blue removable/reusable putty for 2.49 (can probably get it a lot cheaper somewhere else!)
i took a surgical blade (probably not available to someone not working at a hospital or animal clinic) and cut off the tip as flat as i could. i then took blue putty and carefully lined it on rim of the suction cup. afterwards i just placed the suction cup over the lens and made sure to line the blue putty onto the battery cover and not the lens. when you remove it, you can just roll off any excess putty with your index finger. you can just place it back on. if you need more putty, you already have a lifetime's supply.
does anyone know of a removable/resealable glue or tape that would work better without leaving any residue on the phone? i really like the results but it'd be much easier without putty. oh well for now this will do.
i'm really happy with the results and thought i'd pass them along in case this might be something someone has been looking for. i'm definitely looking for new ideas.