How to Choose Accessories for the iPhone 3G

Josh Dubois: Hi, I am Josh Dubois. Today, we're talking about the iPhone 3G and the Software Release 2.0 and I know that there's a lot of accessories out there and it could be quite confusing. So right now, I am going to go through some of my must have accessories for the iPhone.

The first and most important iPhone accessory is the case. There are really only three choices here, hard case, rubber case and a thin Clear Shield that shouldn't even really be in the case category.

Most people are torn between two choices, the harder thick plastic case and the softer rubber case that sort of hugs your phone. Here are the real differences between those cases.

The hard plastic case protects more against scratching caused by putting the phone in the pocket with keys or other sharp objects. It really does little to shield against impacts. It is also often bulkier.

My recommendation is a rubber case. It protects against falls and the occasional toss across the room because the rubber softens the impact. It also protects nicely from scratches.

When I asked an Apple employee which case to get if I throw my phone a lot, this is the one they suggested. Hand-in-hand with the cases is the all important screen protector. It's like a sticker that you apply to the front of the phone, and once it's on, it's pretty much invisible and it's essential to apply to your phone.

I recommend getting the Anti-Glare Screen Protector from the Apple Store. I bought a cheaper version elsewhere and wasted six of them trying to apply correctly. Take some time when you're applying it, and realize that the reason that they give you two or three is because you do mess up and they do wear out.

Once I got mine applied perfectly with no bubbles, at last it approximately eight months. Use a credit card if you can't get the bubbles out otherwise with your thumbs. Most important is take your time and clean your hands before applying these.

Next, headphones, trust me, your money here is going to the phone. My headphones lasted about four months and worked as a speaking device for less. In my ears they fit quite uncomfortably and the sound really wasn't that great either. Going along with the headphones and the speaking device, if you require hands free, get a bluetooth.

You probably remember about a year ago everyone walking down the street talking into their original iPhone headphones and you almost never see it these days. There's a reason, they all broke.

Here's one you probably didn't think of, compressed air. Routinely clean out the bottom of your phone where the power adapter plugs in and also clean out the power adapter as well. Your phone is in and out of your pocket everyday and your pocket is filled with lint.

An Apple employee actually told me that one of the biggest problems that people have with their iPhones in the hardware department is the buildup of static electricity from lint in this area of the phone. Bottomline, keep this area clean.

Last but not least, if you have an old model of the iPhone with the recessed headphone jack, you have to buy an adapter to use your non-Apple headphones.

Here's a great tip. Buy an iPhone compatible headphone splitter. It is roughly the same size and cost as an adapter. But with the splitter, you can now hookup two non-Apple headphones for watching movies on buses and planes. That way you won't feel as violated for having to purchase something that seems pretty silly.

So those are some of the accessories that I think will really help you out. Coming up next, we're going to talk about what not to do with your iPhone.