Style: Smart Choices

Stephanie Lyew, Gleaner Writer

So you've purchased your smartphone of choice - probably an iPhone or a BlackBerry - and think you've made a smart choice.

However, how smart were you? These phones require the utmost protection and care; hence the smart choice would have been to purchase a skin or case for that social, net, or working tool of yours. See the following options we chose and see which is best for you.

Items may be found at Quantum Concepts, #22U Mall Plaza, Constant Spring Road.

HYBRID

Two parts make up this skin: the hard shell on the outside and the soft skin as the base (inside). This case will give protection against sweaty palms as the plastic does not retain moisture as would a single soft skin. The surface can easily be cleaned or dried. Additionally, it is the best protection against surface scratches. Recommended for outdoor people (hikers, fishing fanatics, joggers, pet owners, etc).

BEDAZZLE

If you're the flashy type, bling is in. The plastic is a little softer than the skeleton in the rugged and hybrid cases but still harder than a skin, yet it is delicate, with all the jewel design. Recommended for profilers.

FACE PLATES:

Did you get the BlackBerry Torch for your Christmas gift? The phone alone is all-in-one, having touch-screen capabilities and a sliding screen that reveals the tightly spaced keypad. Face plates offer minimal protection on the entire phone but prevent minor scratches or stains from fingernails and keys (may be used with a screen protector). Recommended for housewives.

FISHBONE

Named so because the hard plastic skeleton forms a fishbone on the back of your BlackBerry smartphone within a spongy case with 'breathing' holes. The case supports the back and sides of the phone, leaving the top and bottom ends open (for the 8520 model). It's good for on-the-go individuals who utilise the music player or tend to place their phone in bags. Recommended for students.

FAN BASED

The iPhone is great technology for sports fanatics, with all the sports apps available for download to watch, listen and play sports on the mobile phone. So, while you're on RealMadrid Mobile or FIFA 10 on your 3G or 4G iPhone, look good and smart with a case that's not only hard enough to protect the back and side of your phone but also reps your favourite premier league team. Recommended for: sports (football) fans.

RUGGED

Similar to the hybrid with two parts; however, the internal piece is hard plastic that borders the screen and keypad, with the soft skin covering that hard case. If your BlackBerry happens to fall on a hard surface, the soft skin cushions from the outside inwards and the hard skeleton maintains the structure.

Recommended for construction workers and machine handlers.

SNAP-ON

Resembling a book with a two-piece, top and bottom plastic pieces that snap into each other. These cases are available for most BlackBerry models and even the iPhone. The snap-on case has proven to be a good shock absorber, with both pieces aligning around the rim of the screen and keypad. Recommended for anyone.

BODY GLOVE

The Paul Frank 'Monkey' silicone skin and iPhone gel skin may seem like child's play but they are designed to fit like a glove and actually give good coverage/cushioning for falls to some extent. It's no monkey business; however, your phone will still require some attention when it comes to proper cleaning techniques.

Recommended for desk personnel (personal assistants, secretaries, etc).

RUBBER

The animal print just adds to the classy feel of these rubbery cases. Coverage is similar to the fishbone case. However, for the Javelin, it usually gives protection against scratches yet grants access to camera, charging port and has an opening to add a clip-on for attachment to a bag or waist. All that's left to do is to choose your wild print of choice. Recommended for businesswomen.