The iPhone's glass display should do a decent job of warding off most scuffs and scratches, but if your precious handset somehow slips out of your backpack and bounces down the library steps one by one, well ... prepare for heartache, not to mention a cracked screen. Protect your iPhone from drops, shocks and dust with the OtterBox Defender, a sturdy (if somewhat bulky) polycarbonate shell wrapped in a silicone skin, topped off with a clear membrane to shield the iPhone's display. The rough-and-tough Defender should keep your iPhone safe from the occasional tumble; just remember that the case isn't watertight, so resist the temptation to go snorkeling with it.
Price: $49