When I finally got my iPhone, I bought it from the Apple Store where a buddy of mine is the manager. Knowing how rough I am on my electronics, he recommended I buy a case. So he steered me to the hard cases.

I asked why he didn't show me the cool silicone ones that seemed to be more stylish, and he told me he prefers hard cases for a few reasons. While the soft cases do help cushion falls, he said they get a lot of people coming back to buy hard because the soft ones stretch out, keep coming off, and they are harder to get in and out of a pocket.

All valid points. So even though I wanted a soft case, I bought a hard case.

Then the guys over at OtterBox send me a sample of their new Commuter™ Series for the iPhone 3G/3GS... and I think the hard case vs. soft case debate can be put to bed.

What they've done is give us a soft, silicone skin that wraps around your iPhone. Then, a one-piece, custom molded polycarbonate shell hugs tightly around the silicone. Giving you the shock absorption of a soft case, combined with the sturdy protection of a hard shell. No stretching out of shape, no getting snagged when pulling it out of your pocket.

As an added feature, and for added protection, there are silicone plugs that still provide access to all ports while keeping out dust and debris when not in use. (And they include a self-adhering clear plastic film to protect your screen as well.)

The Commuter comes in black, and its hard shell provides protection on four sides. The TL series comes in 7 colors and has a textured silicone skin with inner-coring, designed to dissipate shock away from your iPhone. Its slim translucent plastic shell just clips around the spine of the silicone at top and bottom for extra support... you know, for those of you not ready to fully transition away from your soft case.

Commuter TL - $29.95
Commuter - $34.95
www.otterbox.com