[Touch 3G General] ronp76:
A couple of recommendations - screen protector, silicone case and replacement service

In another part of this Forum, I answered a post about screen protectors that I would like to share with my fellow Jade Clone owners. Someone asked about the need for a screen protector saying he/she thought there was no need for one as he/she takes care with not scratching his screen. The upshot of the thread is almost every user is saying: get a screen protector.

I just looked on eBay and Amazon dot coms. Unfortunately no silicone cases are available like the one I bought several months ago. Our Clone has just about the same dimensions as an iPhone. One generic iPhone silicone case I found at a local vendor fit my Clone almost perfectly. You gotta have an easy slip-on case to protect your device. Drop your Clone on its screen and you will see what I mean.

Additionally, I recommended getting a replacement service like SquareTrade Warranty (http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/). I don't know about you but my Jade Clone cost $185 USD. If it broke tomorrow, I would not want or have the money to replace it right a way. For about ten percent of my purchase price ($15 USD with a promo code), my device is protected for two years from either manufacturer defects or failure to operational problems like a dead screen. I don't know if SquareTrade Warranty works or offers warranties in foreign nations but hopefully there is a dot com equivalent where you get net service.

Basically, you need to protect your device at all costs. A scratched screen, a non-working device (abuse or physical damage caused by the operator is usually not covered) or other common problems will be covered by SquareTrade. You can either have your device fixed locally or send it into them for analysis. If SquareTrade cannot fix your device, they will send a check for your purchase price.

Knowing that my device is fully covered with a replacement service gives me peace of mind!

Here's my original post:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=5133243&postcount=3

Definitely recommended along with silicone case. About 10 years I used to carry my PDA in the same manner as you do - in a pocket. One day while shopping, I reached into my pocket to pull out the PDA. As I brought to eye level, it slipped out of my hand. I managed to block it with my foot but the impact still cracked the crystal.

At the time I had insurance on it through some replacement service and this was covered. I even managed to talk the company into upgrading my memory at the same time for free.

The first time you either scratch your screen or drop it will bring back memories of this thread. In fact, about two months ago I dropped my Jade Clone in the same manner while getting out of my vehicle. Fortunately my silicone case protected it while the screen protector kept it from getting scratched. It landed on the screen side and slid about four inches.

I was sweating bullets that I might have cracked the screen because it landed on that side. Fortunately the silicone case must have taken the majority of the blow.

Silicone cases for a Blackstone are available on both eBay and Amazon for about $6 total. Here's one eBay auction (I am not the Seller but have bought from him):

http://cgi.ebay.com/CRYSTAL-PROTECTIVE-CASE-FOR-HTC-TOUCH-T8282-BLACKSTONE_W0QQitemZ390020773917

Being a Hong Kong shipper takes about 12 to 16 days to the US.

Additionally, I would recommend SquareTrade Warranty (http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/). They insure electronic devices. Generally you have 30 days to register or buy a warranty with them but they will do 90 days on some items. And, sometimes you can even sweet talk them to get a warranty 30 to 90 days from the date of purchase if you call them via phone. They will pay for repairs up to the purchase price.

Then too they seem to have lots of promo codes that can be googled because they seem to offer discounts up to 50 percent off for the first year of coverage. Generally your initial year coverage is about 10 percent of the purchase price not including shipping. If you buy on eBay, look for an item that has shipping included or is free. That way you might an extra $30 to $50 USD worth of coverage.

Sorry to be long-winded but next week I will put SquareTrade (ST) to the test. I have heard all good about them. I bought a refurbished HDTV and it went out in the first year of coverage. ST gives you the option of having it repaired locally or they will send out a prepaid shipping carton.

Well, when I called several local repair shops, the estimated repair exceeded my purchase price. If I had gone this route, I would have had to pay for the actual in-shop estimate (about $60 USD). Upon receiving the written estimate, ST would have paid out out my purchase price and I would have been out the cost of estimate.

But, I called back ST the same day and asked if I could get a carton shipped out. They said no problem and it is due Monday. The HDTV will go to one of their authorized repair centers where I expect it not to be deemed cost worthy of repair as per the phone estimates. In this case, I get my full purchase price back.

The nice thing is that with a promo code I paid only 10 percent of purchase price for two years worth of service protection. I will be extremely happy to be out only $50 USD instead of $532. The refurbished HDTV came with a two month warranty which passed eight months ago.

Bottom line? Get protection!