Hands-on review: NuTouch case for iPhone 3G

A long standing issue with hard cases and the iPhone is that in most cases, the big, beautiful screen must go unprotected due to its mutual-capacitance screen (more on that technology here from HowStuffWorks). The new NuTouch Case, available at Fommy.com addresses this issue by using a special polycarbonate material that "can conduct the body's continuous electrical current." This is the first attempt I've seen by a case manufacturer to tackle this problem head on. UPDATE: This isn't the first case to do so (Naked Case is), but it is the first case for the iPhone 3G.

The NuTouch exterior is looks like and feels very durable, like some other cases that are available today, minus the screen portion of course. The front side of the case has a thin, yet sturdy plastic cover that protects the entire front side, except for the earpiece and Home button. The unit also comes shipped with a plastic film protector, to ensure that the case is shiny and new the day you receive it.

Installation was very simple—the unit is only two pieces. Remove the back piece, insert your iPhone, and re-seat the back cover and you're done. 

After using the NuTouch for about a week, I noticed a few problems with the case. First, the iPhone isn't as responsive when going sans case. I found it difficult to use while doing certain tasks, especially texting—it took some getting used to, for sure. At some points I got so frustrated that I wanted to remove the case and use the phone sans case (I tried re-seating the phone several times to no avail). Using the iPhone in the sun also presented a glaring problem that made it frustrating to use. A considerable amount of pocket lint made an appearance as well after about a week's use.

Of course, this $29 case (or one similar to it, if there are any out there) is the only fully hard-protective-case solution for your iPhone, so if protecting your precious goes first and foremost above everything else, this case might be your best bet. Just be prepared to press harder than your used to...

NuTouch Case - Fommy.com

(Thanks to Tomoe Y. for letting me turn her iPhone into a guinea pig for a week.)