you can use it and baby it at the same time... which is what i do, not a scratch on it --still have to put on the ZAGG INVISIBLEshield, just on the back since i never lay it down on the front. from time to time (mainly @ work) i use a Incipio case i got for free from RadioShack when i got the iP4, i also got the free Apple bumper, but as previously mentioned by somebody i'm nervous it will damage the stainless band....