Top 20 tough iPhone 4 cases

Updated August 18 with five new cases. I first posted this roundup not long after the iPhone 4 hit stores, but it's now been through a few updates, and with the latest one I've added five new cases, going from 15 picks to 20 (thanks to readers who posted comments, suggesting their favorite cases). Getting tough can also mean bulking up. (Credit: Cygnett) As I've said before, how you choose to protect--or not protect--your iPhone is a matter of personal preference. There's protection from cosmetic damage and then there's protection from real damage. I'm talking drops or someone accidentally sitting on your phone (maybe even you) and cracking the screen. If that's the kind of heavy-duty shielding you're looking for, this is the list for you. Now, I can't guarantee all these cases will protect your iPhone--and particularly its screen--if it gets dropped or a large object falls on it, but at least they give it a better chance of surviving unscathed. While I tried to pick tough, protective cases that look good and don't make your iPhone too bulky, I should point out that a few of the cases have more extreme designs that aren't necessarily intended for everyday use. I should also note that some of the more rugged cases can be a bit of a chore to remove and aren't friendly toward iPod docks. Click on any image to begin slideshow. Note: The top 20 is listed in alphabetical order, not by ranking. If you don't agree with our choices or feel we missed some, please submit a comment, and I'll consider making changes in my next update of the list. Related link