There’s a lot of grumbling out there about the Apple 3G iPhone that came out in July. It seems that calls are dropping, like rocks. They’re blaming it on a German-made chip in the phone, and Apple is promising a software fix will be on iTunes soon.

On top of the irritation at lost connectivity, Apple has sold so many of them, they’re not so special any more. Everybody seems to have one.

So now how do you elevate yourself above the masses? Pop a fascinating case or cover over it, of course.

You can go the basic route with leather or silicone skins,  or get one in a snazzy color for $25 (above left). Since you were aiming for a high tech look, the Invisible Shield by Zagg ($25) is made of a thin polyurethane film created by the military for helicopter blades.

Cases.com has lots to choose from, including a snappy red leather crocodile cover for $127 (above right).

Not content to wear your iPod on your arm, now you can slap your iPhone on as well, with a $30 sport armband from Belkin (or their Spiderman-ish micro-grip, above).

A Web site called iPhone3Gcases.net certainly has to have a lot to pick from, such as the colorful Golla Calla fabric cover for $20 (above left).

Get snazzier with the iWood by Miniot, carved from a single piece of wood and monogrammed with your logo or a personal message, for about $125.

And if you really want to flaunt your phone, get the monogrammed Louis Vuitton leather holder for a couple of hundred bucks (above right).