and protected the screen?

I'd like to protect the screen. I'm guessing the phone would last longer, I could treat it harder, and it might work out cheaper on a price plan due to less being returned for breaking down.

There's a touch panel on the back of the screen for navigating, scrolling, etc. Kinda makes sense, you can make use of your index/middle finger for more than just holding the thing. It would play the same role as the trackball found on HTC devices.