If I absolutely HAD to choose, it'd be black even though smudges are more visible on the backing. Why? I find holding a black phone to my ear during calls in public areas a lot less "attention-drawing" compared to a completely glossy white phone. Think in the shoes of snatch thieves and pickpockets, and you'll get my point

However though, me ol' aluminium backing still FTW in terms of its sturdy feel and being less prone to fingerprint smudges and scratches. Sour grapes, perhaps?

It isn't a worldwide issue yet, so I wouldn't jump to conclusions claiming it to be manufacturing defects. Perhaps it is indeed merely user mishandling and abuse, and the user's 'way' of releasing his/her anger and place all the blame on Apple? Of course, Apple products are indeed known to have certain manufacturing issues like the MBP's exploding AC adapters etc, but hey, at least those problems were recognized. So until these cracks are verified as REAL defects, as long s you take good care of your phone, there's no reason for it to get cracks like that.

There are certain companies around the world which would allow you do have your phone painted, you know? And now that it's plastic and no longer brushed aluminium, the costs involved are far lower. It'd be a new hype called "Pimp My iPhone!"

Why'd you still need a Blackberry with the iPhone already? Hehe, the 2.0 improvements in corporate integration must've failed to impress and satisfy your needs... Oh well...