Joe,
My new iPhone arrived and I'm now up & running, though there remains much to learn. But as you said (sorta), once you've learned the protocols, the execution is fairly straightforward.
My search for a case is now between the LifeProof and the OtterBox Defender. Both have a belt clip accessory and that is quite important to me. Alas, my email to LifeProof re their prices remains unanswered.
Just curious…Can I download iPhone apps to my iMac and then install them from there? If so, any tips in that regard?