1. A mobile device, comprising: a mobile device housing having a top surface; a touch screen for displaying information to the user of the mobile device and for receiving input commands from the user, wherein the touch screen is mounted in the top surface of the housing; and a protective cover comprising a protective surface and a positioning mechanism, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the mobile device housing such that the positioning mechanism positions the protective surface between a first position in which the protective surface covers the touch screen in the top surface and a second position in which the protective surface does not cover the touch screen in the top surface; wherein at least a portion of the protective surface is transparent.