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September 29, 2008
OtterBox Defender - A Rugged Case for iPhones
A couple of months ago I bought an iPhone 3G. While not perfect, I really like it, it has exceeded my expectations. But it is expensive and I am concerned about damaging it.
Otterbox introduced a case to protect the iPhone 3G - the Defender. It has:
- a hard plastic case
- the plastic case has a transparent - non glare - membrane to protect the iPhone's screen,
- a silicone skin that covers the plastic case,
- and a holster with a belt clip.
Comments
- It does add quite a bit of bulk to the phone, but how could it really protect the phone without adding bulk?
- it is very well made,
- the buttons on the iPhone are a bit more difficult to use than without the case, but not a big deal. I got used to it in minutes.
- while typing on the virtual keyboard, I made a few mistakes when the letter or numbers was close to the edge. The raised edge of the case around the screen was the cause. Once again, after a few minutes - no problem. And the membrane hardly reduces the sensitivity of the touchscreen, but it does make it a little more difficult to see the screen in bright sunshine.
- The belt clip - very difficult to get the phone out of the clip. When I first got the Defender I had to release the clip from my belt and pry the phone from the case. I contacted Otterbox and they suggested:
- when the holster is on your belt, place your thumb on the back part of the holster,
- with your other fingers on the back part of the phone case, pull the phone up with your fingers.
This works very well. What I first thought was a problem with the product turns out to be very clever engineering - the phone is safe and secure - very secure - in the holster, yet it is easy to get your phone out of the holster when you need it. And for added protection the screen faces in when the phone is in the holster.
- there is a membrane between the speaker on the phone and your ear. I had to increase the volume to compensate for this. Not a problem for me, but it might be an issue if your volume setting is already set at maximum or close to maximum.
- This is not Otterbox's problem but I cannot use Monster Cables iCarPlay 250 with the case on the phone.
The plug that goes into the iPhone is too wide on the right side to use with the Defender case.
- the silicone skin has flaps that cover the headphone jack and the multi-pin dock connector. This is a very nice feature, I have been concerned about dust getting inside the phone via these ports when I am at job sites.
Please note that Otterbox does not claim to that this case is waterproof.
This case is not for everybody, it adds bulk to the phone, the case reduces the volume, and the screen is a little harder to read in bright environments. But if you are often in environments where you phone could be damaged, this could be the answer. It sell for $49.95, for more information go to Otterbox.
Do you have a case for your cell phone?
October 13, 2008
Yesterday I, by accident, dropped my iPhone from about four feet onto concrete. It landed on the side edge of the case. The phone still works perfectly, the OtterBox case did its job.
Posted by Bob Gatton at September 29, 2008 5:45 AM
Comments
Otterbox makes the best cases in the World. I have been using them for years. This particular case literally saved my arse last week when I CRASHED MY MOTORCYCLE. I slid on the case for about 100 feet. There is not a single scratch on my iPhone. Not one!
I work as a carpenter and generally keep the phone in my tool belt where it is abused by many large, metal objects on a daily basis. In the month I have had the case no dust has gotten in. I even opened it after a couple weeks thinking I would have to clean it, but, no, the iPhone was spotless.
My friend, a fellow carpenter, has mentioned his headphone jack also does not fit the Otterbox opening.
BTW. Even though this case is not rated as water proof, it has passed the spilled beer and wine tests. Amazing!
I do believe they are working on a waterproof version of the case (their Armor series)...
Posted by: Sean Berry at October 7, 2008 10:13 PM
Hello There - I think the Speck Toughskin for the 3G is a better case with a more unique patterend rubberized design. It also features an easy to remove belt-clip that swivels. I LOVE IT!
Posted by: Deren Leeson at October 8, 2008 8:10 AM
The Speck Toughskin
http://www.speckproducts.com/products/toughskin/iphone/93
Posted by: Bob Gatton at October 8, 2008 8:18 AM
I'm looking forward to Golden Shellback to protect my phone from water damage.
Posted by: Stace at October 8, 2008 11:44 AM
I've been using the Otterbox for a couple of weeks now and really feel like it is adding much needed protection. I would agree with Bob's observation and add a couple of suggestions. The raised protective ridges around the buttons on the hardshell case need to be further apart. In addition to making some accesories non functional it is impossible to turn the ringer back on without a paperclip. The belt clip will also function as a desktop stand but they need to add rubber bumpers to keep the iPhone from sliding around the desk.
Posted by: John M at October 9, 2008 12:19 PM
I have a 3G and Case-Mate makes the best "non-bulk" cases I have ever found. Their latest version is called "Vroom" and it protects as well as being good looking. Tough and practical!
Go to www.Case-Mate.com to view iPhone 3G and 1st generation.
Posted by: Fran Grasse at October 11, 2008 9:10 AM
I owned this case for 2 months before I ebay'ed it.
Don't get me wrong its an awesome case. Designed very well. A tank. The ultimate in protection from scratches, dust, falls, light moisture, you name it. Its a valut for your iPhone 3G.
HOWEVER it is not for everyone. For the average "iMan" this is overkill and too bulky. Here is what I found:
Case is very bulky and takes time to get use to.
Holster is top notch but unholstering your iPhone is tough. You need a certain procedure to unholster. I can't tell you how many times I've looked like a fool trying to get my iPhone unholstered. Using two handed juggling to gripping it hard and pulling my pants up. At times I've just taken the entire holster OFF my belt to get my iPhone out! So... I never mastered unholstering on a quick draw.
The rubber outter case kinda lost its shape. Meaning it kept getting caught on the holster. Like it would jut out and get caught. So when I unholster the thing I kinda put stress on it thus stretching it.
Screen protector gave me big time oil slick. There are tricks to get rid of it but just a warning yours might have the oil slick effect.
The rubber part that goes into the earphone jack never stayed put. it was always out. when i'd press it back in a few mins later it was out again. it never stayed in.
on your belt vertical style can be at times uncomfortable (especially driving) or in the way of your pocket. So you have to put it at 4:00 on your waist and again this position is sorta tough to unholster. Horizontal carry was not my thing but if you do carry it like this it can get in the way of your pocket.
I say if you work in an enviornment that is dusty or of high risk of damage to your iPhone then yes you have to get this. The average person doesn't need this but if you want one get it, its top notch minus a few things.
Posted by: iMan at October 22, 2008 4:40 PM
