Otterbox Defender for the iPhone

Started by duccarlos, June 07, 2010, 09:30:18 AM

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duccarlos

After I destroyed my wife's iPhone and had to swing by the Apple store to get it replaced, I decided to get us both a new case. I asked at the store and the guy told me that even though they don't carry them, that the Otterbox was the best case to protect it. I got online, look through reviews and bought it. Just got them today and damn! I would need to freaking hit it with a hammer to even attempt to make a dent. A guy told me that he used it while boating and I now understand why. It probably won't protect it if you dump it in the toilet for more than a few seconds, but I'm sure that if someone spilled a glass over it, that it will do pretty well. My only issue is that now it's bulky, so I'm probably not going to carry it in my pocket, but the case did come with a clip, which actually was the worst part in all the reviews, supposedly it doesn't hold the phone very well. I'm not sure if they changed the clips since the reviews, but it holds my phone pretty well. Hopefully I'll be able to test how water "proof" it really is when I take it out riding and I run into a freak south Florida rain storm.
Quote from: polivo on November 16, 2011, 12:18:55 PM
my keyboard just served me with paternity suit.

hankthe8th

I had an OtterBox Commuter for my Moto Droid. The thing was a beast when it came to protection. But I ended up getting rid of it due to the added bulk. The Droid is big enough already, and the OtterBox turned the thing into a brick. That Defender looks even thicker than the Commuter I had. Ended up with a Seidio Innocase in the end. Won't be able to toss it around like I could with the OtterBox though.

Stella

Ten days ago I sat on a plane leaving Denver and a woman next to me said she noticed I had an iPhone and handed me a brand new case. 

She said she works for Otterbox in Ft. Collins and just randomly hands them out.   [thumbsup]

"To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites." ~ Robert Heinlein

duccarlos

Quote from: polivo on November 16, 2011, 12:18:55 PM
my keyboard just served me with paternity suit.

triangleforge

Quote from: Stella on June 07, 2010, 09:45:31 AM
Ten days ago I sat on a plane leaving Denver and a woman next to me said she noticed I had an iPhone and handed me a brand new case. 

She said she works for Otterbox in Ft. Collins and just randomly hands them out.   [thumbsup]

Excellent! Even better as most surprises in air travel aren't pleasant ones. A friend who spends a lot of time in wet, rough, dusty environments (he's the field projects manager for the local watershed non-profit) swears by the Otterbox for his iPhone.

I'm more tempted by the day by the iPhone, Droid & the like, but have gotten very used to the convenience of not having to think about my waterproof/shockproof/ruggedized dumb phone (a Casio Boulder) when canoeing, kayaking, climbing or riding during monsoon season. That, and it's fun to drop it in a glass of beer at parties and watch people's faces.

I still don't quite get why smart phone makers don't get that there's a big market out there for rugged electronics -- if anything, it'd be easier to waterproof (though maybe not shock proof) a touch screen appliance than one with a whole bunch of ports and buttons like mine.  Good luck with the Otterbox(es) and be sure to check back in with a longer-term report!
By hammer and hand all arts do stand.
2000 Cagiva Gran Canyon

duccarlos

There's more money to be had replacing the more fragile toys than to make them tougher
Quote from: polivo on November 16, 2011, 12:18:55 PM
my keyboard just served me with paternity suit.

slowpoke13

I've got the defender for my iphone and the armor for my ipod touch.

The itouch one is waterproof down to about 10 feet. I use it when swimming laps with a set of waterproof headphones. Never had a problem. Also works well for the bike rides in the rain and elements. It's what I put it in when I go to the beach or travel as it's pretty damn good. Only fault (and this is a must) is I have to remove it from the case to charge/sync it. No biggie as I do it when I get home. And, them putting another hinge or something on it doesn't appeal to me. It's a beast size wise as it adds about an inch and a half to the top/bottom, and a 1/2 inch to the sides. Also has a nice clip on the back that can interchange from belt to armband, to even suction cup mount.

The iphone case does very well and is used daily in the desert and rough environment here in Africa. I've dropped it from 15 feet and it worked fine. it's sat in a pocket and been bumped against sharp objects. I've taking it on boat trips and it's been sprayed with salt water. About once a month, I take the case off and wipe down all the parts and put some rubber treatment on the exterior. Don't know if it's necessary. But, it's a habit I'm ok with.

I wish they made a case for my macbook. They're doing one for the ipad.
slowpokesan

redxblack

I might have to pick up one of the waterproof ipod cases. It would be great to be able to swim with music again. I used to have a sony sports walkman and miss it.

slowpoke13

Quote from: redxblack on June 08, 2010, 06:36:01 AM
I might have to pick up one of the waterproof ipod cases. It would be great to be able to swim with music again. I used to have a sony sports walkman and miss it.

I don't see it on the otterbox site any more. Prolly find it on amazon or ebay.
slowpokesan

Speedbag

I've got an Otterbox Defender for my CrackBerry 8530. Can't beat it for protection.  [thumbsup]
I tend to regard most of humanity as little more than walking talking dilated sphincters. - Rat