Review: Otter Box Impact Series Case for HTC EVO

If you own a smart device other than Apple's, you will know that it's pretty hard to find accessories for them.  Things get harder to find when it comes to devices that are one off design for selected manufacturers, for instance, all of the HTC phones.  Well, if you happen to own the best HTC Android smartphone today (IMHO), then your HTC EVO 4G is in luck.  OTTER BOX just released it's Impact series case for the EVO and in short, it works and fits very nicely (and I like it!)

Otter Box is famous for it's high quality and durability in cases (see a handful of my reviews on various Apple products here).  That same ruggedness is now available to protect your top dog 4G smartphone. The Impact series case is a one piece silicon sleeve, albeit one thick silicon case offering ample protection.  In Otter Box's own description, it's toughness is rated level 2 out of 4, those looking for ultimate levels of protection should look into their level 4 case, the DEFENDER series (see my reviews).

I was surprised at how much I liked the Impact case for the EVO, it fits the device perfectly, as if the case and EVO have fused together the instant they met.  The cutouts are precise and the texture (especially) on the backside looks amazing, even better than stock. Since the EVO has a smooth/high gloss finish, using the case provides addition grip with it's rubbery finish which also decreased the devices tendency to slide off surfaces on an incline.  The case also offers extra padding around the front of the phone to make sure that gorgeous LCD will not make contact with the flat surface thus avoid unnecessary scratch; this is on top of throwing in a free LCD protector laminate film.

All Otter Box cases tend to add some thickness or heft to the devices but it didn't feel this way with the EVO.  Prior to trying out this Impact Series case (MSRP: $19.99), the EVO was used naked in it's default state, now this EVO will always be rocking inside the Otter Box Impact Series case.

Bottom line: One of the best cases with a good balance of pricing, fit and performance, its a little nugget of protection for your top of line Android device....  If you weren't sure, just go get it, you'll love it!

Review: Otter Box Impact Series case for iPhone 4

Otter Box, manufacturer of tough cases, recently introduced a new series of gadgetry protection called the Impact Series for the iPhone 4.  The Impact Series offers the least amount of protection amongst the Otter Box line but make no mistake, this case is still big on toughness nut light on the cost ($19.99).

Unlike previous cases I have tested, which can be made of two or more pieces, the Impact Series is a single silicon sleeve (plus the usual screen protector). Installation is straight forward and once installed, there is no mistake that you've got an Otter Box on your baby!  For one, this silicon sleeve offers more protection area by covering both the top and bottom portions of the iPhone 4 screen up to the point where the amazing Retina Display LCD begins.  The case also adds some thickness around the frame so that your LCD will not touch the surface when laying down.  You can tell it's an Otter Box by it's extra thickness in material thus offering more protection.  Some folks might find the case a bit thick for the pocket (albeit it's already the smallest and most compact when compared to other Otter Box I've
tested).

If you are looking for a case that can offer legit protection without breaking the bank, the Impact Series case for the iPhone 4 is definitely a good choice if you don't mind the slight thickness.

(Size reference, I put it up against a Griffin Elan Etch case, with the extra bulk, you will get the extra padding and protection)

Review: Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 4 (Hint: Excellent!)

Its been a little more than two months since the iPhone 4 has hit the streets (and along the way created a huge buzz around the whole "antennagate" issue which calls in the importance of needing a case) and case manufacturers have finally kept up with the demand and starting to release various iPhone 4 cases.  As a consumer/reader, you probably have noticed the recent influx of case reviews all over the web and if you are reading this one, you are probably trying to figure the best solution for you.  Well, as a favor to you, I'll go ahead and tell you upfront that this Otterbox Commuter Series case is pretty darn close to perfection.  Put it this way, I'll be running around with this case for my own iPhone 4 for a while.  Lets get right to the details:

Otterbox Commuter Series for iPhone 4 (Just right amount of Toughness!)
The Otterbox name is synonymous for durability.  Every single one of my Otterbox cases (regardless if its iPhones, iPods or iPads) have always been tough cookies.  In a very typical (and solid) design, the Commuter case is made of two components (three if you count the screen protector).  A rubber inner sleeve and a plastic hardshell protection.  The Commuter Series typically falls right in between the protection level amongst the Otterbox product line (Defender Series are extremely tough and Impact are entry level tough). Being in between is why I think the Commuter case for iPhone 4 is such a perfect design.  It offers just the right amount of toughness without sacrificing the compactness. 

With this case on my iPhone, I feel like its rubberize inner layer will help with impact reduction with the outer hardshell layer will provide protection against another hard object.  While the iPhone glass LCD screen is known for its durability, its still nice to see Otterbox provide an extra layer of protection to apply to the LCD screen.  Otterbox Commuter cases always provide the protective cover to all the ports/holes to prevent dusts and other objects from entering.  Officially, the case is not water resistant or shock proofed but at $35 MSRP, I'll say that this case is one of the best for your iPhone 4 in terms of build quality and durability. Go get 'em!

Review: Otterbox Commuter iPad Case

I just received an Otterbox Commuter series case for the iPad, it took me not more than 5 minutes to get this bad boy onto my 32GB iPad, yes, its that easy to apply some of the best protection for your iPad.  If you don't know about Otterbox, take a look at some of my reviews here; these guys mean business, the protection business for gadgets.

The Commuter Series iPad Case, like their iPhone cases, are composed of multiple pieces (3 to be exact).  You have the inner silicon sleeve that is the contact point with your iPad, it gently caress and protects the iPad while the plastic hardshell slaps on the outside like an armor. When both pieces are added, its provides ample protection at the exchange of added weight of course.  The Commuter case also comes with a full screen LCD protector that is very easy to apply.  With two white tabs at each end, its one of the best LCD film protection application I've ever worked with.  I was worried at first that I couldn't get rid of some air bubbles at the edges, but when you have the full case installed, the border where the air bubble shows are completely covered.  All the ports, cut outs and switches are very maneuverable with this case and of course, very precise, they've even included a removable door so you can dock to the Apple OEM charging dock.

The Otterbox Commuter case for iPad is very sturdy and hefty, I feel very good about having it to protect my iPad which I take almost everywhere with.  Normally, I would lean towards a portfolio style iPad case, but if I were to go with a enclosure-styled protection, this Commuter series design is by far the best protection out there.  The Otterbox Commuter Series iPad Case is now available for purchase directly from their website at $65 (free ground shipping).

Those looking for the ultimate protection should check out Otterbox's Defender line, those things are crazy tough, I've had a couple to show for.

Review: Otterbox Defender Case for iPhone 4

If you are looking for the ultimate protection for your iPhone 4, Otterbox Defender case is probably your best bet.  Anyone who's unfamiliar with Otterbox products just needs to know one thing, Otterbox cases are TOUGH!  See some of the previous reviews here and here.

Back to the iPhone 4 Defender case, this $49 proposition from Otterbox will definitely protect your beloved Apple gadgetry.  Inside the box, you'll find 4 pieces of hardware (yes, four!) for protection.  The very inner components are two-piece hard cases with felt lining and LCD screen protection that snuggly holds your iPhone in place.  You'll then top off the hardcase with a rubber casing that holds everything together.  At this point, you pretty much have the actual case/protection ready.  Otterbox tossed in an extra belt clip hardware to allow you to snap (or dock) your iPhone into place.

Suiting up your iPhone 4 into the Defender case will remind you of the movie scene where Robert Downey Jr. suits up into Iron Man Mark-III for the first time. You've got a very precise assembly along with a cool see through window which reveals the Apple Logo.  All the cut outs are precise and there are rubber flaps protect just about every ports there is to the phone.  There will be no doubt in your mind that your iPhone is going to be pretty safe nested inside the Defender.

Otterbox cases are known for its toughness but not for its compact size and this Defender case for iPhone 4 is no different.  Its got heft and some weight to it.  It kinda reminds me of the Panasonic Toughbooks whereby if you see it, you'll respect it for its toughness.  If you are interested in solid protection but wants to keep the bulk to a minimum, Otterbox does carry a couple of their smaller cases such as the Commuter and Impact Series.

Otterbox Defender Case Special Edition via AT&T

Remember that ultra-tough iPhone case I reviewed by Otterbox known as the "Defender"? Will if you've considered it but thought the simple black color is just not enough for your personality, now you can pick up some unique color through an exclusive offering from AT&T for $35!

Review: Otterbox Defender iPod Touch 2G and 3G

Recently, I reviewed Otterbox's popular tough case Defender for my iPhone 3G. I wanted to see if the company's Defender case for an iPod Touch (3rd gen.) is just as tough. In short: Yes! The Defender case for iPod Touch is very similarly designed as the iPhone version. An outer rubber casing which covers up all the ports is holding a 2-pc. inner polycarbonate case together. A built-in screen protector adds more protection. This signature design is what makes the defender so sturdy and somewhat bulky which gives the iPod Touch a physical thickness equivalent to an iPhone in a regular case (see comparison pic.)

Trading off the added thickness is the incredible ruggedness from the Defender. I just haven't seen another case on the market which protects your precious iPod Touch to this degree. While Otterbox says it does not protect against water intrusion, I feel alot more comfortable leaving a beverage nearby then any other case I've owned. Although the case does leave a cutout near the top of the case for the auto-light sensor, Otterbox says auto brightness will not work with the 3rd gen. iPod Touch. The only thing I noticed about this case is the rubber casing feels a little slippery at times; its no deal breaker and the case provides adequate traction in my pockets to stay put. At MSRP of $29.95, the Defender case is probably the toughest protection one can buy for his/her iPod Touch 2G/3G.

Review: Otterbox Defender for iPhone 3G, 3GS

If you are searching for the toughest protection in the world for your precious iPhone 3G or 3GS, look no further than the Otterbox Defender series cases (also available for iPods, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, Samsung phones). This monster of a case is menacing just by looking at it! The case itself w/o the belt clip (included) is almost 1" in thickness (0.8" to be precise). Take a look at the comparison photo I took showcasing its bulk next to the Griffin Outfit case (left) I reviewed yesterday, this thing is not kidding around.

Construction: All that thickness didn't come without a reason; the case comes with in total three components with four pieces of parts. The inner hard-shell case is composed of two halves (front bezel and back casing) which provides a very strong foundation for your iPhone; it even includes a built in LCD protector that doesn't need to be applied separately. The outer rubberized case adds more protection and acts as a reinforcer to hold the inner casing together snugly as well as plug out just about every port on the phone. Finally there is a polycarbonate belt clip which tops the entire package off. The end result is a massive case that is ruggedized for a very active person.

User feedback: With your iPhone 3G or 3GS enclosed in the Otterbox Defender, it looks like it belongs right next to a Panasonic Toughbook riding inside a military spec Humvee. The sheer size of this case is impressive not to mention how solid your iPhone feels in your palm. For some reason, I don't feel like the ladies would be drawn to this case and for that matter, the added thickness may not chime well with urban/artistic types. If you are a hardcore traveler or take your iPhone outdoors in some tough terrains, I can see this case paying dividends.

Conclusion: Overall, the Otterbox Defender case is built with high quality engineering and is probably the toughest protection available to date. At $49 MSRP (Amazon $29), this case is here to serve the needs of people who demand the highest form of protection to their prized iPhone. If you want a solid case without going to this level of committment, checkout Otterbox's new Commuter series (my review here).

Review: Otterbox Commuter Series Cases for iPhone 3G/3GS

Otterbox, the name that is now synonymous with “tough”, “protection” and “defense” just released two more cases for your iPhone 3G or 3G[s]. I first read about Otterbox’s legendary protection when reading an editor over at TUAW describing how he protected is first gen. iPhone with the Defender series case. When I learned about the new Commuter series for the iPhone 3G (3GS), I knew I had to get in a review to find out for myself.

The commuter series cases (Commuter & Commuter TL) offer ample protection as expected; Otterbox uses a unique design where the case is composed of two parts, a soft-silicon inner that is enclosed within a hard case. This is a design approach that I’ve never seen before. The silicon layer offers really good protection for the iPhone from shifting around and making small scratch marks while the outer hard layer can be used to shield against harder impacts. Both cases has covers to protect the power, headphone ports as well as the power and volume switches. While this case does add a bit of thickness to your iPhone, its still within a reasonable thickness to carry in your pocket. Both cases are very similar in design with minor differences that I will get to in the preceding paragraphs by model.

Otterbox Commuter Case (MSRP: $34.95)
Available in an all black finish (a color pack of swappable color plates is soon available), you can tell this case means business. It draws its major difference from the Commuter TL case in that the back side where the Apple Logo is located, it is fully open. Also, the hard protection layer actually wraps around the sides to provide extra rigidity. I’d argue that this case is more structurally sound and will provide extra protection over the TL.






Otterbox Commuter TL Case (MSRP: $29.95)
The Commuter TL case offers seven colors to choose from and differentiates itself by using a frosted colored hard layer that only wraps around from the top to bottom of your iPhone. Because it doesn’t wrap around its sides, I find the extra exposed rubber/silicon layer to be more commuter friendly to which the phone might offer more traction to stay in my side pants pocket while sitting on a plane or train. Before testing, I thought I would prefer the non-TL case better as it would offer stronger protection, but I actually found myself drawn more to liking the Commuter TL case more.






In any case, if you are searching for a sturdy iPhone 3G or 3GS case, Otterbox is definitely a brand that you should consider since you'll feel good knowing that these Commuter series cases will protect your phone under all conditions.