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.