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)