OtterBox Defender Case for the BlackBerry Storm Review
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
Posted by Thomas on January 15th, 2009
Posted by Thomas on January 15th, 2009
Okay finally, our first official CES 2009 product post! I’m sure you guys have all been sitting at home waiting for us to get to this stuff, well so have we! What we have for you today is OtterBox. OtterBox had their new BlackBerry Storm defender case at CES! This case is still in the development process, but is coming soon, so if you are worried that you are going to drop your Storm and NEED ample protection, it will be here soon. *A side note with the images is that the case I used was a prototype so the outer skin that covers the plastic part of the case is not a perfect fitment, however I was assured that this will be fixed when the design is finished and ready for manufacturing.
So, I got to mess around with this case on a Storm for a while to get a feel for it and I was quite impressed. I personally do not use OtterBox cases, because I am careful with my babies, but if they ever do something waterproof for BlackBerry, I am all about it! Anyway let’s start with the case size.
As with all OtterBox Defender cases, it is pretty large. The immediate difference I noticed with the large size of this case with the storm is that in your hand it feels very good, very natural. Something I didn’t like with the Storm when I had it is that since it is kind of heavy, when you have it sideways in landscape ratio, you must position your fingers so that while you are typing you have to have it secured all around. With this case, it makes it significantly thicker so that it fits very nicely into the palms of both your hands. Now the only issue with this is that no it will not fit in your pocket, but OtterBox cases come with a belt clip and they are pretty necessary to carry your device.
Now let’s move on a bit to the screen area. I was worried about a few things when I thought of an OtterBox Storm case because it was a touch screen so if it was designed wrong, typing and screen use could suffer. I was relieved when I began using it and this was not the case. If you notice on the image, the border of the screen has a moderately sloped surface so that your fingers to not get obstructed by a high wall of plastic protection.
Another issue I was curious about was screen protection itself. If you have ever used an OtterBox Defender, you know that the case is a 360 degree protection case and has a clear shield that protects your keyboard, screen, and camera. Well the design has not changed for this model. The Storm has a protective clear coat over the whole opening of the case, which includes the call and menu buttons at the bottom below the screen. This is all well and good but, what about the touch recognition? Well I can honestly say that it is perfect! When I first got my Storm, I left the stock plastic screen protector on it for a day and it really affected the screen. The touch worked the same but it would be slow at recognizing I was touching the screen. With this cover, it is not the case. I don’t know how they did it, but it works as if there is nothing on the screen at all. This is probably the most important feature that OtterBox had to get right, in my opinion.
Now let’s do a round robin on the rest of the phone. The back of the case has the finger grooves so that when you are typing, you get a better grip on the back of the phone. The camera opening is not like the front of the case, so it does not have a plastic coating to protect the face. This however is not necessary because the Storm camera and flash is housed behind glass for its own protection. There is also a small hole cut out towards the bottom for the speaker. I did not get a chance to use the speaker, but I’m sure it muffles sound a little bit.
The sides, top and bottom have the typical rubberized button covers that let you still use your volume, and convenience buttons. Like any thicker rubberized case, the button covers do hinder use a bit, but they are necessary and they do still work, you just have to push in a little more. Just like the other Defender cases, there are attached rubber removable covers for the headphone jack and the charging port. These are a bit ugly, but they are on all the cases.
Overview
Overall, besides the prototype rubber skin fitment (which is temporary), I am very satisfied with this case. I was worried that the Defender case for the Storm would be too much like the Impact series which has little protection on the screens or keyboards. I was pleased that they came up with a solution that could offer full protection for the Storm. I am most impressed with the touch screen protection and how it works flawlessly with the touch recognition, great work OtterBox! This case will be around $50 like all the other Defender cases for BlackBerry, so if you need awesome protection for your devices, go OtterBox.
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OtterBox Defender Case for BlackBerry Bold Review
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
If your a BlackBerry Bold user, I’m sure you want to best protection for your baby. Our friends at OtterBox
have released the OtterBox Defender case for the BlackBerry Bold. The case is made up of three layers of solid protection. The first layer is a thin thermal-formed plastic wrap which protects your screen and keyboard from dust, dirt and mist. The second layer is a Polycarbonate shell which gives the case its durable body to protect against drops and bumps. The last layer is a Silicone skin which will cover the OtterBox case to provide a stylish silk design.
The overall construction of the Defender case is amazing. Its very well built and includes a durable plastic holster, which reminds me of the old school BlackBerry 7200/8700 series. Anyone who is upgrading from one of those older models will surely appreciate it. The Defender case itself can take a great amount of bumps and drops. Previously I took my BlackBerry Pearl in one of the OtterBox Defender cases and threw it against my concrete deck without any issues my phone still works and looks perfect. All OtterBox cases come with a life time warranty so if for some reason something breaks on the case they simply replace it for you.
Here is a bit more in detail of the Defender case layers:
Layer 1: Thermal formed protective clear membrane to safeguard screen and keyboard against scratching as well as dust and dirt* (layer optional depending on the level of ruggedization desired).
Layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell.
Layer 3: Silicone skin absorbs bump and shock (silicone includes innovative retaining features to hold it in place).
Recently OtterBox also introduced their new Impact Case for the BlackBerry Bold. These cases are similar to the RIM rubber skins, however just a little more protective. Those cases are available to order from OtterBox.com for only $19.95 USD.
Overall I’m usually pretty impressed with OtterBox’s products. They never seem to fail for those who are looking for maximum protection. The Bold Defender series case is a great fit and keeps the phone well protected. I recommend picking one up if your looking for that something extra. Although the price tag is a little higher than most cases the life time warranty and great quality more than make up for it.
This OtterBox Defender case is available in all black or yellow and black combination. You can pick up one of these bad boys up at The BlackBerry Sync Store for $49.95 USD and get $5.95 shipping to anywhere in the USA!
If your a BlackBerry Bold user, I’m sure you want to best protection for your baby. Our friends at OtterBox
have released the OtterBox Defender case for the BlackBerry Bold. The case is made up of three layers of solid protection. The first layer is a thin thermal-formed plastic wrap which protects your screen and keyboard from dust, dirt and mist. The second layer is a Polycarbonate shell which gives the case its durable body to protect against drops and bumps. The last layer is a Silicone skin which will cover the OtterBox case to provide a stylish silk design.The overall construction of the Defender case is amazing. Its very well built and includes a durable plastic holster, which reminds me of the old school BlackBerry 7200/8700 series. Anyone who is upgrading from one of those older models will surely appreciate it. The Defender case itself can take a great amount of bumps and drops. Previously I took my BlackBerry Pearl in one of the OtterBox
Defender cases and threw it against my concrete deck without any issues my phone still works and looks perfect. All OtterBox cases come with a life time warranty so if for some reason something breaks on the case they simply replace it for you.Here is a bit more in detail of the Defender case layers:
Layer 1: Thermal formed protective clear membrane to safeguard screen and keyboard against scratching as well as dust and dirt* (layer optional depending on the level of ruggedization desired).
Layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell.
Layer 3: Silicone skin absorbs bump and shock (silicone includes innovative retaining features to hold it in place).
Recently OtterBox
also introduced their new Impact Case for the BlackBerry Bold. These cases are similar to the RIM rubber skins, however just a little more protective. Those cases are available to order from OtterBox.com for only $19.95 USD.Overall I’m usually pretty impressed with OtterBox
’s products. They never seem to fail for those who are looking for maximum protection. The Bold Defender series case is a great fit and keeps the phone well protected. I recommend picking one up if your looking for that something extra. Although the price tag is a little higher than most cases the life time warranty and great quality more than make up for it.This OtterBox
Defender case is available in all black or yellow and black combination. You can pick up one of these bad boys up at The BlackBerry Sync Store for $49.95 USD and get $5.95 shipping to anywhere in the USA!Rating: 
From BlackBerrySync.com
OtterBox iPod nano 4th Gen (4G) Impact Case Review
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
Our lives are filled with many gadgets, phone, mp3 players and laptops are common items you’ll see many people carrying around these days. One thing you’ll notice is that the majority of people opt for a way to protect them be it a bag, a case, a sleeve or whatever. The reason for this of course is to not only protect their investment, but to keep their items looking good. We all like things that look nice, who doesn’t really, no one wants to use a beat up, scratched up product, we like things to stay looking new as long as possible. As many people know though not all products are created equal, especially when it comes to protection type ones like cases etc. It seems most of us are willing to pay a bit more for a quality product that will protect our device and give us a bit of peace of mind. Cost though is not always the best judge of a product’s effectiveness in how well it will protect something, name brand and product reputation are two of the factors that I use when deciding on most things, but not always. Otterbox is a company with an excellent reputation when it comes to protecting our electronic devices, they’re well know for top quality products that will protect our devices from most anything.
Up on the review block today I’ve got the first of three reviews of Otterbox cases for the iPod nano 4th Generation, it’s the Impact Case. I’m starting with the least expensive case in this series and working my way up to full protection for your iPod. The Impact Case is the familiar silicone skin style case, but it’s designed with shock protection in mind with reinforced corners designed to dissipate shock away from your device should you happen to accidentally drop your iPod nano. It’s a nice inexpensive, basic case that offers quite a bit more protection than other silicone cases on the market today.
The Otterbox Impact Case comes in the familiar plastic clamshell style package, but this on is the easy open style, it’s not sealed so no tools are needed to get at the product.
The Impact is available in black or white color, and as you can see I got the black color for review. Once you open the package the only thing you find is the case itself, nothing else included.
The case is fairly thick and will add a little bulk to your iPod, but without that bulk it wouldn’t offer much protection would it? So it’s a trade off really. The Impact case has a little hole in the back of it that allows the Apple logo to show through, personally I don’t care about this little ‘feature’ but those of you that are materialistic might. There is a nice texture on the outside of most of the case, this allows for a non-slip grip on your iPod. On the back of the case is the Otterbox logo as well.
Specifications:
iPod Nano 4th Gen Impact Case
Introducing: The OtterBox for iPod nano 4th generation Impact Series! This thin, skin-like design offers your 4th generation iPod nano protection against bump and shock. Your Click Wheel and all buttons are accessible through the case, and the inner corners are designed to dissipate impact AWAY from your device. Also, the OtterBox for iPod nano 4th generation Impact Series case has an ergonomic design that your hands will love to be wrapped around!
Compatibility/Features: Fits the iPod Nano 4th Generation only (both 8GB and 16GB). * Provides open access to headphone jack, sync/charge port and Click Wheel * Provides added protection against bump and shock * Inner corners designed to dissipate impact away from your device
Dimensions (case only): 3.77" x 1.72" x .43" Weight (case only): .03 lbs. Color: White or Black
Price: $19.95
Installation is very easy, you just slide your iPod in and it’s done, takes maybe a minute to complete.
The Otterbox Impact Case allows for easy access to the lock button on top and the bottom is open for full access there.
The Impact Case offers good shock protection for your iPod, but does not offer any protection for the screen or click wheel. This isn’t a big deal though as the screen is scratch resistant, and I’ve never really heard of people damaging the click wheel. Personally though I prefer a screen protector though, and use one for most any device I have that has a screen. It’s a personal preference thing.
Coming in at $19.95 I think the Otterbox Impact Case offers a nice level of basic protection for a relatively low price.
Conclusion: The Otterbox Impact Case for iPod nano 4th Gen is a nice, inexpensive way to protect your player from shocks and bumps.
It’s a basic case that offers much better protection that other silicone style cases out there today.
by: Kristofer Brozio Published 20/04 - 2009
Pros: Well made Textured for non-slip grip Good protection Inexpensive
Cons: Silicone attracts dust and lint No screen protection
Up on the review block today I’ve got the first of three reviews of Otterbox cases for the iPod nano 4th Generation, it’s the Impact Case. I’m starting with the least expensive case in this series and working my way up to full protection for your iPod. The Impact Case is the familiar silicone skin style case, but it’s designed with shock protection in mind with reinforced corners designed to dissipate shock away from your device should you happen to accidentally drop your iPod nano. It’s a nice inexpensive, basic case that offers quite a bit more protection than other silicone cases on the market today.
The Otterbox Impact Case comes in the familiar plastic clamshell style package, but this on is the easy open style, it’s not sealed so no tools are needed to get at the product.
The Impact is available in black or white color, and as you can see I got the black color for review. Once you open the package the only thing you find is the case itself, nothing else included.
The case is fairly thick and will add a little bulk to your iPod, but without that bulk it wouldn’t offer much protection would it? So it’s a trade off really. The Impact case has a little hole in the back of it that allows the Apple logo to show through, personally I don’t care about this little ‘feature’ but those of you that are materialistic might. There is a nice texture on the outside of most of the case, this allows for a non-slip grip on your iPod. On the back of the case is the Otterbox logo as well.
Specifications:
iPod Nano 4th Gen Impact Case
Introducing: The OtterBox for iPod nano 4th generation Impact Series! This thin, skin-like design offers your 4th generation iPod nano protection against bump and shock. Your Click Wheel and all buttons are accessible through the case, and the inner corners are designed to dissipate impact AWAY from your device. Also, the OtterBox for iPod nano 4th generation Impact Series case has an ergonomic design that your hands will love to be wrapped around!
Compatibility/Features: Fits the iPod Nano 4th Generation only (both 8GB and 16GB). * Provides open access to headphone jack, sync/charge port and Click Wheel * Provides added protection against bump and shock * Inner corners designed to dissipate impact away from your device
Dimensions (case only): 3.77" x 1.72" x .43" Weight (case only): .03 lbs. Color: White or Black
Price: $19.95
Installation is very easy, you just slide your iPod in and it’s done, takes maybe a minute to complete.
The Otterbox Impact Case allows for easy access to the lock button on top and the bottom is open for full access there.
The Impact Case offers good shock protection for your iPod, but does not offer any protection for the screen or click wheel. This isn’t a big deal though as the screen is scratch resistant, and I’ve never really heard of people damaging the click wheel. Personally though I prefer a screen protector though, and use one for most any device I have that has a screen. It’s a personal preference thing.
Coming in at $19.95 I think the Otterbox Impact Case offers a nice level of basic protection for a relatively low price.
Conclusion: The Otterbox Impact Case for iPod nano 4th Gen is a nice, inexpensive way to protect your player from shocks and bumps.
It’s a basic case that offers much better protection that other silicone style cases out there today.
by: Kristofer Brozio Published 20/04 - 2009
Pros: Well made Textured for non-slip grip Good protection Inexpensive
Cons: Silicone attracts dust and lint No screen protection
| Grades: | |
| Overall |
| Design |
| Performance |
OtterBox iPod nano 4th Gen (4G) Defender Case
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
A few days ago I took a look at the Otterbox Impact case for iPod nano 4th, today I’ve got the next in the series of cases from Otterbox, the Defender. The Otterbox Defender is an iPod case like no other really, it feature three levels of protection for you iPod. The first layer is the silicone covering over top of the second layer which is a plastic housing, in the housing you’ll find the third layer of protection, a clear membrane over the screen and click wheel. The Defender offers excellent protection for your iPod nano 4th Gen, and easy access to the ports and controls.
Like the Impact I looked at a few days ago, the Defender comes in the same type of packaging, a plastic clamshell, that’s easy to open. The cardboard insert is also the instructions for using the Defender.
The only things inside the box is the case itself, nothing else. The case is black in color and it’s rather bulky really, but there’s a reason for that which you’ll soon see.
On the back of the case is a small tab that pulls out, this can be used has a stand to make the iPod sit up so you can watch movies on it, or just see the screen sideways.
Specifications: iPod nano 4th Gen OtterBox Defender Case
The OtterBox for iPod nano 4th Generation Defender Series has a slim-fit, 3-layer design that provides unmatched protection against bump, shock, drop and scratch. The PATENTED thin membrane covers your screen and Click Wheel, while still allowing for full usability. This design allows you to sync and charge your device right through the case via convenient silicone plugs. Also, as an added bonus, this case has a built-in STAND so you can watch movies and videos while on a plane, train, or just about anywhere. Please note: This case ONLY works with the 4th Generation iPod nano.
Compatibility/Features: Fits the iPod Nano 4th Generation only (both 8GB and 16GB).
* THREE layers of protection! * Layer 1: a clear, thin membrane to protect your screen and Click Wheel * Layer 2: a hi-impact Polycarbonate skeleton * Layer 3: a Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock * Access to Sync/Charge, hold button, and headphone jack accessible via silicone plug * Full use of Click Wheel through case * Built in "kickstand" for movie viewing
Dimensions (case only): 4.05" x 1.83" x .55" Weight (case only): 1.18 oz.
Getting your iPod in the Defender is a little bit of work, first you’ll need to remove the silicon cover:
Then you’ll need to pop the plastic housing apart, when it’s separated you can get a better look at the clear membrane inside the case that protects the screen and click wheel.
Then you can set your iPod inside the case, and snap it back together.
To finish it off you’ll need to put the silicone cover back on, this can get tricky, as you’ve got to work it over the bumps and humps of the case. There is a hole is the back of the case that allows the Apple logo to show through so everyone knows you’ve got an Apple product!
The silicone part of the case features two tabs on the top and bottom that can be flipped away to reveal the lock on top and the connections on the bottom.
Here’s a couple pictures of the stand in action… I guess you would call it action.
In all it does seem like it takes a lot of work to get your iPod in the Defender, but not really, it took about 5 minutes total, and I think it’s well worth it.
Overall the case is very nice, it’s well made, and it offers a great amount of protection for your iPod nano.
The membrane is clear and offer an unobscured view of the screen, and click wheel. One small problem I ran across is that the membrane made the click wheel less sensitive, but all you have to do is add a little pressure and it works fine again.
Conclusion: The Otterbox Defender for iPod nano 4th offers probably the best protection for your iPod from dust, dirt, shocks and drops and of course it protects the screen and click wheel as well. The Defender is my choice for a case for my iPod, I like it quite a bit, it offers the protection I need for my iPod.
Yes it isn’t waterproof, but I don’t foresee dropping my iPod in a lake anytime soon, or any other body of water, so to me that’s not a problem, but if you’re looking for a waterproof case, stay tuned for the next Otterbox review coming soon.
by: Kristofer Brozio Published 25/04 - 2009
Pros: Well Made Great protection for iPod Protects screen and click wheel
Cons: Makes click wheel less sensitive
A few days ago I took a look at the Otterbox Impact case for iPod nano 4th, today I’ve got the next in the series of cases from Otterbox, the Defender. The Otterbox Defender is an iPod case like no other really, it feature three levels of protection for you iPod. The first layer is the silicone covering over top of the second layer which is a plastic housing, in the housing you’ll find the third layer of protection, a clear membrane over the screen and click wheel. The Defender offers excellent protection for your iPod nano 4th Gen, and easy access to the ports and controls.
Like the Impact I looked at a few days ago, the Defender comes in the same type of packaging, a plastic clamshell, that’s easy to open. The cardboard insert is also the instructions for using the Defender.
The only things inside the box is the case itself, nothing else. The case is black in color and it’s rather bulky really, but there’s a reason for that which you’ll soon see.
On the back of the case is a small tab that pulls out, this can be used has a stand to make the iPod sit up so you can watch movies on it, or just see the screen sideways.
Specifications: iPod nano 4th Gen OtterBox Defender Case
The OtterBox for iPod nano 4th Generation Defender Series has a slim-fit, 3-layer design that provides unmatched protection against bump, shock, drop and scratch. The PATENTED thin membrane covers your screen and Click Wheel, while still allowing for full usability. This design allows you to sync and charge your device right through the case via convenient silicone plugs. Also, as an added bonus, this case has a built-in STAND so you can watch movies and videos while on a plane, train, or just about anywhere. Please note: This case ONLY works with the 4th Generation iPod nano.
Compatibility/Features: Fits the iPod Nano 4th Generation only (both 8GB and 16GB).
* THREE layers of protection! * Layer 1: a clear, thin membrane to protect your screen and Click Wheel * Layer 2: a hi-impact Polycarbonate skeleton * Layer 3: a Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock * Access to Sync/Charge, hold button, and headphone jack accessible via silicone plug * Full use of Click Wheel through case * Built in "kickstand" for movie viewing
Dimensions (case only): 4.05" x 1.83" x .55" Weight (case only): 1.18 oz.
Getting your iPod in the Defender is a little bit of work, first you’ll need to remove the silicon cover:
Then you’ll need to pop the plastic housing apart, when it’s separated you can get a better look at the clear membrane inside the case that protects the screen and click wheel.
Then you can set your iPod inside the case, and snap it back together.
To finish it off you’ll need to put the silicone cover back on, this can get tricky, as you’ve got to work it over the bumps and humps of the case. There is a hole is the back of the case that allows the Apple logo to show through so everyone knows you’ve got an Apple product!
The silicone part of the case features two tabs on the top and bottom that can be flipped away to reveal the lock on top and the connections on the bottom.
Here’s a couple pictures of the stand in action… I guess you would call it action.
In all it does seem like it takes a lot of work to get your iPod in the Defender, but not really, it took about 5 minutes total, and I think it’s well worth it.
Overall the case is very nice, it’s well made, and it offers a great amount of protection for your iPod nano.
The membrane is clear and offer an unobscured view of the screen, and click wheel. One small problem I ran across is that the membrane made the click wheel less sensitive, but all you have to do is add a little pressure and it works fine again.
Conclusion: The Otterbox Defender for iPod nano 4th offers probably the best protection for your iPod from dust, dirt, shocks and drops and of course it protects the screen and click wheel as well. The Defender is my choice for a case for my iPod, I like it quite a bit, it offers the protection I need for my iPod.
Yes it isn’t waterproof, but I don’t foresee dropping my iPod in a lake anytime soon, or any other body of water, so to me that’s not a problem, but if you’re looking for a waterproof case, stay tuned for the next Otterbox review coming soon.
by: Kristofer Brozio Published 25/04 - 2009
Pros: Well Made Great protection for iPod Protects screen and click wheel
Cons: Makes click wheel less sensitive
| Grades: | |
| Overall |
| Design |
| Performance |
OtterBox iPod Nano 4th Gen (4G) Armor Case Review
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
Today for review I’ve got the last case from our friends at OtterBox
for the Apple iPod nano 4th Generation, the Armor case. This case is the ultimate in protection for your iPod, not only is it rough and tough, but it’s waterproof as well. The OtterBox Armor is clear so you can see your iPod, it features a membrane over the click wheel to allow access to the controls, a built-in cable management belt clip, and a lanyard as well. If you’re looking for something to truly protect your iPod from most anything then this is the case for you.
The OtterBox Armor for iPod nano 4th comes packaged in an easy open plastic clamshell style case with a cardboard insert inside that has directions for installation inside, also included is a cord style lanyard as well.
The case is clear so you can see your iPod though it, there is a membrane over the click wheel that allows access to the functions of the iPod while it’s in the case. Through the front of the case you can see the 3.5mm jack which your iPod gets hooked up to, the case has a built-in pass-through to allow connectivity while still keeping your iPod safe.
The back of the Armor has a belt clip that acts as cable management so you can wrap your headphones around it when not in use.
On the back, on the bottom is where you’ll find the other side of the 3.5mm headphone jack, the female side.
The top of the case is located a heavy duty clip, unlocking the clip allows access to the inside of the Armor for installation.
The lanyard has T shaped posts on the ends of it that fit in the top corners of the Armor, they slide into a hole in the case and get secured when the case is closed.
When we get the OtterBox Armor open we can see the seals on both the top and bottom that keep out water, dust and dirt, when the case is open we can also get a better look at the 3.5mm jack.
Specifications:
iPod nano 4th Generation (4G) Armor Case
The OtterBox Armor Series for iPod nano 4th generation case has a NEW look and a NEW feel. The ergonomic shape was redesigned for ultimate grip; your hands will love being wrapped around this case! Following in the original Armor Series tradition, this case offers waterproof, dust-proof, sand-proof, drop-proof and scratch-proof protection for your iPod nano 4th generation. The Click Wheel is covered by a PATENTED, thin membrane which remains fully functional through the OtterBox. This newly-designed, CRYSTAL CLEAR iPod nano 4th gen case has white overmolding, white latches and a belt clip for cable management/carrying convenience.
Compatability/Features: Fits the iPod nano 4th generation only (both 8GB and 16GB).
* Waterproof, dust-proof, dirt-proof, sand-proof, and drop-proof protection for your iPod nano 4th gen * Click Wheel is covered, yet fully functional * Impact-absorbing rubber on all sides * Included belt clip for carrying convenience * External headphone jack usable with any style headphones with a standard mini stereo plug * Includes removable neck lanyard
Dimensions (case only): 5.15" x 2.32" x .64" Weight (case only): 3.5 oz.
Price: $39.95
Installation is very easy you just slide you iPod into the Armor, lining it up with the 3.5mm jack so it goes into your iPod.
The lanyard is optional, but if you wish to use it, it installs easily.
The OtterBoxArmor truly lives up to its name, this case will protect your iPod from most anything out there including dust, dirt and water. You can truly use your iPod anywhere you go and in most any conditions. The Armor offers protection from shock as well, so you shouldn’t have to worry if you accidentally drop it either.
The OtterBoxArmor case does add substantial bulk or size to your iPod, so when it’s in the case you won’t have a sleek, thin iPod anymore, but I guess that’s the price you pay for protection, so it’s a trade-off really.
When your iPod is in the Armor case you don’t have access to the lock or data/charging port either, but I’ve not sure how big of a problem that is.
Conclusion: If you’re looking for a case that will fully protect your iPod, then you can’t get much better than the OtterBox Armor, it truly lives up to its name as Armor for your iPod.
by: Kristofer Brozio Published 2/05 - 2009
Pros: +Clear and well made +Full protection for your iPod from most anything +Allows access to controls while protecting iPod +Easy installation +Includes lanyard
Cons: -No access to docking port or lock -Large and adds bulk to iPod
for the Apple iPod nano 4th Generation, the Armor case. This case is the ultimate in protection for your iPod, not only is it rough and tough, but it’s waterproof as well. The OtterBox Armor is clear so you can see your iPod, it features a membrane over the click wheel to allow access to the controls, a built-in cable management belt clip, and a lanyard as well. If you’re looking for something to truly protect your iPod from most anything then this is the case for you.The OtterBox
Armor for iPod nano 4th comes packaged in an easy open plastic clamshell style case with a cardboard insert inside that has directions for installation inside, also included is a cord style lanyard as well. The case is clear so you can see your iPod though it, there is a membrane over the click wheel that allows access to the functions of the iPod while it’s in the case. Through the front of the case you can see the 3.5mm jack which your iPod gets hooked up to, the case has a built-in pass-through to allow connectivity while still keeping your iPod safe.
The back of the Armor has a belt clip that acts as cable management so you can wrap your headphones around it when not in use.
On the back, on the bottom is where you’ll find the other side of the 3.5mm headphone jack, the female side.
The top of the case is located a heavy duty clip, unlocking the clip allows access to the inside of the Armor for installation.
The lanyard has T shaped posts on the ends of it that fit in the top corners of the Armor, they slide into a hole in the case and get secured when the case is closed.
When we get the OtterBox
Armor open we can see the seals on both the top and bottom that keep out water, dust and dirt, when the case is open we can also get a better look at the 3.5mm jack. Specifications:
iPod nano 4th Generation (4G) Armor Case
The OtterBox
Armor Series for iPod nano 4th generation case has a NEW look and a NEW feel. The ergonomic shape was redesigned for ultimate grip; your hands will love being wrapped around this case! Following in the original Armor Series tradition, this case offers waterproof, dust-proof, sand-proof, drop-proof and scratch-proof protection for your iPod nano 4th generation. The Click Wheel is covered by a PATENTED, thin membrane which remains fully functional through the OtterBox. This newly-designed, CRYSTAL CLEAR iPod nano 4th gen case has white overmolding, white latches and a belt clip for cable management/carrying convenience.Compatability/Features: Fits the iPod nano 4th generation only (both 8GB and 16GB).
* Waterproof, dust-proof, dirt-proof, sand-proof, and drop-proof protection for your iPod nano 4th gen * Click Wheel is covered, yet fully functional * Impact-absorbing rubber on all sides * Included belt clip for carrying convenience * External headphone jack usable with any style headphones with a standard mini stereo plug * Includes removable neck lanyard
Dimensions (case only): 5.15" x 2.32" x .64" Weight (case only): 3.5 oz.
Price: $39.95
Installation is very easy you just slide you iPod into the Armor, lining it up with the 3.5mm jack so it goes into your iPod.
The lanyard is optional, but if you wish to use it, it installs easily.
The OtterBox
Armor truly lives up to its name, this case will protect your iPod from most anything out there including dust, dirt and water. You can truly use your iPod anywhere you go and in most any conditions. The Armor offers protection from shock as well, so you shouldn’t have to worry if you accidentally drop it either.The OtterBox
Armor case does add substantial bulk or size to your iPod, so when it’s in the case you won’t have a sleek, thin iPod anymore, but I guess that’s the price you pay for protection, so it’s a trade-off really.When your iPod is in the Armor case you don’t have access to the lock or data/charging port either, but I’ve not sure how big of a problem that is.
Conclusion: If you’re looking for a case that will fully protect your iPod, then you can’t get much better than the OtterBox
Armor, it truly lives up to its name as Armor for your iPod. by: Kristofer Brozio Published 2/05 - 2009
Pros: +Clear and well made +Full protection for your iPod from most anything +Allows access to controls while protecting iPod +Easy installation +Includes lanyard
Cons: -No access to docking port or lock -Large and adds bulk to iPod
| Grades: | |
| Overall |
| Design |
| Performance |
OtterBox Defender Series Case for the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 Review
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
BlackBerry Users and Abusers Rejoice! Following the success of their Defender Series case for the BlackBerry 8800, Otterbox
has released the Defender Case for the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 (one for the Curve will be available at the end of this month). Rugged and durable, no other case on the market offers BlackBerry protection like an Otterbox does.
The Defender case is offered in two colors, a yellow and black combo which is featured in this review, as well as an all-black version. You can pick either up from ShopCrackBerry.com for $49.95. Regardless of the color you choose, you willl sleep well at night knowing your beloved BlackBerry Pearl 8100 is well-protected.
For the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 - Not the 8130/8120
Now I know that the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 is out in North America (and the 8120 in other parts of the world), and no sadly this case does not support the new Pearls. I did actually try putting my new 8130 into this case, and although it fits, a few of the side buttons on the new Pearl have been moved and the Otterbox triggers them inadvertently. Nevertheless, I'm sure there are plenty of you still sporting the 8100 and are looking for a solid rugged case like this. And if you are the lucky owner of a new 8130 or 8120 for that matter, I checked with Otterbox and they plan to have a Defender case for the 8120/8130 out in the first quarter of 2008. You won't have to wait too long.
The Assembled Unit - No BlackBerry Inside
The case/holster will add some bulk to your Pearl. 
Several Layers of Protection
The Otterbox Defender comes with a several layers of protection for your Pearl. The first step to getting your BlackBerry protected is to put on the thermal formed protective clear membrane which acts as a safeguard for the screen and keyboard against scratches, dust and dirt. It somewhat tricky to get the layer on, but just line up the trackball first, and try to apply the screen smoothly to avoid air bubbles. The clear membrane is optional, so if you’re more worried about dropping your BlackBerry than it getting dirty, you can leave it off.
Next Step is to apply the lower portion of the hi-impact polycarbonate shell, and then snap on the top cover. This cover provides the bulk of the protection for your BlackBerry in the case that it accidentally gets dropped or stepped on.
Next, there is the silicon skin that goes over top of the shell. The Silicon acts as a bumper to absorb bumps and shocks. It will also hold the two pieces of your shell together, as well as provide extra grip when handling the case.
Using the Otterbox
The Defender case feels sturdy in ones hand, and the silicon skin offers a nice solid grip to the package. The case does not interfere with controls and still made typing on the Pearl’s SureType keyboard easy. It allows full use of the Camera, and has access plugs for charging/syncing so you don't need to take your BlackBerry out of the case to charge it.
The Defender also comes with a belt clip holster. The proper way to use that would be to have your BlackBerry screen facing towards you, thus protecting the screen. As always, Otterbox's BlackBerry holster does contain that all-important magnet, so it puts your BlackBerry into standby/sleep mode when inserted.
The Otterbox case only weights 1.6oz and provides an extreme level of protection most common jobs would throw at it. I was so confident in the protection it provided, as a test I threw my 8100 in the OtterBox down a set of stairs (see video), and of course no harm was done. I was actually more worried about the OtterBox doing damage to the floor than the floor to the BlackBerry. ** note: don’t try this with your BlackBerry – OtterBox doesn’t guarantee the safety of your BlackBerry for that level of abuse and won't replace your device if you call them and say you saw it on CrackBerry.com! :-)
Lastly, I just wanted to note, that this case is not meant as an underwater case. It will offer some protection against water and dust, but I wouldn't count on it for protecting your Berry if it falls in water.
Conclusion
It's not waterproof and it's not indestructable, but it's damn tough and provides awesome protection and good looks (in that rugged sort of way) while maintaining ease of use. Pricing for the Otterbox comes in at $49.95 per unit, which is reasonable considering it is the only case on the market that will offer this kind of durable protection for your BlackBerry Pearl 8100.
Pros:
Protection for your BlackBerry like no other Case Available
Pearl's controls still easy to access and use
Looks Cool
Holster magent included for Standby/Sleep Mode
Did I mention it's tough?
Cons:
Little tricky to get the clear membrane seated properly, but not too difficult
I wish it was available for my 8130 Pearl today!!
13 Nov 2007 by Remik Szul from CrackBerry.com
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
BlackBerry Users and Abusers Rejoice! Following the success of their Defender Series case for the BlackBerry 8800, Otterbox
has released the Defender Case for the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 (one for the Curve will be available at the end of this month). Rugged and durable, no other case on the market offers BlackBerry protection like an Otterbox does. The Defender case is offered in two colors, a yellow and black combo which is featured in this review, as well as an all-black version. You can pick either up from ShopCrackBerry.com for $49.95. Regardless of the color you choose, you willl sleep well at night knowing your beloved BlackBerry Pearl 8100 is well-protected.
For the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 - Not the 8130/8120
Now I know that the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 is out in North America (and the 8120 in other parts of the world), and no sadly this case does not support the new Pearls. I did actually try putting my new 8130 into this case, and although it fits, a few of the side buttons on the new Pearl have been moved and the Otterbox
triggers them inadvertently. Nevertheless, I'm sure there are plenty of you still sporting the 8100 and are looking for a solid rugged case like this. And if you are the lucky owner of a new 8130 or 8120 for that matter, I checked with Otterbox and they plan to have a Defender case for the 8120/8130 out in the first quarter of 2008. You won't have to wait too long.
The Assembled Unit - No BlackBerry Inside
The case/holster will add some bulk to your Pearl. Several Layers of Protection
The Otterbox
Defender comes with a several layers of protection for your Pearl. The first step to getting your BlackBerry protected is to put on the thermal formed protective clear membrane which acts as a safeguard for the screen and keyboard against scratches, dust and dirt. It somewhat tricky to get the layer on, but just line up the trackball first, and try to apply the screen smoothly to avoid air bubbles. The clear membrane is optional, so if you’re more worried about dropping your BlackBerry than it getting dirty, you can leave it off.Next Step is to apply the lower portion of the hi-impact polycarbonate shell, and then snap on the top cover. This cover provides the bulk of the protection for your BlackBerry in the case that it accidentally gets dropped or stepped on.
Next, there is the silicon skin that goes over top of the shell. The Silicon acts as a bumper to absorb bumps and shocks. It will also hold the two pieces of your shell together, as well as provide extra grip when handling the case.
Using the Otterbox
The Defender case feels sturdy in ones hand, and the silicon skin offers a nice solid grip to the package. The case does not interfere with controls and still made typing on the Pearl’s SureType keyboard easy. It allows full use of the Camera, and has access plugs for charging/syncing so you don't need to take your BlackBerry out of the case to charge it.
The Defender also comes with a belt clip holster. The proper way to use that would be to have your BlackBerry screen facing towards you, thus protecting the screen. As always, Otterbox
's BlackBerry holster does contain that all-important magnet, so it puts your BlackBerry into standby/sleep mode when inserted.The Otterbox
case only weights 1.6oz and provides an extreme level of protection most common jobs would throw at it. I was so confident in the protection it provided, as a test I threw my 8100 in the OtterBox down a set of stairs (see video), and of course no harm was done. I was actually more worried about the OtterBox doing damage to the floor than the floor to the BlackBerry. ** note: don’t try this with your BlackBerry – OtterBox doesn’t guarantee the safety of your BlackBerry for that level of abuse and won't replace your device if you call them and say you saw it on CrackBerry.com! :-)Lastly, I just wanted to note, that this case is not meant as an underwater case. It will offer some protection against water and dust, but I wouldn't count on it for protecting your Berry if it falls in water.
Conclusion
It's not waterproof and it's not indestructable, but it's damn tough and provides awesome protection and good looks (in that rugged sort of way) while maintaining ease of use. Pricing for the Otterbox
comes in at $49.95 per unit, which is reasonable considering it is the only case on the market that will offer this kind of durable protection for your BlackBerry Pearl 8100.| Review Summary: OtterBox Defender Series Case for the BlackBerry Pearl 8100  |
Pros:
Protection for your BlackBerry like no other Case Available
Pearl's controls still easy to access and use
Looks Cool
Holster magent included for Standby/Sleep Mode
Did I mention it's tough?
Cons:
Little tricky to get the clear membrane seated properly, but not too difficult
I wish it was available for my 8130 Pearl today!!
13 Nov 2007 by Remik Szul from CrackBerry.com
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Review: OtterBox BlackBerry Curve Case
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
Otterbox Defender Case for BlackBerry Curve, Black
Review by Darrin Olson on February 8th, 2009
The folks over at Otterbox , protectors of gadgets for the active and accident-prone, gave us a chance to try out one of their defensive products to see just how well it holds up. In this case, OtterBox sent us a protective case for the Blackberry Curve, a device I have with me day in and day out.
Since the case from Otterbox is protecting something I own and depend on daily, we did not put it through the usual drops, dunks and vodka-proof trials that we would normally do. But, despite this we can tell you that this case blows away any other protective case we’ve had our hands on, for any mobile device.
We thought the best way to describe this protection was to take you through a quick tour of encasing the Blackberry Curve:
For starters, you need to still be able to press that QWERTY keyboard. To address this Otterbox created a molded, flexible membrane that is molded to fit around not just the phone but each individual key, and leaves a small hole for the track ball. When using it you can tell the membrane is there, but if you get it on straight its not noticeable by much.
Once this is applied, you can snap your phone into a hard plastic shell that encases pretty much the entire phone. It has a clear, flat plastic window for the display and leaves the keys open to expose the previously added membrane. There is also open ports for all the buttons, camera lens, speakers and ports.
On top of the hard plastic shell applies another case, but this time more rubber like. It stretches and snugly fits around the hard plastic case both holding it together and providing a soft case for drops and bumps. This rubber “glove” provides raised sections for pressing buttons without exposing the actual buttons. It also has pieces that can “fold” out and be put back in for exposing the ports, only when you want to.
In addition, the case comes with a holster and belt clip, designed to hold the device tight… real tight. Be sure to place the phone in the holster with the screen facing in. It will fit in the other way but you will notice that it will not stay put nearly as well. The holster is also made of a hard plastic giving another layer of solid protection at your hip.
Smartphones like Blackberry’s and the like have been traditionally synonymous with indoor office use, but they being found more often attached to individuals with more active roles and the phone itself is often just not built for it. The case from Otterbox is not marketed as waterproof but it has to be pretty close.
The downside is that it does have the exposed trackball but that one is pretty hard to get around while still maintaining its functionality. It also makes the phone quite a bit more bulky, and with the holster it is easily more than twice as thick. But, if you want the advantages of a smartphone such as a Blackberry Curve and lead a more active, or just plain clumsy lifestyle, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by taking a look at one of these cases from Otterbox. The case comes in black as we show here or a black and yellow model, both retailing for just under $50.
Otterbox Defender Case for BlackBerry Curve, Black
Review by Darrin Olson on February 8th, 2009
The folks over at Otterbox
, protectors of gadgets for the active and accident-prone, gave us a chance to try out one of their defensive products to see just how well it holds up. In this case, OtterBox sent us a protective case for the Blackberry Curve, a device I have with me day in and day out.Since the case from Otterbox
is protecting something I own and depend on daily, we did not put it through the usual drops, dunks and vodka-proof trials that we would normally do. But, despite this we can tell you that this case blows away any other protective case we’ve had our hands on, for any mobile device.We thought the best way to describe this protection was to take you through a quick tour of encasing the Blackberry Curve:
For starters, you need to still be able to press that QWERTY keyboard. To address this Otterbox
created a molded, flexible membrane that is molded to fit around not just the phone but each individual key, and leaves a small hole for the track ball. When using it you can tell the membrane is there, but if you get it on straight its not noticeable by much.Once this is applied, you can snap your phone into a hard plastic shell that encases pretty much the entire phone. It has a clear, flat plastic window for the display and leaves the keys open to expose the previously added membrane. There is also open ports for all the buttons, camera lens, speakers and ports.
On top of the hard plastic shell applies another case, but this time more rubber like. It stretches and snugly fits around the hard plastic case both holding it together and providing a soft case for drops and bumps. This rubber “glove” provides raised sections for pressing buttons without exposing the actual buttons. It also has pieces that can “fold” out and be put back in for exposing the ports, only when you want to.
In addition, the case comes with a holster and belt clip, designed to hold the device tight… real tight. Be sure to place the phone in the holster with the screen facing in. It will fit in the other way but you will notice that it will not stay put nearly as well. The holster is also made of a hard plastic giving another layer of solid protection at your hip.
Smartphones like Blackberry’s and the like have been traditionally synonymous with indoor office use, but they being found more often attached to individuals with more active roles and the phone itself is often just not built for it. The case from Otterbox
is not marketed as waterproof but it has to be pretty close.The downside is that it does have the exposed trackball but that one is pretty hard to get around while still maintaining its functionality. It also makes the phone quite a bit more bulky, and with the holster it is easily more than twice as thick. But, if you want the advantages of a smartphone such as a Blackberry Curve and lead a more active, or just plain clumsy lifestyle, you’ll be doing yourself a favor by taking a look at one of these cases from Otterbox
. The case comes in black as we show here or a black and yellow model, both retailing for just under $50.
Review: Otterbox Armor Series iPod Touch case
CaseandCover.com reviews OtterBox cases and covers for the iPhone, iPod, and BlackBerry. Trusted reviews, from trusted sources throughout the internet.
by Doug Aamoth on March 10, 2008
The Otterbox Armor Series iPod Touch case is waterproof, dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and drop-proof while at the same time allowing access to most of the Touch’s functions. While the extra added bulk might scare some people off, those who need maximum protection at a not-too-shabby price will appreciate this case.
Features
The Otterbox Armor Series case protects an iPod Touch on all sides with impact-absorbing rubber while allowing use of the touch screen through a thin-but-tough membrane. There’s an external headphone jack that hooks into your iPod’s headphone jack, a rubberized main button, and a belt clip on the backside of the case.
Pros
The Armor Series feels like it can take a beating — like a drop from a moving car and getting run over by the car behind it kind of beating. It feels that tough.
I didn’t test the claim that the case is waterproof up to 3 feet or drop it out of a moving car because I’m not insane and the thought of replacing a device I bought for $400 and use almost every day makes me bunch up a bit. I would, however, take this out to the beach without worrying that I was going to ruin the precious cargo inside.
Also, at $50, the price is nice for what you get. It’s my opinion that too much of a premium is put on “rugged” devices and cases. You could probably find similar cases selling for $80 an up. This seems like a good value if you’re going to be using your iPod in some pretty rough conditions. Those of you in the military, especially, could use this.
Cons
One glaring drawback is that the Armor case makes your otherwise svelte and pocketable device into a considerably larger, plastic-covered device. You’d have to have mighty big pockets to carry this around without using the belt clip or the included lanyard. That being said, it’s being marketed for toughness, not portability.
The second minor gripe is that, while you’re still able to control the Touch, the gentle finger swoops that you’re used to become much more deliberate presses thanks to the membrane that covers the screen. Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool that the screen even works while in this case. It looks like it wouldn’t. It’s just not as elegant. Also, the power button on the top of the iPod Touch gets covered up completely. Not a huge deal since the device will eventually go into sleep mode.
Other Stuff
This could be a pro or a con depending whom you ask, but the belt clip positions the iPod Touch upside-down (notice where the headphone jack is located in the photo on the right).
It works well for looking down and futzing with the controls, though.
Conclusion
The Otterbox for iPod Touch Armor Series case is a great buy for anyone looking for some serious protection. Everyone else could easily get by with a slimmer, cheaper solution. The build quality and the price of the Armor case make it a winner, though.
by Doug Aamoth on March 10, 2008
The Otterbox Armor Series iPod Touch case is waterproof, dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and drop-proof while at the same time allowing access to most of the Touch’s functions. While the extra added bulk might scare some people off, those who need maximum protection at a not-too-shabby price will appreciate this case.
Features
The Otterbox Armor Series case protects an iPod Touch on all sides with impact-absorbing rubber while allowing use of the touch screen through a thin-but-tough membrane. There’s an external headphone jack that hooks into your iPod’s headphone jack, a rubberized main button, and a belt clip on the backside of the case.
Pros
The Armor Series feels like it can take a beating — like a drop from a moving car and getting run over by the car behind it kind of beating. It feels that tough.
I didn’t test the claim that the case is waterproof up to 3 feet or drop it out of a moving car because I’m not insane and the thought of replacing a device I bought for $400 and use almost every day makes me bunch up a bit. I would, however, take this out to the beach without worrying that I was going to ruin the precious cargo inside.
Also, at $50, the price is nice for what you get. It’s my opinion that too much of a premium is put on “rugged” devices and cases. You could probably find similar cases selling for $80 an up. This seems like a good value if you’re going to be using your iPod in some pretty rough conditions. Those of you in the military, especially, could use this.
Cons
One glaring drawback is that the Armor case makes your otherwise svelte and pocketable device into a considerably larger, plastic-covered device. You’d have to have mighty big pockets to carry this around without using the belt clip or the included lanyard. That being said, it’s being marketed for toughness, not portability.
The second minor gripe is that, while you’re still able to control the Touch, the gentle finger swoops that you’re used to become much more deliberate presses thanks to the membrane that covers the screen. Don’t get me wrong, it’s cool that the screen even works while in this case. It looks like it wouldn’t. It’s just not as elegant. Also, the power button on the top of the iPod Touch gets covered up completely. Not a huge deal since the device will eventually go into sleep mode.
Other Stuff
This could be a pro or a con depending whom you ask, but the belt clip positions the iPod Touch upside-down (notice where the headphone jack is located in the photo on the right).
It works well for looking down and futzing with the controls, though.
Conclusion
The Otterbox for iPod Touch Armor Series case is a great buy for anyone looking for some serious protection. Everyone else could easily get by with a slimmer, cheaper solution. The build quality and the price of the Armor case make it a winner, though.