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.
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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.






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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Otterbox Impact Case allows for easy access to the lock button on top and the bottom is open for full access there.
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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.
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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. 
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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: 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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Then you can set your iPod inside the case, and snap it back together.
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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!
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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.
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Here’s a couple pictures of the stand in action… I guess you would call it action.
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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.
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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.
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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: 
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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.
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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.


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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.




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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.
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On the back, on the bottom is where you’ll find the other side of the 3.5mm headphone jack, the female side.
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The top of the case is located a heavy duty clip, unlocking the clip allows access to the inside of the Armor for installation.
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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.windowslivewriterotterboxipodnano4thgenarmorcase-7b97dscf7492-thumb
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.
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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.
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The lanyard is optional, but if you wish to use it, it installs easily.
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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.



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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. 

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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: 
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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

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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:
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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.