Ok, we told you guys to be on the lookout for product reviews from us every now and again. Well, now’s the time for another review. Last time, we told you about the ZAGGfolio Bluetooth keyboard and folio case for the iPad 2. This time, we’re still talking about the iPad 2, but we’ll be reviewing the OtterBox Defender case. Ready? Here we go.
Since 1998, OtterBox has been making hard-core cases for tech devices. Well, they’ve been making hard-core cases for the tech devices of the clumsy and klutzy. They cover just about every device with several levels of protection available. The Defender series is the most rugged in most lines of tech protection offered by OtterBox.
Being the most rugged, the Defender is also the bulkiest offering. A four-piece design consisting of two hard plastic pieces that interlock to cover the device, a silicone skin that covers most of the hard plastic and provides shock absorption, and a hard plastic cover for the touch screen which also doubles as a stand for typing or movie watching.
There are cutouts for all of the device’s ports, including the camera. Silicone flaps cover the headphone jack, volume/orientation toggle, and dock connector port, while the volume rocker, sleep/wake button and home button are completely covered by silicone. Responsiveness beneath the silicone is adequate; however the protection for the home button can make double clicking a bit cumbersome as it’s difficult to tell if a full press has been completed.
The outer skin provides a nice feel and is easy to keep a grip on. With the screen cover snapped onto the back, yes, it works on the front and the back, the tabs provide a nice place for fingers to rest while holding the iPad. Also in any configuration, the camera is always open and available for fast photography.
We’ve used OtterBox products before. Among the ogres, we’ve had experience with the Defender and Commuter case for every version of the iPhone and Defender cases for both iPads. The Defender for the iPad 2 is certainly an improvement over the previous generation’s protection. It’s lighter, easier to install, and easier to use. It does add a substantial amount of bulk to the device, but in return it makes the delicate iPad 2 feel like a tank wrapped in Kevlar. The added size and texture make the device stable in small hands so, if you’re a parent, feel free to let the little ones hold your iPad to watch ‘toons. Short of stepping on the touch screen or hitting it with a solid object, they’re probably not going to hurt your $600 - $900 investment. Not too bad for around 90 bucks.
Overall, if you need or would be comforted by the kind of protection the OtterBox Defender series provides; go get one. The same security is available for other devices too. Though we’ve focused on Apple products, you can get top-notch protection for your device, whatever brand it is.
If you have anything to add, or if you have any additional questions about the OtterBox Defender for iPad 2 get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter. We’re there all the time and we’ll get back with you pretty doggone quickly. Thanks for reading.
