This is the first review I make in regarding accessories for iPhone. I'm not a big fan of cases or accessories, as I believe the more portability the better. I'm a huge fan of Incase® products. This time I decided to go for the Otterbox Commuter Series to determine how good it is (as we heard over the web). Here's what's all about.
First thing to notice if of course the box. It's quite simple compared to Incase products. As I mentioned before, I'm a big fan of Incase products, in fact, I have always pursuit them for all my Apple products. This time, I decided to give Otterbox a try.
In the back, the box pretty much describes the content and layers of the plastic shell, including the silicone piece. Pretty informative content. I like how they say "We've got technology covered".
The front is pretty simple it specifies the model, series and device compatible with.
Inside the case, you'll find a small inner box, which includes a protective clear plastic shield.
It also includes an "installation card" and a dust cloth. According to the instructions you must use the installation card once you have removed the second layer. I recommend not doing it so that way or at least not directly into the plastic shield. I noticed some scratches which even though is just on the plastic, it will be noticeable.
The hard plastic shield seems well built, it gives protection against rough surfaces.
The silicone cover protects from drops. giving a soft touch to the phone against impacts. It also feels great, different from other silicone made covers, the piece feels nice against your fingers.
Here's how it looks each from the back.
Here's what will cover the 30-pin USB connector. Note that there's dust already attached to the silicone piece, that may be an issue if you want to carry it in your pants' pocket.
View from top.
The volume buttons feel nice too.
Overall, the device feels nice while already in the case. Everything fits perfect, buttons in the silicone piece works fine, you don't have to push hard against the buttons as in other cases I've seen.
The only downside I find about this case, is the dust attached to the silicone piece. If you use a humid soft cloth to clean it, it will look nice. But it seems to attract dust like hell, specially when having it in your pocket.
Also, instructions are not clear in this model. A generic instructions were given. I'd have preferred to see an actual iPhone in the instructions instead of figuring out how to put it in place. (See Image Below). Of course you can find instructions in the Otterbox® YouTube channel, which is a plus and a reason why I loved this case.
I could not attach high-quality pictures of the phone placed in the case. But I'm attaching below a set of pictures taking using my MacBook's webcam so that you get an idea.
The case costs in between 35 and 40 bucks. Compared to the InCase Slider Pro, I'd rather go with this model as you don't have direct contact with the hard case. I had a slider case in the past, and it sure works like charm, but this one seems very promising and I'm really liking it a lot. I truly recommend it. Consider your phone costs between 500 and 700 bucks, so spending 40 bucks to keep it like new, it's really worth it.
If you have feedback on this, feel free to tweet me.
