Otterbox iPhone 3GS review!

[nezff]

I have checked out alot of cases in the last week or so. I have noticed alot of people love the look of the iPhone just like I do. Many use cases that basically protect the back of the iPhone only. ifrogz, switcheasy, griffin, etc..

This is the problem with that, Those cases are very slim and look good, but offer no protection if you drop your phone on the concrete or a hard floor surface. If the phone drops on the back or sides, you might get away with just a scuff or scratch, but if it hits on the face, Im almost sure you will get a cracked screen. The vaja, SGP illuzion, and some of the other flap cases offer decent protection on the back and front of the phone, but lack protection on the sides from spills and dirt accumulating. I have tried these cases and looked at all them very carefully and I came down to the otterbox. It doesnt add a huge amount of bulk like many would think. I am a firefighter in Louisiana, so this case will definately be on my iPhone 3GS while at work. All the ports are covered with the silicon outer shell. The speakers are covered with a thin membrane of foam and thin white paper. No dirt or grime can get into the earhole or the speakers. I like this. The camera is also covered just like the front glass is with a thin plastic shield to protect against water and dirt also. This case will protect you from drops for sure. It cannot be submerged in water, but it is waterproof to an extent.

Most of you have jobs where hazards like water and dirt or the possibility of the iPhone getting dropped or banged around much is little to none.

I love the look of the iPhone and wish I could use it naked, but I just dont want to take the chance of ruining the iPhone with a small case that just covers the back and protects basically from it being slid on a table.

The otterbox isnt for everyone due to maybe the looks or the bulk of the case. I carry it in my pocket with the screen towards my leg. Also I noticed one thing on the otterbox. The protective screen on the front works great by itself. This is my third overall otterbox. I have had two black ones on both a iPod touch 8GB and iPod touch 16GB first gens. If you have a screen protector on the iPod or iPhone already and you are using the otterbox, the two screens seem to stick to each other which doesnt hurt anything, but I just wanted to let you guys know this. You could just go without a screen protector if you are using the otterbox since it has a screen protector built into the case. I am very particular about my iPhone, so I have both covering the screen.

The otterbox is $49.99 at otterbox.com, but I got mine from ebay dealers for around $30. Hope you enjoyed this quick review.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/DSC01890.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/DSC01889.jpg

[Pika]

What a coincidence ! I just got the case this morning and it's also white:

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/194/sdc10248.jpg

[nezff]

What a coincidence ! I just got the case this morning and it's also white:

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/194/sdc10248.jpg

tell you truth, the black silicon over the white shell looks really good also. I tried this yesterday.

[FdMstng99]

May pick this case up sometime down the line for when I travel. Just to get that extra protection. Thanks for the review.

[Pika]

The speakers are covered with a thin membrane of foam and thin white paper.Mine as holes...

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8069/photoesw.jpg

[nezff]

are those the speaker holes at the bottom? I do know that some people were complaining about a echo from their speakers on the 3GS, but I have not had heard that on my 3GS. I know that otterbox also was taking the cases back from retailers and taking the foam out and sending them back.

Here is some quick pics of the black silicon over the white shell which i think looks pretty darn good.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/IMG_0037.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/IMG_0038.jpg

[jessica.]

Are you saying this is waterproof? How is that possible? It looks like it is open on the back to show the logo.

And my Capsule Rebel has taken a couple of spills with no issues whatsoever.

[nezff]

Ok, let me explain the waterproof. All the holes are covered with silicon flaps that seat down really well. I would say it is more splashproof than waterproof. The front glass, logo and camera has a plastic shield over them and are covered. The little hole next to the earphole, has a plastic shield over it also.

If you submerge the phone, yes it will get damaged. If water were to splash on it, you would be safe in my opinion. It does offer more water protection and drop protection than any other case I have seen to date.

[jessica.]

Got it.
Well I would hope carrying around a 6" thick phone would offer drop protection.

[Pika]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/IMG_0037.jpgLooks nice.

I've heard that those water marks can be fixed with the power-support anti-glare film.

Also... i had to get those missing mini sponges from Home Depot.

[earltedly]

Looks nice.

I've heard that those water marks can be fixed with the power-support anti-glare film.



I've just ordered one of these myself. Apparently if, after cleaning the screen, you rub your palm over it, the grease from your body will prevent the water marks on the screen.

[nezff]

Got it.
Well I would hope carrying around a 6" thick phone would offer drop protection.

to each their own. it is not 6" thick, it is only 3/4 of a inch thick from bottom to top.

The otterbox only adds 1/4 of an inch more to the phone thickness. The iPhone 3GS is every bit of a 1/2 inch thick.

[nezff]

I've just ordered one of these myself. Apparently if, after cleaning the screen, you rub your palm over it, the grease from your body will prevent the water marks on the screen.

I have also read this at otterbox. Im not sure if the screens stick together if you dont use a screen protector.

[niuniu]

Mine as holes...

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8069/photoesw.jpg

Nice wallpaper!

Those cases look pretty good, slightly bulky though..

[JohnnyQuest]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmaW5bPuxFw&feature=channel_page

...just saying. Some of the other cases this guy drops survive the big drop, and this one doesn't, pretty disappointing for such an ugly/bulky case.

[Pika]

Some of the other cases this guy drops survive the big drop, and this one doesn't, pretty disappointing for such an ugly/bulky case.

Can you show me which are the cases that survived those multi-drops versus the otterbox ?

I believe that he's been using fake iPhones to do those tests... i mean cardboard ones instead of the real thing. I don't believe this kid have the budget to break real iPhones.

[nezff]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmaW5bPuxFw&feature=channel_page

...just saying. Some of the other cases this guy drops survive the big drop, and this one doesn't, pretty disappointing for such an ugly/bulky case.
thats hilarious. who drops their phone that many times and especially from 22 feet?

[Pika]

if the otterbox cant do it, then who can?

[nezff]

I completely understand that everyone has opinions of their own. This is not a debate whether the otterbox is ugly or not. I wrote this review for people looking for everyday protection from drops, bumps, dirt, water etc..

There are plenty of cases out there that look like total crap to me also, but im not going in and writing to them about it. I have a switcheasy rebel serpent sitting here brand new that I used for one day, I like the case for the looks, but if I drop it on a uneven surface or even the concrete, I would be worried about the screen breaking.

[newtomac1032]

does the anti glare film help with the screen protector watermark? does this help with protecting against dust
I am disabled and looking for very good protection against drops and dust.
also how is the grip is it textured at all

[nezff]

The mark that you see in my pics, are the two screen protectors sticking together. If you want, you dont have to use a protective film over the iphone itself.

The rubber or silicone outer shell, has somewhat of a decent grip to it, without being too bumpy. It is almost a smooth silicone feel.

[Pika]

I'm a sport person... i do cycling, running, martial-arts and weight lifting everyday from home to work and i could not find a case that is enough shock resistant then the OtterBox defender case for iPhone 3G/S. I did lots of research before purchasing this case.

The point of having a case is to protect the device against un-inspected accidents instead of good looks.

If there is a case better then OtterBox for a Japanese ninja like me, please let me know.

[JohnnyQuest]

if the otterbox cant do it, then who can?

If you look at his other videos, it's the SwitchEasy Rebel I believe. I realize that no one is going to drop their iPhone that many times from such high altitudes, but it still is interesting that the most rugged and bulky looking case is the one that actually protects the phone the worst, compared to the other videos. I mean, the Speck Candyshell even out-performed the Defender!

[nezff]

If you look at his other videos, it's the SwitchEasy Rebel I believe. I realize that no one is going to drop their iPhone that many times from such high altitudes, but it still is interesting that the most rugged and bulky looking case is the one that actually protects the phone the worst, compared to the other videos. I mean, the Speck Candyshell even out-performed the Defender!

There is a guy on these forums that had the speck canyshell on his iPhone and when he got out of his car the first day he had it, the iPhone fell out of his pocket and dropped on the concrete. He thought it was ok, until he picked it up. The iPhone was laying screen down on the concrete and the screen was cracked. If I remember correctly, it was a 3GS.

[nezff]

If you look at his other videos, it's the SwitchEasy Rebel I believe. I realize that no one is going to drop their iPhone that many times from such high altitudes, but it still is interesting that the most rugged and bulky looking case is the one that actually protects the phone the worst, compared to the other videos. I mean, the Speck Candyshell even out-performed the Defender!

Also, if you notice that the guy in the videos puts the cases back on the phone after each drop. With the otterbox he did not. Most people are going to inspect their phones after a drop like that and make sure it is still protected. With the switheasy, everytime he dropped it, the case came off the phone a little on the edges. With the otterbox, he dropped it six times and never snapped the case back together to make the iphone secure again.

[Pika]

If you look at his other videos, it's the SwitchEasy Rebel I believe. I realize that no one is going to drop their iPhone that many times from such high altitudes, but it still is interesting that the most rugged and bulky looking case is the one that actually protects the phone the worst, compared to the other videos. I mean, the Speck Candyshell even out-performed the Defender!

UNBELIEVABLE !

Those cases that you mentioned only have 1 layer of protection ! The OtterBox has 3 ! How could that be ?

Those polycarbonate cases are weak !

http://www.ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/neo-1-20090224-193515.png

http://www.ocukroguesgallery.com/feek/temp/neo-2-20090224-193604.png

[Pika]

At the end of this video (3:40 sec), he doesn't show if the iPhone survived those impacts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3sQF5aO_Cw&feature=channel_page

I mean WTF ?

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/1324/picture3jin.png

You can clearly see that there is no iPhone inside the case.

He also cut the scene from here: (Case with a fake iPhone inside or none)

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7678/picture4qhv.png

To here: (Case with the real iPhone or already broken iPhone)

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/694/picture5k.png

Or his iPhone is already broken from the beginning of his videos but he doesn't show it till the end...

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7795/picture8ksi.png

All he's been doing is test dropping with an already broken iPhone.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7628/picture9i.png

[newtomac1032]

thanks for helping me make my decision...It may be overkill in my situation but If I am paying for this nice phone I'd rather be safe than sorry. I do have one last question does the screen protector make the Touch screen more difficult to use?

[nezff]

thanks for helping me make my decision...It may be overkill in my situation but If I am paying for this nice phone I'd rather be safe than sorry. I do have one last question does the screen protector make the Touch screen more difficult to use?

I noticed on my ipod touch 1st gen, that with two layers of screen protection, the touch was not as sensitive.

On my iPhone 3GS, I havent really noticed a huge difference. Just a little less sensitive. But of course, I have a screen film on the iphone itself and then the otterbox has a protective plastic over that. with just the otterbox, your touch sensitivity should be fine.

[newtomac1032]

I noticed on my ipod touch 1st gen, that with two layers of screen protection, the touch was not as sensitive.

On my iPhone 3GS, I havent really noticed a huge difference. Just a little less sensitive. But of course, I have a screen film on the iphone itself and then the otterbox has a protective plastic over that. with just the otterbox, your touch sensitivity should be fine.
ok thanks. I have seen some say without the duel protection there is a watermark or whatever on the otterbox screen have you noticed this? sorry for so many questions just trying to figure out the best/easiest route to go

[Pika]

I noticed on my ipod touch 1st gen, that with two layers of screen protection, the touch was not as sensitive.

On my iPhone 3GS, I havent really noticed a huge difference. Just a little less sensitive. But of course, I have a screen film on the iphone itself and then the otterbox has a protective plastic over that. with just the otterbox, your touch sensitivity should be fine.

So your saying that you have:

Power-support anti-glare film + OtterBox Defender ?

To get rid of the water marks?

[nezff]

ok thanks. I have seen some say without the duel protection there is a watermark or whatever on the otterbox screen have you noticed this? sorry for so many questions just trying to figure out the best/easiest route to go

Im not sure if the mark will show up without a screen film on. I have it i assume because the two shields are sticking to each other.

I have a switcheasy film on the phone.

[newtomac1032]

So your saying that you have:

Power-support anti-glare film + OtterBox Defender ?

To get rid of the water marks?
that is a solution that I have seen on one online review that I read somewhere

[nezff]

that is a solution that I have seen on one online review that I read somewhere

I wonder if a anti finger print one would work better? Might get one and try it out.

[newtomac1032]

I wonder if a anti finger print one would work better? Might get one and try it out.

not sure. the solution that Ottherbox offered him was for him to wipe the screen with his palm. The oils from your hand apparently affect the watermark somehow/ he didn't like that idea so he added another anti glare protector to the phone itself.
In my case I just don't want to make the touch screen any more difficult to use

[nezff]

not sure. the solution that Ottherbox offered him was for him to wipe the screen with his palm. The oils from your hand apparently affect the watermark somehow/ he didn't like that idea so he added another anti glare protector to the phone itself.
In my case I just don't want to make the touch screen any more difficult to use

I just ordered the power support anti glare film set. I will let you guys know as soon as I get them in and installed.

[Pika]

not sure. the solution that Ottherbox offered him was for him to wipe the screen with his palm. The oils from your hand apparently affect the watermark somehow/ he didn't like that idea so he added another anti glare protector to the phone itself.
In my case I just don't want to make the touch screen any more difficult to use
What about the iPhone 3G S Oleophobic Screen Coating makes it Fingerprint-Resistant?

[=MuLti-CeLL=]

I have a Otterbox Defender on my 3GS and it works wonderfully!

I work outside in dusty and damp conditions all the time and nothing has penetrated this case yet! My phone still looks brand new when I take it out to clean the outside up a little bit. And what I mean by that is that sometimes a little dust may get between the silicone and plastic shell. I only take it off maybe once a week to clean it.

Great case and I love the grippiness off it compared to a slick glossy case.

[cdal1]

I have been using the otterbox defender for about 2 weeks and love it. I installed the anti glare after seeing the watermarks and that immediately went away. I only use this case for work and I love it, the touch screen doesn't seem to be affected except for the letters and numbers on the edge of the screen, they can be a pain but once you figure it out its not that big of a deal. And the belt clip is nice too, I didn't think I would like it but after using it its perfect.

[nezff]

I have been using the otterbox defender for about 2 weeks and love it. I installed the anti glare after seeing the watermarks and that immediately went away. I only use this case for work and I love it, the touch screen doesn't seem to be affected except for the letters and numbers on the edge of the screen, they can be a pain but once you figure it out its not that big of a deal. And the belt clip is nice too, I didn't think I would like it but after using it its perfect.

I feel like the otterbox is a great case for people at work where hazardous conditons could ruin your phone. I feel like most people could get theirselves the otterbox for work, and a nice sexy case to show off the iPhone more on the weekends.

[Pika]

The only sexy case I could find is the zagg's invisibleShield anti scratch films because it doesn't add builk and it only protects you from scratch. All those fancy crappy cases that I find on the web like the incase...iskin...zcover...ect just protects your phone from maybe a 1 foot drop... More then that, the case brake and scrach the phone on an impact. Those one layer sillicon cases are dust magnets and scratch the phone each time you rub it or peal it. If I hit a silicon case on a sharp surface, It could break the phone or worst, break to phone in half. The OtterBox on the other hand is protected with a hard shell case (protects you against sharp objects) + silicon case (protects against shocks)

[nezff]

One problem I just heard about with the power crystal anti glare, is that it is more frosty looking than the cystal version.

Im not sure I want that frosty look? Can anyone confirm this?

the only reason I ordered the anti glare was to try it out on the otterbox to see if the two screens would not stick together.

[Pika]

One problem I just heard about with the power crystal anti glare, is that it is more frosty looking than the cystal version.

Im not sure I want that frosty look? Can anyone confirm this?

the only reason I ordered the anti glare was to try it out on the otterbox to see if the two screens would not stick together.This guy use warp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB7SiZZ_2hg
This guy use eyeglass cleaner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIaIHQxZwK0
This guy use anti-glare: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTq6mJng7dA
This guy use baby powder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im7vvblnzoY
This guy use his hand skin oil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrusbn-cK_c
This guy simply squeeze the case a bit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60na-ft7xis
This guy didn't remove the inside film layer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYcvHj_slWE

[normwood]

I'm still on the fence about my Otterbox.

I put on a anti-glare screen protector and that seems to have eliminated the oil slick. Seems like a little bit of a compromise...not a huge fan of the anti-glare....but one I think I could have lived with....in a vacuum.

Now my issue is the necessity to press harder than heck in the corners to make buttons works. It's supposed to be a 'touch' screen, not a 'press' screen.

I'm probably just being anal as heck....but I am what I am.

It's back in the case vault for now.

Steve

[nezff]

I'm still on the fence about my Otterbox.

I put on a anti-glare screen protector and that seems to have eliminated the oil slick. Seems like a little bit of a compromise...not a huge fan of the anti-glare....but one I think I could have lived with....in a vacuum.

Now my issue is the necessity to press harder than heck in the corners to make buttons works. It's supposed to be a 'touch' screen, not a 'press' screen.

I'm probably just being anal as heck....but I am what I am.

It's back in the case vault for now.

Steve


UPDATE!!

Take that anti glare off, you dont need it.

I just took my wife's iPhone 3G and my iPhone 3GS out of their otterbox cases. I cleaned the phones and inside of the otterboxes. I took a small small amount of baby powder, meaning I had just enough to get in the grooves of my fingerprints on my finger, and rubbed it on the phone and the inside of the otterbox. You can rub a good bit on it then blow it off with compressed air. THE SCREENS DO NOT STICK ANYMORE.

[Nyan]

Ugly

[Pika]

This is great for those who need a case that's not cute but functional. Most of you idiots saying "IT'S UGLY" aren't ever going to need a case that will withstand the abuse snowboarding, camping, paintball, or such things that would demand this extremely abuse-proof case that without would destroy an expensive ass phone. Not to mention it's not like you can't take the phone out if you go to the mall with your preppy friends who have thier "cute" cases.

[newtomac1032]

any problems with hearing the phone ring in this case?

[nezff]

any problems with hearing the phone ring in this case?

no, not at all.

the speakers are open at the bottom. some of the otterboxes with the thin white paper-like film at the bottom like mine, can still hear calls.

If you dont like the film, you can simply remove it.

The otterbox to me is not really ugly. I dont know why people insist of voiceing the opinions on the way it looks. This review is for people thinking of purchasing a otterbox and nothing more. If you dont like the case, fine move on to the other threads showing cases that just protect the back of the phone.

[newtomac1032]

no, not at all.

the speakers are open at the bottom. some of the otterboxes with the thin white paper-like film at the bottom like mine, can still hear calls.

If you dont like the film, you can simply remove it.

The otterbox to me is not really ugly. I dont know why people insist of voiceing the opinions on the way it looks. This review is for people thinking of purchasing a otterbox and nothing more. If you dont like the case, fine move on to the other threads showing cases that just protect the back of the phone.

oh i definately want this case I think it what i need as I said before rather safe than sorry I had just seen some on amazon say the ring volume was a lot lower and that would be a problem. now I guess I just need to figure out the best way to take care of the watermark. no powder around here I guess I can get someone to wipe it down with their hand for me since I need help putting it in the case for me.

[Pika]

the speakers are open at the bottom. some of the otterboxes with the thin white paper-like film at the bottom like mine, can still hear calls.

Unfortunately my speakers are open and don't have this thin white paper-like film at the bottom.

[nezff]

Unfortunately my speakers are open and don't have this thin white paper-like film at the bottom.

not sure where you got yours, but for some reason otterbox took it out for the 3GS iphones due some people complaining of a echo. I would see if they will exchange it for one that has the white paper film like the earpiece.

[Andrew K.]

I completely understand that everyone has opinions of their own. This is not a debate whether the otterbox is ugly or not. I wrote this review for people looking for everyday protection from drops, bumps, dirt, water etc..

There are plenty of cases out there that look like total crap to me also, but im not going in and writing to them about it. I have a switcheasy rebel serpent sitting here brand new that I used for one day, I like the case for the looks, but if I drop it on a uneven surface or even the concrete, I would be worried about the screen breaking.

I hate cases but this one is actually pretty sweet for what it provides. I use mine in a leather sleeve naked, but for recreational stuff: swimming, waterparks, motocross, paintball, other sports I do I think I will not be scared taking my 3G in this case :D thanks OP I think I'll buy one now!

[Pika]

not sure where you got yours, but for some reason otterbox took it out for the 3GS iphones due some people complaining of a echo. I would see if they will exchange it for one that has the white paper film like the earpiece.

I got mine from the OtterBox site itself purchased last week when they included the "3GS" label in their "iPhone 3G Defender Case"... now it's "iPhone 3G/3GS Defender Case". I Called them and they told me it was because of "echo issue"

[catsrcul]

I purchased an otter box after damaging my old 3G. The AT & T guy said that if one drop of water gets into the port for the battery charger the metal will oxidize. My phone worked but wouldn't charge.

I have a 3Gs now protected by an OtterBox. No one has complained of any echos.

Thanks for the powder suggestion to treat the water marks.
I used baking powder. I suppose baking soda would have worked as well.

Water mark hater,
Kair

[Sanveann]

I've been using a Defender (with the antiglare screen) since I got it, and I'm really happy with it. I don't find any problems with the screen being less sensitive, btw. (Though sometimes the corners can be a little hard to get to.)

I have a 2-year-old who LOVES electronics, especially phones, and I'm a huge klutz myself, so to me, it was a great investment. (I've already dropped my phone a couple of times -- just inside, fortunately.)

It's not a beautiful case, but I'd rather have a plain-Jane case and a working iPhone than a gorgeous case and a broken iPhone.

Oh, and I saw the YouTube tests, too ... seriously? A 22-foot drop? I don't plan on chucking it off the top of a building or anything.

[Kadman]

I've had my Otterbox Defender for a few weeks now. It's more of a "weekend" case for me. I have a Power Support Crystal Film over my 3GS and switch back and forth between this case and a Candy Shell that I use during the week. Yes, it's bulky but it still works as a pocket phone. I also like that the belt clip can be used as a stand for watching movies (I use it to set on the counter and use the Sling app while I'm working on various home projects but want to keep up with a game.

Also of note: A 22 foot test is irrelevant. What would be much more relevant is in combination with an 8 ft drop test would be a series of water based tests that would simulate:

Running from a building to a car in a downpour
A splash from a nearby pool
A drink spill into your lap
etc.

Not many other cases can do what the Otterbox does.

[newtomac1032]

I spoke to Harrison at otterbox this afternoon and he did tell me that the otterbox echo problem was being adressed and should no longer be an issue with the new cases. He also stated that the watermark issue was being addressed and that combined with the new screen on the 3gs it should be a rare occurance as well.

[nezff]

I spoke to Harrison at otterbox this afternoon and he did tell me that the otterbox echo problem was being adressed and should no longer be an issue with the new cases. He also stated that the watermark issue was being addressed and that combined with the new screen on the 3gs it should be a rare occurance as well.

are the new and improved cases shipping now? There are some members who got cases without speaker foam which was suppose to cause the echo. I bought the otterbox around 2 days before the 3GS release, so I assume I have the original batch of cases.

[Pika]

If I'm the only member without speaker filter then i assume i have new and improved case. Therefore, the case hasn't changed much.

... i was expecting some "Armor Case series" for the iPhone 3GS or a totally new design.

[alexmadison]

I spoke to Harrison at otterbox this afternoon and he did tell me that the otterbox echo problem was being adressed and should no longer be an issue with the new cases. He also stated that the watermark issue was being addressed and that combined with the new screen on the 3gs it should be a rare occurance as well.

Do you have a shipped Date for the new cases?

[Andrew K.]

If I'm the only member without speaker filter then i assume i have new and improved case. Therefore, the case hasn't changed much.

... i was expecting some "Armor Case series" for the iPhone 3GS or a totally new design.

do they sell a full waterproof one yet? Don't you think the should if they don't? I really like that white Defender the OP has.

Hey I'm STILL waiting to put my duct tape iPhone case in from you :mad: $90 right? :D

[Pika]

Hey I'm STILL waiting to put my duct tape iPhone case in from you :mad: $90 right? :DGood thing i found out the OtterBox :o . I really really really needed a hard case to protect my iPhone 3G from coalition because i do Judo/Cycling/Running everyday with my iPhone 3G.

This is what i've been using before i discovered OtterBox:

zCover iSAglove + zagg invisible shield + plastic bag + Jell-O box warped with silver duct-tape. :mad:

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1108/sdc10254a.jpg

Now i have the new iPhone 3GS and OtterBox Defender so... i'm good to go.

do they sell a full waterproof one yet?

Not yet. I always wanted an iPhone 3GS Armor Case but instead they have the defender.. so i guess i will have to wrap the defender with a plastic bag to make it water proof.Hey I'm STILL waiting to put my duct tape iPhone case in from you :mad: $90 right? :DI still need it.

[Andrew K.]

I still need it.

DAMN DAMN DAMN :D haha anyway what color you getting I really like the white but I'm sure it'll get dirty faster.

[Pika]

DAMN DAMN DAMN :D haha anyway what color you getting I really like the white but I'm sure it'll get dirty faster.I just got the white yesterday.

[newtomac1032]

Do you have a shipped Date for the new cases?

sorry didn't think to ask from the way he spoke it would be soon if not now

[Pika]

sorry didn't think to ask from the way he spoke it would be soon if not now

I got my case by waiting 5 buisiness days for them to start shipping + 2 buissiness days of shipping. So if you buy it now (July 1st), you'll get till July 10th.

[nezff]

I have the white one on my 3GS now. I have another brand new black one which I took the black silicon outer shell and put it over the white hard plastic and it looks great. To me, it looks better than the all white. I hate the yellow and black. I got the pink one for my wife.

Here is some quick pics of the black silicon over the white shell which i think looks pretty darn good.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/IMG_0037.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/IMG_0038.jpg

[na300zx]

Hey guys, don't really mean to be off topic or hijack this thread but I too was also looking at this case but decided to go with the iskin revo 2 + best skin ever. Probably overkill but I'm very picky about my gadgets ;) I must say I love the revo, not to bulky but very solid, the buttons are also not that hard to press, which surprised me. It also protects the mic hole and charging port nicely with silicone flaps that fit nicely. I have a speck case that I revert to on the weekend but for work I keep the revo on. Edit for link: http://www.iskin.com/revo2_overview.html

Thanks,

Matt

[Randman]

Gotta figure first posters pushing a web site are just hawking. Fail.

[Gonzo3333]

How do you fit that thing in your pocket?

[nezff]

How do you fit that thing in your pocket?

it fits fine in my work pants pocket. thats where I carry it most of the time.

contrary to what most people think of the bulkiness, it is only 1/4 of a inch thicker than the actual phone itself.

[Ironworker808]

Best

Case

EVER!

Here is a repost from the 'What is the purpose of a case?' thread. Pretty much covers why I love the Otterbox.

The purpose of a case is dependent upon the individual. It usually falls into one of two categories.

Style or Protection. Most cases do one of these very well, while sacrificing the other.

After reading these forums for a short time, it would seem to me that the majority of posters choose their cases for maximum style combined with minimal protection. The iPhone has a unique look, and most don't want to detract from that. Yet they want their iPhone to... stand out, if you will, from other iPhones. It used to be just owning an iPhone was enough to do that. But with over 10 million of them floating around the United States, people have taken to doing that little bit more to make their phones unique... just like everyone else. ;)

At the other end of the spectrum, are people like myself. I've always equated 'thick' phones to 'durable' phones. (Right or wrong, it's a mindset I got myself into many years ago, and I doubt I'll ever shake it.)

Combine that ↑, with my history of being rough on phones, combined with my occupation (see screen name) and you have a person who wants/needs maximum protection. So I went with an Otterbox Defender. Even in the case it is thinner than my last phone (a Palm Treo 755wx) so it doesn't even feel 'bulky'.

I've had the phone and case for just a couple of weeks (and before anyone asks, I already went back to AT&T and claimed 'buyers remorse' and pre-ordered a 3G S for a low upgrade fee of zero dollars :D) and already the Otterbox has saved my phone three times. Dropped it once from waist height onto a concrete sidewalk, once from chest height down a flight of carpet covered stairs (About seven or eight of them) and once from about 15 feet onto a carpeted wood floor. Not a scratch on the case, and the phone never stopped working or had any other problems. Not even temporary ones. So I feel my $50 case (plus shipping) has saved me a couple hundred dollars a few times over.

To top it off, I've received several compliments on the look of the case, from friends and strangers. So I feel that I've got the best of both worlds. Maximum protection with a bit of style.

In short, the purpose of a case is for it to do what the owner of said case wants it to.

I used the baby powder solution to get rid of the watermarks, I have the white inserts and have no problem with echo or with hearing the phone ring. My work environment is usually loud so I have it set to vibrate also.

Love this case, will never use another.

[nezff]

I just redid the baby powder solution on mine a different way. I just squeezed the bottle a little to dust the powder on the otterbox screen.

worked better than rubbing it on with your finger.

[nezff]

I have heard that otterbox has redone their cases to correct the echo issue and are working on the watermark.

[Kadman]

My main reason for getting the Otterbox Defender was more for the shock protection and I must admit I like the plugs that cover the ports. That said, I wasn't really looking for a totally sealed solution and while I could see mild rain protection, etc being of benefit, I wasn't after significant water protection. In addition I do use another case in some situations (Speck Candy Shell) so the baby powder trick, while it works, was annoying to get just right and prevented fast swapping between cases.

Therefore, I did something pretty dramatic to my Defender case but it's made all the difference in the world to make this the perfect case for my needs. I took a razor knife and carefully cut away the clear plastic film from the facing of the case. I now rely solely on my Power Support Crystal Film to protect the display. I did not peel away the clear plastic away (i.e. didn't remove the adhesive) as I wanted the part under the bezel to remain there so I didn't have a large gap between the face of the phone and the plastic bezel. Yes, I've reduced splash protection from the face, but the trade-off was worth it for my needs. I now have a very rugged case that still has the touch sensitivity and clarity of the naked phone (with the PS Crystal Film, of course).

I've been using it this way for about a week now and love it!

[Pika]

I have heard that otterbox has redone their cases to correct the echo issue and are working on the watermark.

They fixed those issues. They made the holes bigger for the echos and they have a new oleo screen protector.

[nezff]

they have a new oleo screen protector.

where did you hear this? I talked to a girl at otterbox yesterday and she said they were working on it, they didnt know why the watermark was coming up?

edit: Just talked to otterbox about a minute ago, No updates on the screen. There has been a update on the foam inside the case. There are now stiff foam donut-looking surrounds on the white this paper like covers on the speakers.

[KD7CAO]

I purchased an Otterbox Defender (Yellow/Black) on eBay for about 1/3 the cost of ordering through Otterbox Direct. There are several reasons why I love this case. First, I wanted protection, I work in Emergency Management so I'm in the field, around hazardous areas, and I needed a case that could protect my phone. Second, I wanted to offer a little bit of water protection, I killed a previous phone with sweat and this would give it just that little bit of edge it needs. Third, I wanted to bulk up the phone. Whoever thought of the stupid idea of making the phone slippery as a bar of wet soap was using to much turpentine or living around Ethyl-Methyl-Death.

This case appears to have solved all those issues for me, the only complaints I have is no way to make it fully 100% Waterproof, the silence switch cover doesn't fit quite right, and the headphone jack is the same. The only other problem is that the screen has bubbles under it from the screen protector not having any kind of adhesive to it. Otterbox assures me they are working on a solution and it will be provided as a free fix to all users.

The phone is now a wonderful yellow/black, easier to hold, and easier to spot if I drop it somewhere.

Thanks Otterbox!

[newtomac1032]

where did you hear this? I talked to a girl at otterbox yesterday and she said they were working on it, they didnt know why the watermark was coming up?

edit: Just talked to otterbox about a minute ago, No updates on the screen. There has been a update on the foam inside the case. There are now stiff foam donut-looking surrounds on the white this paper like covers on the speakers.

what is the foam supposed to help with?

[nezff]

what is the foam supposed to help with?

It was supposed to help with the echo problem that some people were complaining about. I havent had this problem.

I purchased an Otterbox Defender (Yellow/Black) on eBay for about 1/3 the cost of ordering through Otterbox Direct. The only other problem is that the screen has bubbles under it from the screen protector not having any kind of adhesive to it. Otterbox assures me they are working on a solution and it will be provided as a free fix to all users.

Thanks Otterbox!

I ordered mine off ebay also for the price of $32.99
As far as the bubble problem. Take the case apart, wipe down the inside of it. Get a bottle of baby powder and shake it up real good with the lid closed. Take the inside of the case and hold it over the bottle about 6 inches or more. Lightly squeeze the baby powder and just DUST it on the inside of the case. A little goes along way. NO MORE BUBBLE/WATERMARK.

[equlizer]

I have a good question! How easily does the otterbox screen scratch? Cause once it has em, your pooched:mad:

If you already have a screen protector on the phone, do you have to take it off before putting the phone in the otterbox?

[Pika]

The only complaints I have is no way to make it fully 100% Waterproof.

Otterbox Defender case + Ziploc bag

[nezff]

I have a good question! How easily does the otterbox screen scratch? Cause once it has em, your pooched:mad:

If you already have a screen protector on the phone, do you have to take it off before putting the phone in the otterbox?

As I stated above. I have a screen protector film on all my gadgets and they are in the otterbox. You dont have to take the film off.

[topherg]

just got my defender case.... I hate the stupid water marks!! I tried to apply the full body zagg invisible shield but failed several times.. I finally gave up and just stuck my iphone in the defender case... should I be worried about the body of my iphone being scratched by the hard plastic inner case??

[nezff]

just got my defender case.... I hate the stupid water marks!! I tried to apply the full body zagg invisible shield but failed several times.. I finally gave up and just stuck my iphone in the defender case... should I be worried about the body of my iphone being scratched by the hard plastic inner case??

no you will be fine. i have had mine in it since launch day. no scratches.
If you dont like the watermark, use the baby powder solution I have explained.

[Che Castro]

im usin the sedio innocase 2

I will use the otterbox during winter when theres heavy snow

[topherg]

no you will be fine. i have had mine in it since launch day. no scratches.
If you dont like the watermark, use the baby powder solution I have explained.

Baby powder did the trick but didn't last very long... Water marks are back! My case also was missing the protective film that goes over the plastic screen and the plastic windows on the back plastic screens... My front screen also came with a nice scratch :(

[nezff]

Baby powder did the trick but didn't last very long... Water marks are back! My case also was missing the protective film that goes over the plastic screen and the plastic windows on the back plastic screens... My front screen also came with a nice scratch :(

your otterbox came without the plastic screen and the plastic window on the camera and apple logo? Surely not. I assume you mean the shield you peel off. There is not one. I have had four otterbox cases for the iphone 3g and 3gs and none of them came with that membrane you peel off like a screen protector has.

Also the baby powder should not wear off. I have had mine without watermarks for weeks now. Did you dust it on by squeezing the powder? If you dont have any luck, the Power Support anti-glare I heard will do the trick. I have two brand new ones sitting here, but havent tried them.

Here are a couple new shots of my 3GS and my wife's 3G.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/DSC01919.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/DSC01921.jpg

[WPB2]

I have a good question! How easily does the otterbox screen scratch? Cause once it has em, your pooched:mad:

If you already have a screen protector on the phone, do you have to take it off before putting the phone in the otterbox?

No my buddy has a anti-glare on his screen under his otter box screen protector.

[Che Castro]

is the 3gs otterbox case the same from the 3g otterbox case?

I bought my ottoerbox case in june for my 3g

since the tittle of the thread says 3gs im assuming this is a new case that otterbox made for the 3gs, different then the one I have now for the 3g?

[Pika]

is the 3gs otterbox case the same from the 3g otterbox case?

I bought my ottoerbox case in june for my 3g

since the tittle of the thread says 3gs im assuming this is a new case that otterbox made for the 3gs, different then the one I have now for the 3g?

It's the same thing.

Here's my case.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3715811576_7077a85ea6.jpg

[topherg]

your otterbox came without the plastic screen and the plastic window on the camera and apple logo? Surely not. I assume you mean the shield you peel off. There is not one. I have had four otterbox cases for the iphone 3g and 3gs and none of them came with that membrane you peel off like a screen protector has.

Also the baby powder should not wear off. I have had mine without watermarks for weeks now. Did you dust it on by squeezing the powder? If you dont have any luck, the Power Support anti-glare I heard will do the trick. I have two brand new ones sitting here, but havent tried them.

Here are a couple new shots of my 3GS and my wife's 3G.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/DSC01919.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/DSC01921.jpg

thanks for the pics! I'm digging the black on white!! Oops.. On the otterbox it says to remove plastic membrane before putting your iPhone in the case. I emailed otterbox about my screen being scratched over the weekend and today I got an email from them with a tracking number for a new case! Man, I'm really impressed with their customer service!

I might go buy the antiglare screen protector.... Just something about putting babypowder on my iPhone/case that doesn't sit right with me!

[dukebound85]

otterbox is based out of my home town lol how cool is that

[topherg]

Im impressed with their iphone 3g/3gs case! I've always been skeptical about cases as some can do more bad that good when it comes to scratches! So far the defender case has been great! I'm excited to see what otterbox will come up with next!

[nezff]

thanks for the pics! I'm digging the black on white!! Oops.. On the otterbox it says to remove plastic membrane before putting your iPhone in the case. I emailed otterbox about my screen being scratched over the weekend and today I got an email from them with a tracking number for a new case! Man, I'm really impressed with their customer service!

I might go buy the antiglare screen protector.... Just something about putting babypowder on my iPhone/case that doesn't sit right with me!

I have never seen a membrane on the iphone cases. My ipod touch had one on it, but my iphone cases didnt have any membrane. Otterbox has great service. They sent me a whole new case just because of a little tear on the silicon. So I got a new one from otterbox in black. I just combined my white and black one.

The baby powder is not what you might think. There is so little of it on the inside of the otterbox, that you cant even see it.

I tell you what, take a pic of your phone in the otterbox before the anit glare, then take a pic of it after the anti glare and post it for me in this thread. I have two anti glares at home that I might use.

is the 3gs otterbox case the same from the 3g otterbox case?

I bought my ottoerbox case in june for my 3g

since the tittle of the thread says 3gs im assuming this is a new case that otterbox made for the 3gs, different then the one I have now for the 3g?


Yeah they are the same. I ordered mine about a week before the 3gs ipones came out.

[Pika]

Wich cloth should I use to clean the inside? Is cleaning the inside part screen shield frequently damage it? Is opening and closing the case damage the clippers?

[nezff]

Wich cloth should I use to clean the inside? Is cleaning the inside part screen shield frequently damage it? Is opening and closing the case damage the clippers?

I use a very soft microfiber cloth to clean the whole thing. I dont open mine all the time, I wouldnt know.

[topherg]

Wich cloth should I use to clean the inside? Is cleaning the inside part screen shield frequently damage it? Is opening and closing the case damage the clippers?

I use microfiber to clean the case... It's a really sturdy case, I've removed mine at least once a day and I've had my otterbox defender for a week... Clips still clip!

[jacobgaul]

this thing is seriously FUGLY

[nezff]

this thing is seriously FUGLY

If you dont like it, stay out of the thread. This is not a beauty contest winner, but will protect the iphone better than many if not any other cases out there.

[topherg]

If you dont like it, stay out of the thread. This is not a beauty contest winner, but will protect the iphone better than many if not any other cases out there.

I love the way my all black defender case looks!! My friends have dubbed my case "The Batmobile"

[Kadman]

I like my Defender case but it absolutely changes the look of the device so drastically that it almost looks like some other brand of phone that happens to be running the iPhone OS. In fact, the first thing I would change in a new Defender design would be to scrap the idea of a window that shows the Apple logo. It serves no purpose except to "show off" that you have an iPhone. I really have no interest in that.

[Kadman]

this thing is seriously FUGLY

So is your mother, but obviously she was still able to trick someone into helping her conceive you!

[Pika]

Thanks guys...

I wonder how long the baby powder solution is going to take against those watermarks... I used foot poweder Dr.Scholls.

[billy99]

I am almost positive at one point I saw an Otterbox case that actually was waterproof, to 12 feet. The case actually has a ear bud jack that plugs into your phone, and you can plug water proof ear buds into the Otterbox case. The only complaints I read were that you had to have ear buds to actually talk on the phone because there is water proof (resistant?) film over the mic and speaker. I just checked Otterbox's site though and I didn't see it anymore...

Thanks for the review nezff.

[topherg]

I am almost positive at one point I saw an Otterbox case that actually was waterproof, to 12 feet. The case actually has a ear bud jack that plugs into your phone, and you can plug water proof ear buds into the Otterbox case. The only complaints I read were that you had to have ear buds to actually talk on the phone because there is water proof (resistant?) film over the mic and speaker. I just checked Otterbox's site though and I didn't see it anymore...

Thanks for the review nezff.

Discontinued... Not sure as to why... Maybe it wasn't water proof after all.

[billy99]

Discontinued... Not sure as to why... Maybe it wasn't water proof after all.

Hahah. Maybe they got tired of replacing water damaged iPhones!?

In case anyone is interested, here is another water proof case I came upon. Sorry, off thread topic because it's not otterbox, but here it is, and they have an iPhone replacement guarantee.

Http://www.h2oaudio.com/waterproof_armbands_and_cases.php

[jamac427]

They only made that case for the original iPhone and everyone complained cause theres a jack built into case that gives you no option of using the phone without headphones....my brother has one that he uses for construction but takes it out whenever he's not working, mine has only left it's case to check the water sensor after dropping it in a full sink...(GB)hehe... and again when i dropped it in a wet gutter when drunk... glad to report im still under warranty

Otterbox is a cool company too they have awesome customer service...I got lucky (in retrospect) and got an opened package from them with my 3G and wrote a complaint to have them take it back and send out a new one and they just sent out another and said to keep the opened one... i left that one on my 3g and used the new one on my 3gs...

I had the watermark screen problem with the first one and kinda fixed it with the powder fix... although it would come back after a few days... so i switched to the using palm sweat/grease and spread it on the screen then wiped it so i couldn't see smudges and haven't seen a watermark since...

[jamac427]

In case anyone is interested, here is another water proof case I came upon. Sorry, off thread topic because it's not otterbox, but here it is, and they have an iPhone replacement guarantee.

Http://www.h2oaudio.com/waterproof_armbands_and_cases.php

OK the otterbox defender adds a bit of bulk but it still fits in the pocket and is fit for everyday use (by some)...this h20 audio thing is more fit for snorkeling

[eron]

Got 1 for my girlfriend. The silicon has a nice texture. The pink looks good on her too. That being said, a "bigger" phone does look better on her too.

Definitely a good product for those that want the protection.

[nezff]

Got 1 for my girlfriend. The silicon has a nice texture. The pink looks good on her too. That being said, a "bigger" phone does look better on her too.

Definitely a good product for those that want the protection.

The phone is only like 1/4 inch thicker. It doesnt add that much. the iphone itself is 1/2 thick. the otterbox makes it 3/4 thick.



Thanks for the review nezff.

no problem

[jamac427]

are those the speaker holes at the bottom? I do know that some people were complaining about a echo from their speakers on the 3GS, but I have not had heard that on my 3GS. I know that otterbox also was taking the cases back from retailers and taking the foam out and sending them back.

Here is some quick pics of the black silicon over the white shell which i think looks pretty darn good.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/IMG_0037.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r47/nezff/iPhone%203GS/IMG_0038.jpg

Can you take a pic of the white silicon over the black hardshell? Im trying to decide on buying a yellow/black or black/black depending on how the black/white combo looks...

[MOSTLY]

Ive got a yellow and black one...

It rocks!!!!

dropped it many times!
no probs!

[nezff]

Can you take a pic of the white silicon over the black hardshell? Im trying to decide on buying a yellow/black or black/black depending on how the black/white combo looks...


I have that combo in my desk. the white on black looks ok. the black on white just looks better.

[tbird2340]

I've had the black / yellow for almost a year. Love this case..

Anyone know if there is a docking station that will work with it?

[pirate6955]

well got the otterbox. very nice, very nice. much less bulk than expected. really not bulky at all. it is the new 'no-echo' version with the foam doughnuts.
there is no echo. the watermark issue still exists with the 3gs. used anti-glare to alleviate but dont like the way the screen looks now. will try a clear protector instead and should be ok.

but my issue is this..... i have watched all the videos of people having one hell of a time getting the case out of the clip. because they were not sliding up just trying to pull outward. mine comes out easier outward than up. too easy actually. i dont feel safe with it at all. one nudge and it is free to fall. yes the screen is facing inward toward the clip. but if i bump it with my arm or apply any amount of outward pressure it is free. i dont like it.

i hope this is not yet another change made to the case. i sent them email about this and am awaiting a reply. i havent seen anyone else reporting this issue other than one here who had the screen outward. it all looks fine and assembled without glitch.

any ideas from the forum? something i might be missing??

thanx

[pirate6955]

I've had the black / yellow for almost a year. Love this case..

Anyone know if there is a docking station that will work with it?

a dock extender [not the cable style] allows me to use my richard solo battery and my bose sound docks while in the case. the flap that covers the port has to be just right as it extends almost as far as the dock extender but its not a problem. it would also fit in the standard dock like this but there is no support behind the phone with my setup. in the bose it can only go backwards a slight bit before it rests on the speaker.....

[fredf]

tried the Incipio Superhero?

[Kadman]

well got the otterbox. very nice, very nice. much less bulk than expected. really not bulky at all. it is the new 'no-echo' version with the foam doughnuts.
there is no echo. the watermark issue still exists with the 3gs. used anti-glare to alleviate but dont like the way the screen looks now. will try a clear protector instead and should be ok.

but my issue is this..... i have watched all the videos of people having one hell of a time getting the case out of the clip. because they were not sliding up just trying to pull outward. mine comes out easier outward than up. too easy actually. i dont feel safe with it at all. one nudge and it is free to fall. yes the screen is facing inward toward the clip. but if i bump it with my arm or apply any amount of outward pressure it is free. i dont like it.

i hope this is not yet another change made to the case. i sent them email about this and am awaiting a reply. i havent seen anyone else reporting this issue other than one here who had the screen outward. it all looks fine and assembled without glitch.

any ideas from the forum? something i might be missing??

thanx

I haven't had this issue with mine. I'm hoping your service call results in either a new clip, case or both. When facing inward I simply use their described method of pushing inward in the center and it pops up a bit then I just swing it out to the side from there. What you describe is happening when facing inward sounds like the way mine feels when it's facing outward. It doesn't really lock in very well in that position and I don't feel comfortable with it that way. I don't want the screen facing outward anyway, so it's not big deal (except when using it as a stand to watch video, but the lack of grip isn't really an issue then).

Good luck in getting that resolved. I can definitely say they aren't all like that.

[=MuLti-CeLL=]

well got the otterbox. very nice, very nice. much less bulk than expected. really not bulky at all. it is the new 'no-echo' version with the foam doughnuts.
there is no echo. the watermark issue still exists with the 3gs. used anti-glare to alleviate but dont like the way the screen looks now. will try a clear protector instead and should be ok.

but my issue is this..... i have watched all the videos of people having one hell of a time getting the case out of the clip. because they were not sliding up just trying to pull outward. mine comes out easier outward than up. too easy actually. i dont feel safe with it at all. one nudge and it is free to fall. yes the screen is facing inward toward the clip. but if i bump it with my arm or apply any amount of outward pressure it is free. i dont like it.

i hope this is not yet another change made to the case. i sent them email about this and am awaiting a reply. i havent seen anyone else reporting this issue other than one here who had the screen outward. it all looks fine and assembled without glitch.

any ideas from the forum? something i might be missing??

thanx

I hate to say it but mine is the same way!

I thought I was just being too picky about it and that's just the way it is but I'm constantly checking it to make sure it hasn't fallen out of the clip. And this is with the screen facing in like you mentioned.

I'm paranoid it's going to fall out and I'm not going to notice.

Curious to see what they send you back. Be sure and post it for us! Thanx.

[pirate6955]

I hate to say it but mine is the same way!

I thought I was just being too picky about it and that's just the way it is but I'm constantly checking it to make sure it hasn't fallen out of the clip. And this is with the screen facing in like you mentioned.

I'm paranoid it's going to fall out and I'm not going to notice.

Curious to see what they send you back. Be sure and post it for us! Thanx.

Well I sent email and they answered right away saying they are sending a new clip. Prob won't have it until after the weekend though. I will let you know if that fixed it. Very good service.

Do you guys know if a clear screen protector also fixes the watermark or does it have to be anti-glare? The grain is killing me. I have a DLO on there now and it's funky for me. Maybe a different brand is not so grainy?

[Kadman]

Well I sent email and they answered right away saying they are sending a new clip. Prob won't have it until after the weekend though. I will let you know if that fixed it. Very good service.

Do you guys know if a clear screen protector also fixes the watermark or does it have to be anti-glare? The grain is killing me. I have a DLO on there now and it's funky for me. Maybe a different brand is not so grainy?

Ultimately I was never happy with either the powder or the skin oil tricks so I ended up using a razor knife and cutting the film out of the Otterbox case. Now I rely on my Power Support Crystal Film to protect the display. Yes, I lose some splash protection this way but I'm 100% happy with it as I'm really just after the shock and port protection, like the better feel in the hand with the case, and like the stand that the clip provides.

[Love Juice]

well got the otterbox. very nice, very nice. much less bulk than expected. really not bulky at all. it is the new 'no-echo' version with the foam doughnuts.
there is no echo. the watermark issue still exists with the 3gs. used anti-glare to alleviate but dont like the way the screen looks now. will try a clear protector instead and should be ok.
what are these foam doughnuts you're talking about. i received mine yesterday, and have paper in them. did they send me the older style? mine has the 3gs sticker on the box :)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j261/mrebean/IMG_0253.jpg

[pirate6955]

what are these foam doughnuts you're talking about. i received mine yesterday, and have paper in them. did they send me the older style? mine has the 3gs sticker on the box :)



the foam doughnut is inside. it seals the mic/speaker to the area covered by the white material in your photo. surely we have the same things..

they look like those adhesive paper circles you would stick on notebook paper to beef up the holes. but made out of foam. one of mine was stuck on slightly covering the opening and i slid it over a bit.

[Love Juice]

the foam doughnut is inside. it seals the mic/speaker to the area covered by the white material in your photo. surely we have the same things..

they look like those adhesive paper circles you would stick on notebook paper to beef up the holes. but made out of foam. one of mine was stuck on slightly covering the opening and i slid it over a bit.
i assume like so?

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j261/mrebean/IMG_0002_5.jpg

[judgecrandall]

Is lint a problem with this case? Also, for those with the white case, does it get dirty easily? And if so, is it easy to clean? Thanks!

[jamac427]

Have had two white ones one on my 3g and a fresh one for my 3gs... the old one was still clean despite season through the desert and various moto tracks... where everything gets dirty... other than having to clean the speaker ports with a cue tip occasionally they've held up great..cleaned once when selling with 3g with simple green after 6 months use and looked just as good as the fresh one...have always kept in my pocket just cause im not a belt clip kinda guy and screen holds up pretty well too.

[Pika]

Is lint a problem with this case? Also, for those with the white case, does it get dirty easily? And if so, is it easy to clean? Thanks!

- Yes lint is a problem when it gets on the inside.
- Yes i have the pure white one and it gets dirty easy but at least you can see them instead of blindly hide them in black.
- Yes it's kinda easy to clean. The rubber layer can be cleaned with just water and gentle woman soap like DOVE.

[Pika]

i assume like so?

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j261/mrebean/IMG_0002_5.jpg

Mine doesn't have the audio paper protection... just the donut foam but not the paper that cover the speakers. How could this be ? :mad:

[pirate6955]

i assume like so?



ya man, thats it. one of my foamies was on a little crooked. yours are better placed than mine were.

what is your opinion on the sound quality? do you think the volume has decreased since you installed the case. sometimes i think my ringer is harder to hear than it was. but then i also think my head is playing games with me.
i experimented by playing audio and slipping it in and out of the case with negligible change. but i still think it quieter sometimes.....

i'd consider punching out the papers if i had a different job. my job is super dirty and it just would cause trouble for me.

overall i gotta say this case is better than i expected. i do have a need for such a case and i feel this case really fits the bill.

[Love Juice]

...what is your opinion on the sound quality? do you think the volume has decreased since you installed the case. sometimes i think my ringer is harder to hear than it was. but then i also think my head is playing games with me.
i experimented by playing audio and slipping it in and out of the case with negligible change. but i still think it quieter sometimes.....

i haven't noticed a decrease in the ringer, but i have a pretty loud ring for a ringtone. when music comes from it though, it seems like i've had to turn it up a lil bit than i used to. the ports are also easily blocked by my hands if playing a game, which dramatically reduces the sound (naturally). these minor things don't bother me though, as it's the best protection out there so far :)

[pirate6955]

- Yes lint is a problem when it gets on the inside.
- Yes i have the pure white one and it gets dirty easy but at least you can see them instead of blindly hide them in black.
- Yes it's kinda easy to clean. The rubber layer can be cleaned with just water and gentle woman soap like DOVE.

maybe the lack of paper covers is allowing lint to enter? but the foam should stop that i guess now that i think of it.... anyway i work with alot of coal dust and i dont seem to get any dust inside. not yet anyway.. but maybe my papers will get plugged with dust down the road.

[JoelMarcey]

I have heard that otterbox has redone their cases to correct the echo issue and are working on the watermark.

I went through this thread, and see there are two main problems people are discussing:

a. Echo coming from the speakers
b. Watermark between the built-in protective layer and the screen

Here are my questions:

1. Is OtterBox now shipping Defender cases that fix the echo? If so, does that mean I should by them straight from OtterBox to get the fix or will somewhere like Buy.com have these updated cases (where you can get them for 35% cheaper)?
2. Are you guaranteed to see a watermark out of the box? And I wasn't clear in reading this thread....do you see the watermark if you DO use another protective skin underneath (e.g. Power Support)? Or do you see the watermark if there is no protective skin on your iPhone and you are just using the built-in screen protection that Defender provides?
3. Do you see the watermark on both the iPhone 3G and 3GS? I have a 3GS.

[str8spd2001]

How are some of you able to get the Black over white? Is it a special order or did most of you buy 2 and and just switch them around?

[chrono1081]

Wow to each his own I guess.

I never understood cases. You put a bulky case on something to protect it and keep it from getting scratched, however you never get to see it outside its case so....

I dunno. Maybe its just me.

[jamac427]

I went through this thread, and see there are two main problems people are discussing:

a. Echo coming from the speakers
b. Watermark between the built-in protective layer and the screen

Here are my questions:

1. Is OtterBox now shipping Defender cases that fix the echo? If so, does that mean I should by them straight from OtterBox to get the fix or will somewhere like Buy.com have these updated cases (where you can get them for 35% cheaper)?
2. Are you guaranteed to see a watermark out of the box? And I wasn't clear in reading this thread....do you see the watermark if you DO use another protective skin underneath (e.g. Power Support)? Or do you see the watermark if there is no protective skin on your iPhone and you are just using the built-in screen protection that Defender provides?
3. Do you see the watermark on both the iPhone 3G and 3GS? I have a 3GS.

1. yes they are shipping a fixed echo version of the case. Probably safest to get direct from otterbox... buy.com may have their own stock.
2.Probably i had 3g and 3gs and had problem with both although I used to use the powder fix and that worked for a few days although the palm grease/sweat one does work for weeks before spots start showing up again...never tried the anti glare screen protector fix...

3? yeah he has two cases that he's mixing...

[topherg]

Wow to each his own I guess.

I never understood cases. You put a bulky case on something to protect it and keep it from getting scratched, however you never get to see it outside its case so....

I dunno. Maybe its just me.


resell value and accidental drops are the reasons I keep my iphone in an otterbox.... I can throw it on the table, set it down anywhere without fear of scratching my iphone or breaking it.

[Kadman]

Wow to each his own I guess.

I never understood cases. You put a bulky case on something to protect it and keep it from getting scratched, however you never get to see it outside its case so....

I dunno. Maybe its just me.

Why do you assume our reason for buying a case is so it doesn't get scratched? The main reason many buy something like the Otterbox is to protect against breakage due to drops or other, more "care free" use. I let my kids and their friends pass my phone around to choose music, take or share photos & videos, and play games. It's the social nature of this phone over others that led me to put a rugged case on it and know that it's protected against the most common accidents.

[Kadman]

I went through this thread, and see there are two main problems people are discussing:

a. Echo coming from the speakers
b. Watermark between the built-in protective layer and the screen

Here are my questions:

1. Is OtterBox now shipping Defender cases that fix the echo? If so, does that mean I should by them straight from OtterBox to get the fix or will somewhere like Buy.com have these updated cases (where you can get them for 35% cheaper)?
2. Are you guaranteed to see a watermark out of the box? And I wasn't clear in reading this thread....do you see the watermark if you DO use another protective skin underneath (e.g. Power Support)? Or do you see the watermark if there is no protective skin on your iPhone and you are just using the built-in screen protection that Defender provides?
3. Do you see the watermark on both the iPhone 3G and 3GS? I have a 3GS.

1. Last week I ordered a Defender for a friend from Amazon (I have Amazon Prime and he wanted it here fast, for cheap). It showed up with the foam protectors and the white coverings as well. It was $32 from them.
2 & 3. Yes you will see a watermark regardless of 3G, 3GS, with or without a screen protector. Some use the baby powder trick, some use the skin oil trick, but I wasn't happy with either so I cut away the screen protector from the Defender case.

[Love Juice]

Wow to each his own I guess.

I never understood cases. You put a bulky case on something to protect it and keep it from getting scratched, however you never get to see it outside its case so....

I dunno. Maybe its just me.
it's you.

some of us don't care to "show off" our phone, and actually care about protecting an investment. if you want to see your phone, then go get a nice clear case so you and everyone else can admire it every time you use it. have fun though when you it accidentally drop it on the concrete.

piece of mind is worth it to me.

...or maybe it's just us :rolleyes:

[Flash SWT]

Here is some quick pics of the black silicon over the white shell which i think looks pretty darn good.

That black over white looks pretty slick. They should offer that as a standard model.

[eron]

Mine doesn't have the audio paper protection... just the donut foam but not the paper that cover the speakers. How could this be ? :mad:

Same. My foam is blue, case is pink. Could be an 'old version'? Whichever is old...

[pirate6955]

I hate to say it but mine is the same way!

I thought I was just being too picky about it and that's just the way it is but I'm constantly checking it to make sure it hasn't fallen out of the clip. And this is with the screen facing in like you mentioned.

I'm paranoid it's going to fall out and I'm not going to notice.

Curious to see what they send you back. Be sure and post it for us! Thanx.

Ok I got the new clip today. Same as the old clip still not confidence inspiring. I sent them another email and am awaiting their response. I haven't had my phone fall out of the clip yet, but I am OCD about checking for it. I like the case more each day though…

[pirate6955]

Ok I got the new clip today. Same as the old clip still not confidence inspiring. I sent them another email and am awaiting their response. I haven't had my phone fall out of the clip yet, but I am OCD about checking for it. I like the case more each day though…

Ok another update. I just got an email back from them stating they are looking into the issue but have no fix. They suggest heating the clip with a hair dryer and bending the clip in a bit. I will try that after work tonite and report back. After all I have a spare clip now to experiment with.

[nezff]

That black over white looks pretty slick. They should offer that as a standard model.

that would be a nice combination, but not sure how many people would buy it. I know it looks better than that darn yellow and black

[nezff]

1. yes they are shipping a fixed echo version of the case. Probably safest to get direct from otterbox... buy.com may have their own stock.
2.Probably i had 3g and 3gs and had problem with both although I used to use the powder fix and that worked for a few days although the palm grease/sweat one does work for weeks before spots start showing up again...never tried the anti glare screen protector fix...

3? yeah he has two cases that he's mixing...

The anti glare works from what ive heard. I have two of them from power support that I am going to try today or tomorrow. I have 4 power support crystal films as backup.

How are some of you able to get the Black over white? Is it a special order or did most of you buy 2 and and just switch them around?

I am the only one that i have seen on here with the black on white case. I originally ordered the white one and otterbox sent me a replacement for another black one I had, so I just switched the silicon around.


I went through this thread, and see there are two main problems people are discussing:

a. Echo coming from the speakers
b. Watermark between the built-in protective layer and the screen

Here are my questions:

1. Is OtterBox now shipping Defender cases that fix the echo? If so, does that mean I should by them straight from OtterBox to get the fix or will somewhere like Buy.com have these updated cases (where you can get them for 35% cheaper)?
2. Are you guaranteed to see a watermark out of the box? And I wasn't clear in reading this thread....do you see the watermark if you DO use another protective skin underneath (e.g. Power Support)? Or do you see the watermark if there is no protective skin on your iPhone and you are just using the built-in screen protection that Defender provides?
3. Do you see the watermark on both the iPhone 3G and 3GS? I have a 3GS.

I know that accessory depot shipped me a pink one with the updated speaker holes. Basically they just cut the paper out of the speaker holes.

From what ive seen: I have two white ones, one with foam and paper, the other with the donuts and paper.
I have two black ones, one with donuts and paper and the other with foam and paper.
The pink one has foam and no paper.

Mine doesn't have the audio paper protection... just the donut foam but not the paper that cover the speakers. How could this be ? :mad:
it looks like the paper is over the speaker holes.

Is lint a problem with this case? Also, for those with the white case, does it get dirty easily? And if so, is it easy to clean? Thanks!
the white is very easy to clean. I had this one on my phone for about a week. I swapped the white silicon out for the black and like it better due to it not getting dirty as easy.
Same. My foam is blue, case is pink. Could be an 'old version'? Whichever is old...

the new version is the pink cases without the paper over the speakers which I dont like.

[Flash SWT]

I just wanted to say thanks for this thread. Especially the picture of the foam donuts that (I assume) indicate the new no-echo version and the comments that one ordered recently from Amazon had those donuts. I had watched several YouTube reviews but this thread pushed me over the edge.

I got mine today (black from Amazon) and it has both the foam donuts and the paper over the holes. Coming from a ruggedized flip phone, the Otterbox makes me much more comfortable with my iPhone. It is much easier to hold (these things are really slippery without a case, already dropped it once earlier in the week when trying to put it back in my pocket) and I'm not worried about destroying it anymore.

I'm a photojournalist so I'm running around everyday and never know where I'll end up: could be anything from a simple portrait in the studio to a petro-chemical plant fire. My stress level about the iPhone dropped significantly after I strapped it into the Otterbox.

At the moment it is on with only the built-in screen protector and the "oil slick" issue is starting to bug me. I'll be anxious to hear if the Power Support anti-glare (or Crystal) fix the issue. I'm really hoping I won't have to resort to the "cut out the built-in protector" method mentioned earlier in this thread.

EDIT: I forgot to mention I also have a small problem with the headphone jack cover not sealing properly. It sticks up on the side toward the center of the phone no matter what I do. I plan to email them and see what they think.

Again that black over white looks really nice. Gives it just a splash of contrast and personality without being super bright like the all white or pink. I'm a little worried that if I ever drop my black one I'll have trouble finding it, especially at night. That alone would have made me seriously consider the yellow model if it would have been in stock at Amazon. Personally if I were Otterbox I'd consider offering mix-n-match colors on their website.

.

[topherg]

I just wanted to say thanks for this thread. Especially the picture of the foam donuts that (I assume) indicate the new no-echo version and the comments that one ordered recently from Amazon had those donuts. I had watched several YouTube reviews but this thread pushed me over the edge.

I got mine today (black from Amazon) and it has both the foam donuts and the paper over the holes. Coming from a ruggedized flip phone, the Otterbox makes me much more comfortable with my iPhone. It is much easier to hold (these things are really slippery without a case, already dropped it once earlier in the week when trying to put it back in my pocket) and I'm not worried about destroying it anymore.

I'm a photojournalist so I'm running around everyday and never know where I'll end up: could be anything from a simple portrait in the studio to a petro-chemical plant fire. My stress level about the iPhone dropped significantly after I strapped it into the Otterbox.

At the moment it is on with only the built-in screen protector and the "oil slick" issue is starting to bug me. I'll be anxious to hear if the Power Support anti-glare (or Crystal) fix the issue. I'm really hoping I won't have to resort to the "cut out the built-in protector" method mentioned earlier in this thread.

Again that black over white looks really nice. Gives it just a splash of contrast and personality without being super bright like the all white or pink. I'm a little worried that if I ever drop my black one I'll have trouble finding it, especially at night. That alone would have made me seriously consider the yellow model if it would have been in stock at Amazon. Personally if I were Otterbox I'd consider offering mix-n-match colors on their website.

.


Just bought the Power Support anti-glare film and it fixed the water mark issue! No more powdering my case!:)

[nezff]

Just bought the Power Support anti-glare film and it fixed the water mark issue! No more powdering my case!:)

I will try and get around to putting the anti glare on today to confirm this. I have heard it works.

[newtomac1032]

so is the echo issue fixed in the pink version of the case?

[nezff]

so is the echo issue fixed in the pink version of the case?

if the paper is missing over the speakers, yes it has been fixed. I myself never heard any echo.

also, I have confirmed that the power support anti glare does correct the watermark.

[pirate6955]

if the paper is missing over the speakers, yes it has been fixed. I myself never heard any echo.

also, I have confirmed that the power support anti glare does correct the watermark.

Does anyone know if it has to be anti-glare style? I have the dlo anti-glare and I have no water mark, but I don't like the way my screen looks compared to naked. I don't like the grain. Would a clear protector work too?

Also I have no echo and I have the paper and the foamie doughnuts inside the case.

[nezff]

Does anyone know if it has to be anti-glare style? I have the dlo anti-glare and I have no water mark, but I don't like the way my screen looks compared to naked. I don't like the grain. Would a clear protector work too?

Also I have no echo and I have the paper and the foamie doughnuts inside the case.

Anti glare works to correct the watermark.

I have never experienced the echo problem. I know a couple people complained about it and they made some adjustments. I like the paper over the speaker holes.

[Ironworker808]

Dropped my phone yesterday.... again!

Landed flat, face down.

Picked it up, turned it on. Works perfectly.

Otterbox Defender. Best. Case. EVER.

[nezff]

Dropped my phone yesterday.... again!

Landed flat, face down.

Picked it up, turned it on. Works perfectly.

Otterbox Defender. Best. Case. EVER.

my wife dropped hers while putting it in her pocket, and it didnt have a mark on it.

[CosmicSerpent]

I'm thinking about getting an Otterbox... I was going to order it from amazon or buy.com, but I want to make sure I get the updated version with the fixed screen cover and no echo. Has anyone ordered from either of these sites and gotten the new version? I just can't see any reason dropping $50 on a phone case. $32 sounds much more reasonable.

[alm99]

I'm thinking about getting an Otterbox... I was going to order it from amazon or buy.com, but I want to make sure I get the updated version with the fixed screen cover and no echo. Has anyone ordered from either of these sites and gotten the new version? I just can't see any reason dropping $50 on a phone case. $32 sounds much more reasonable.

I ordered the Otterbox from amazon about a month ago and received the older version with the white paper over the earpiece and speakers. I have not had any issues with an echo.

[nezff]

I'm thinking about getting an Otterbox... I was going to order it from amazon or buy.com, but I want to make sure I get the updated version with the fixed screen cover and no echo. Has anyone ordered from either of these sites and gotten the new version? I just can't see any reason dropping $50 on a phone case. $32 sounds much more reasonable.

I am almost positive that there isnt a screen fix. If you order it from a authorized dealer, you can just get a updated one from otterbox warranty service. It doesnt matter anyway, I have never had any echo problem. The only reason it was ever brought up is because a couple people complained. I think you would rather the paper over the speakers for protection.

[CosmicSerpent]

A lot of people claim that they don't hear any echo, despite having an older version of the case. But from what I understood, the echo was happening on the other end of the line. In other words, when you call someone, they'll be the one hearing the echo. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

I'm really hoping they'll fix the screen issue soon. Not only the watermark, but the decreased sensitivity also. Then this would be the perfect case.

[nezff]

A lot of people claim that they don't hear any echo, despite having an older version of the case. But from what I understood, the echo was happening on the other end of the line. In other words, when you call someone, they'll be the one hearing the echo. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

I'm really hoping they'll fix the screen issue soon. Not only the watermark, but the decreased sensitivity also. Then this would be the perfect case.

I dont have any decreased sensitivity on mine, and I have a power support anti glare on my phone.

[pirate6955]

thought i would post this info, or update however you want to look at it. had the case on the fone for 13 work days. very dirty environment. pulverized coal, cinders, ash, dust, heat, grime, to the max degree. took it off today as i am going into my monthly off time and thought i would disassemble and clean things up. also i was curious if anything was getting inside.

on the outside the case looks as shipped. no signs of any wear at all other than some extremely minor scratches on the case screen. but you have to hold it just right in the light to see these hairlines. smaller than hair probably.

i have not dropped the fone. most likely do to the case though ;)

upon opening the case up i found the fone to be completely spotless. it looked the same as when installed. some lint was in the case but no dust or dirt or anything abrasive. the case did not mark the fone at all. nada.

there was some dust between the rubber cover and the hard case for sure.
i rinsed the rubber part in under water and its perfect again.

for me i dont think there is any further need to remove the fone from the hard shell for cleaning but maybe 2 times per year. the rubber i will have to remove every two weeks i think.

that said i have to also say i really appreciate the screen again with nothing over it. i.e. anti-glare and otterbox. no grain, much brighter, lovely.
and the audio is much better from the speaker.

so i am gonna run naked <?> for a few days to bask in the iphone-ness that it is. but there is no denying that my fone would look nothing as it does today were it not for the otterbox. save for the screen. i dont think the screen would have taken any wear had it been naked. but the gloss black back would be scratched. and my jacks would probably be fouled a bit.

i have issues with the case no doubt, albeit minor, but there is no way i feel there is a better case for my needs. this case is absolutely worth the money and minor troubles to me especially looking long term.

hope others find similar results to mine.

[newtomac1032]

one last ? is the sound from the phone IE ringtone/music from the Ipod drastically lower in the otterbox than with another case?

[pirate6955]

one last ? is the sound from the phone IE ringtone/music from the Ipod drastically lower in the otterbox than with another case?

i wouldn't say drastic but for me its definitely noticeable. i actually got around it by custom making some ringtones that optimized what was available with the case and it was fine. think morse code here. but as for other audio out the speaker like slacker or something it does hurt it some.

if i am at home or something the change the case makes to the audio is no problem. in a noisy environment though i had to tweek every little bit out of the ringer.

but if i did not have a _need_ for this case i would not use it. and the audio would be one of the reasons. the reduction in screen quality for me was a bigger hit than the audio.

the audio is as good as i think it could be given the level of protection.
the screen could probably be dealt with differently.

others may differ. my ears are getting old. i work in noise and play way too much music way too loud. and have for 35+ years.... so YMMV.

[amorican]

I just received my Otterbox Defender from Amazon today. First impressions are overall great. I don't know about any Oil Slick problem since my Power Support Anti-Glare screen protector seems to take care of that. I also received a case with the protectors over the speaker, microphone, and earpiece, but have not made a call on it yet so I'll have to post back about any echo affect.

I don't mind the extra bulk, I have big hands so the phone fits better in them with a big case on it. I'm switching from a Candy Shell as I need more protection due to my job. I deliver and make pizzas, and I'm outside in many weather conditions, and my phone is exposed to excessive amounts of dough flour, which accumulates in the bezel etc... which I don't want to end up under the screen. Theis case seems like it will protect from that issue.

My only complaints so far are that the height of the case around the edge of the screen make it difficult to hit letters and "buttons" near the edge. Also, the screen sensitivity is a bit decreased by the case, but I'm already getting used to that.

Overall it seems that there is not a more protective case out there. I really appreciate the port covers as now I'm not so worried about a rogue small drop of water or humidity triggering a water sensor. So far, I love it. We'll see with time if that continues, and if so I might order a white one too so I can mix and match it with my black one for the contrast.

[BigPont]

Hey everyone. First post here. I've been lurking for a while now, but thought I'd make the jump and sign up. Great thread OP. One of the main reasons I ended up getting the Otterbox. I received it in the mail today. Only problem is that somehow the plastic case has a slight crack in it. It's really not that big of a deal and has no effect on its use. However, it is annoying and I'd rather have one that isn't cracked. My question is, if I call them to let them know this, will they make me send it back before they send me a new one? Like I said, it still works fine and I don't really want to have to go a couple weeks without a case. It seems like they wouldn't since it's not my fault, but I'm not sure. I keep hearing how great the customer service is so I hope they can make me happy. Any ideas?

[nezff]

Hey everyone. First post here. I've been lurking for a while now, but thought I'd make the jump and sign up. Great thread OP. One of the main reasons I ended up getting the Otterbox. I received it in the mail today. Only problem is that somehow the plastic case has a slight crack in it. It's really not that big of a deal and has no effect on its use. However, it is annoying and I'd rather have one that isn't cracked. My question is, if I call them to let them know this, will they make me send it back before they send me a new one? Like I said, it still works fine and I don't really want to have to go a couple weeks without a case. It seems like they wouldn't since it's not my fault, but I'm not sure. I keep hearing how great the customer service is so I hope they can make me happy. Any ideas?

they will probably just send you a brand new one free from otterbox. just email them and you will get one soon. I have a few extras myself.

[Flash SWT]

I'm thinking about getting an Otterbox... I was going to order it from amazon or buy.com, but I want to make sure I get the updated version with the fixed screen cover and no echo. Has anyone ordered from either of these sites and gotten the new version? I just can't see any reason dropping $50 on a phone case. $32 sounds much more reasonable.

I just got mine from Amazon last week. (My initial thoughts are posted in this thread on page 6.) It has the paper? over the openings plus the foam donuts, no complaints of echos yet from people I'm talking to. The screen issue is slightly annoying but not the end of the world. I need to email them about the earphone cover not seating properly but I expect they'll take care of the issue based on comments here.

EDIT: This case has saved me already. I dropped my phone from waist level while at a large brush fire today and it skidded across the road. I don't even see a scratch on the case and the phone is still working fine.

.

[harcosparky]

Got it.
Well I would hope carrying around a 6" thick phone would offer drop protection.


to each their own. it is not 6" thick, it is only 3/4 of a inch thick from bottom to top.

The otterbox only adds 1/4 of an inch more to the phone thickness. The iPhone 3GS is every bit of a 1/2 inch thick.


I just bought an iPhone 3GS 2 days ago. The clerk showed me the Otter Box and I told him I would have to go home,research the case and think about it.

Well in the end I told him I'd take one NOW and I am glad I did.

Black iPhone in Black Otter Box ..... I love the combo.

Funny thing, my iPhone is almost 3 days old and I have NEVER touched it.

I let the ATT clerk install the phone into the case and I was so impressed with how he handled the phone. I am 99.99994% sure my phone has no finger prints on it, as the clek used a microfiber cloth through the entire process.

What impressed me was the clerk asked another clerk to hand over his iPhone. My clerk grabbed for the phone and DROPPED it onto the floor, the iPhone in the Otter Box seemed unaffected.

Does the case make the phone a little bigger? HELL YEAH IT DOES and I am glad it does, I guess my big hands appreciate the increased size.

Today I went and looked at other cases ...... no way I could use any other. They all pretty much seem to be the same. The Otter Box stands out as robust and not 'just another case'!!!!

Only Issue I has was I bought a Cigarette Lighter power plug, and it would not seat into the phone because the plastic on the connector was too wide. My solution was to get a Cig Lighter - USB power adapter and use an Apple USB cable. The adapter has 2 USB ports so now my GPS and iPhone can share the same power source.



.

[harcosparky]

Check this out drycase.com it's really waterproof even under water!
http://www.gadgetking.com/2009/07/30/waterproof-uberness-that-is-the-drycase/

You can use this with the otterbox it will cover both.

It was raining yesterday, I put my iPhone/Otter Box in a GLad Freezer Baggie ( 1 Qt Size ) and was pleased to note that I could use the touch screen even through the Baggie !!!

[nezff]

The otterbox only adds 1/4 of a inch to the actual iphone.

The claims of bulkiness are just ridiculous.

[lemonademaker]

i think with the Otterbox Defender you either love it or hate it....

I love my otterbox! I purchased a "slim clear" case and i never use it.... I guess it's just the security of the Defender that I just love... I thought in the beginning I'd just use it when i was in construction zones, outside landscaping or atv'ing/4wheelin.. but i found it just so darn secure ..... it's that piece of mind....

I guess in the end if a naked iPhone was able to take a drop then i'd go naked... but as we all know it's not and i'm ok with that...

i'd much rather carry an egg in a egg carton!!

great case!

[topherg]

i took off my otter box case:( I noticed that my picture quality had diminished a lot with the clear plastic over the camera lens... and that with the power support screen protector and the plastic screen protector on the case was also diminishing my screen quality :( I really love this case and I am still debating whether or not to reinstall it on my now NAKED iphone.

[harcosparky]

Question about the 'watermark'???

Are we talking about the screen cover in the Otterbox not making complete contact with the screen, and you can see 'bubbles' on the screen???

For the first few days this was not an issue for me but I installed MotionX GPS and using it outdoors the 'bubbles' can be an issue.

If that is the case, installing a screen protector on the phone before installing it into the case is the solution?????

I see reference to using an anti-glare cover.

THANKS


Other then the bubbles, I love this damn case.

Am I the only iPhone owner who has never touched his iPhone?

The ATT clerk installed the phone into the case, after removing it from the box, inspecting it and setting it up.

I feel like I should crack open the case and touch the phone! :D

[Randman]

What about car mounts? I've thought about getting one but I have a Kensington Car mount (for my Navigon) and I'd not want to have to remove the case every time I get in the car. Even with a slight increase in bulk, it might be too much.

[harcosparky]

i took off my otter box case:( I noticed that my picture quality had diminished a lot with the clear plastic over the camera lens... and that with the power support screen protector and the plastic screen protector on the case was also diminishing my screen quality :( I really love this case and I am still debating whether or not to reinstall it on my now NAKED iphone.


Anytime you install a device into a protective case, you invite some possible diminished functionality.

The more protective the case, the more likely you will see some adverse indication.

The alternative is diminished protection, you know how you use your phone and where you take it on a regular basis so you have to decided on what compromise to make.

If you work/play in harsh environments you might want to side with max protection.

Work in an office with carpeted floors all over the place, live a docile lifestyle than GO NAKED.

Work in a garage, ride motorcycle off road than you might want to have MAX PROTECTION.

[topherg]

i miss being able to put my iphone down anywhere without fear of scratching the back... so I might be modding my otterbox defender case a little and see how that works.... I'm thinking of removing the protective screen and the camera hole cover.

[pmw]

Mine as holes...

[IMG]http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8069/photoesw.jpg[/IMGb]

A bit OT, but I really like that anime wallpaper, is it a private piece of art of something public you'd consider sharing?
/M

[CADer]

Hot dang!! I dove in and purchased one today and I am liking it so far I feel comfortable with it like I can put it close to the edge of a table, without watching it constantly. I mtn bike and off-road extensivly so this case will save my phone for sure!! I have not been satisfied with a case yet but here is to hoping. I will try to post back in a few weeks of use.

I do hate the Screen watermark looking issue!
To the guy who cut the screen off - how much dust gets in?

Could Otterbox just take the screen off and add foam (much like the foam donuts for the speaker) around the whole screen. So with a screen protecter of choice on it the foam would keep the dust and minor water out. That way when the otterbox case screen gets scratched you wont have to buy a new one, you could just replace the screen protector. This seems like the ultimate solution!!! What do you think?

[topherg]

Hot dang!! I dove in and purchased one today and I am liking it so far I feel comfortable with it like I can put it close to the edge of a table, without watching it constantly. I mtn bike and off-road extensivly so this case will save my phone for sure!! I have not been satisfied with a case yet but here is to hoping. I will try to post back in a few weeks of use.

I do hate the Screen watermark looking issue!
To the guy who cut the screen off - how much dust gets in?

Could Otterbox just take the screen off and add foam (much like the foam donuts for the speaker) around the whole screen. So with a screen protecter of choice on it the foam would keep the dust and minor water out. That way when the otterbox case screen gets scratched you wont have to buy a new one, you could just replace the screen protector. This seems like the ultimate solution!!! What do you think?


Pocket dust does make its way in thru the edges around where the screen protector used to be... Not a big deal.

[nezff]

glad to see everyone giving the otterbox a chance. I have a couple otterbox cases just sitting here extra.

[ANDROIDPOD]

Is it possible to purchase this in Singapore?:confused:

[CADer]

glad to see everyone giving the otterbox a chance. I have a couple otterbox cases just sitting here extra.

if you are willing to part with one my best friend has dubbed my new Otterbox "The Tank" and he was making fun of me to his wife and then she said that she wanted one cause then it would survive there 1 year old! I thought it was funny and then proceeded to tell her they come in white. What would you sell a white one for? and did you have any first gen cases?

Also I am in the process of writing a review, for my blog, for the case and am comparing it to another case I just purchased and also reviewing the customer service, seeing how otterbox has been very responsive to my requests and questions while Incase has yet to respond to me.

[raymanster]

What about car mounts? I've thought about getting one but I have a Kensington Car mount (for my Navigon) and I'd not want to have to remove the case every time I get in the car. Even with a slight increase in bulk, it might be too much.

You could try a Brodit holder which is adjustable and what I use. I have never tried it with an Otterbox though as i don't have one yet:

http://www.proclipusa.com/?sectionpath=143&pageid=13758&processor=content&p_origin=143&p_sectionid=143&p_pageid=8900&p_processor=asp&p_asp_processor=product&p_action=proclipcategorysearch&p_ppagecategoryid=&p_pagecategoryid=&p_pcategoryid=&p_categoryid=&p_sitecategoryid=&p_year=&p_countryid=1036&p_leftorright=

[Kadman]

I would like to simply see a dock extender that could lock into various docks and provide enough reach through the thickness of the case.

[enileda7]

Is it possible to purchase this in Singapore?:confused:

Yes, it is possible to purchase the otterbox in singapore. Go to their website: www.otterbox.com

They have an international store and you can purchase it from there but the shipping is kinda expensive so you might want to get a few guys to share. I've just ordered it and still waiting for it to be shipped.
;)

[CADer]

Ok so I solved the screen issues!!
The issue of the wet marks and the issue of the corners not responding.

I figured since they are both related to the same thing, the screen shield, just get rid of it. So I did but that lets dirt in so I added a foam seal, as can be seen in the pictures.

http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/SmtnBiker/th_DSC_0003.jpg (http://s642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/SmtnBiker/?action=view&current=DSC_0003.jpg) http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/SmtnBiker/th_DSC_0007.jpg (http://s642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/SmtnBiker/?action=view&current=DSC_0007.jpg) http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/SmtnBiker/th_DSC_0005.jpg (http://s642.photobucket.com/albums/uu150/SmtnBiker/?action=view&current=DSC_0005.jpg)

[JollyRogers]

Ok so I solved the screen issues!!
The issue of the wet marks and the issue of the corners not responding.

I figured since they are both related to the same thing, the screen shield, just get rid of it. So I did but that lets dirt in so I added a foam seal, as can be seen in the pictures.



Great idea!!! Wish I had thought of that on my Otterbox for my 1st gen iPhone :)

I love my Otterbox(s). I bought one at a Navy exchange back when they 1st came out for the iPhone. In the parking lot, I installed my phone and was like this screen protector thing sucks, so I ripped it off and just kept going. I work onboard ships a lot and the defender case kept things like new for my iPhone, which I have now passed to my son... and it's still in the Otterbox.

My 1st gen Otterbox holster broke. Otterbox sent me a new one at no charge. That sold me on their customer service, plus they didnt even hesitate and were nice about it. I purchased one for my wife's 3G after xmas and got another for my 3GS 1 week after I got it.

The "water mark" issue. I use gold's foot powder (no baby powder handy). Works good.

The holster issue for the 3G, 3GS... I have a black hair band around the belt clip and if I need extra holding power I pull it up over the phone. Have white one for the wife (her Otterbox is white) and she uses it a lot when out gardening etc. I also ride motorcycles and will put the phone in the holster and instead of clipping to outside of my belt, I loosen my belt and clip it on the inside. It is on me and isn't going anywhere. I worry if I go down, that my phone will be on me to call for help, so that was my answer vice putting it on my bike somewhere. Not always a place to put it otherwise also (no bag or pockets).

Ugly? People are always asking me what kind of phone is that I have cause they don't realize it's an iphone in a case.

[enileda7]

Hey, I work in an environment surrounded by oils, fuel, hydraulics & dirt..my hands are often covered with such stuffs.

Just wondering what is a good way to just clean my otterbox on a daily basis? As in just the outside of the case or something..

thanks.

[gofish]

While using my iphone with the Otter case I have only noticed the echo only one time. However, the person on the other end of the phone frequently complaines that they can hear their own voice. I have realized that when the echo occurs if i simply uncover the port that accesses the charging port on the phone the echo will stop.

[girlonbikini]

it is too bulky for me....

i love your wallpaper too,where did u get it?

[nezff]

the screen issue has been resolved for me with the power support anti glare film. works great.

[CADer]

the screen issue has been resolved for me with the power support anti glare film. works great.

Yeah I did that at first too then realized that it made the screen quality look like  (for those not looking at this on the iPhone it is the icon for poop) I couldn't take the screen degradation, as well as the corners being harder to touch.

[westbank1]

Let me start out by saying I just made an account to post my experience with Otterbox. I am amazed at how fast and easy their customer service is to deal with. I experienced a problem with a scratch on the clear protective screen on my Otterbox Defender that i purchased off eBay a few weeks ago. I was worried that not buying from a retail store would do away with any kind of warranty or customer support. Boy, was I wrong. I wrote by email and had a response within 10 minutes!! I'm not sure how long the warranty is for, but they shipped out a replacement case today! I don't even have to ship them back the old case.

[JH-]

Would anyone like to swap a white hard shell for a black one? I don't want to buy a whole new case to get the different colors.

[M87]

My only complaint with the otterbox is the watermark thing, but it doesn't bother me much. I like the rugged look of the case and the extra protection it gives. I didn't buy an iPhone to look "cute" at the mall.

[nezff]

the watermark can be corrected with either baby powder or get a anti glare screen protector

[adrianbenjamen]

i believe it must give vy great protection.but it looks heavy and not fit into my pocky....is that heavy indeed?

[Ryvius819]

Is it possible to just buy the white silicon outer shell? The black one I am using always got lint sticking onto it, looks really bad everytime I take it out of my pocket.

[TapHappy]

Excellent case. Great for vertical markets!

[The Samurai]

Heres a voucher which will give you 10% off Otterbox products: 'Ottertheunits3'

Enjoy

[lemonademaker]

sweet!! thanks

[businessgo]

Wow, the casing looks sweet! Really love to get one of those.

[Flash SWT]

The Otterbox got a nice uncredited close-up during a local news report here in Houston earlier this week.

It starts 25 seconds into the video at this link:
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/consumer/091028_smart_phone_apps

[isuquinndog]

I found a Youtube of a guy using eye glass cleaner to get rid of the bubbles/watermark. I did that and it worked for maybe a week. I'm a little hesitate to put powerder on my $200 iPhone, but maybe I will just to get rid of the bubbles.

How does every one clean the screen cover on the Otterbox, the part that you touch instead of the iPhone screen?

[lemonademaker]

the watermark never bothered me; but something I noticed,

once a week I'll take the phone out of the box and give it a quick wipe down/inspection and the watermark got less and less each time i did this.... now there is no watermark..... (took about 3 times ie 3 weeks)

anyone else notice this?

[Ironworker808]

OK, so I was riding my sons RipStik in the driveway on Christmas morning with my phone clipped to my jeans pocket and I bailed! landed right on my left hip. (Where I keep my phone)

No no, it's OK, the phone case broke my fall!

Anyway, the hooked part at the bottom of the holster snapped off, and somehow the screen protector got a small (1/4") rip in it.

Got up, brushed off my hands, picked up the phone, and took it out of the case. Perfect. No scratches, dents, cracks, NOTHING!

Wrote to Otterbox and explained what had happened and if it was possible to order only a replacement holster and the hard plastic part of the case.

I received my reply this evening...


I can send you a replacement 3G Defender case at no charge to you. I just need you to email me what color the case is, your full name, physical address and a phone number and I will get that out to you.

Thank you,

Natasha Meggenberg

Talk about customer service! WOW! I was already a big fan of their product. (the wife and kid have their iPhones in Otterboxes too) but now I am a customer for life.

[ajumbaje]

This case is 30 on amazon. Right now I have an incase slider inside a rocketfish leather holster and am looking for something I can feel a bit more secure about(without having to keep it in a belt clip holster)

[bobob]

I'm late to the party, but wanted to proclaim my allegiance to the Otterbox Defender. I've used it for six straight months now and couldn't be happier. It is an essential accessory to the iPhone 3GS imho - - it turns it into the real life indestructo pocket computer I've dreamt of since childhood.



Why do you assume our reason for buying a case is so it doesn't get scratched? The main reason many buy something like the Otterbox is to protect against breakage due to drops or other, more "care free" use. I let my kids and their friends pass my phone around to choose music, take or share photos & videos, and play games. It's the social nature of this phone over others that led me to put a rugged case on it and know that it's protected against the most common accidents.

100% agree!

This reason is not trumpeted enough. It's great not to have to live in mortal fear when the iPhone is being passed around for a game or whatever.



Dropped my phone yesterday.... again!

Landed flat, face down.

Picked it up, turned it on. Works perfectly.

Otterbox Defender. Best. Case. EVER.

100% agree!

The number one reason to have an Otterbox (and at the root of the above reason). We've had a couple hard drops that we were able to just laugh away.



i think with the Otterbox Defender you either love it or hate it....

Put me in the love camp!






{BTW - - has anyone tried one of the two new Otterbox models (Commuter & Commuter TL) that came out this past autumn? I was tempted to try the Commuter because of the external polycarbonate shell over most of the silicone layer - - I thought it would be easier to slide in and out of my front jeans pocket where my iPhone primarily stays. I haven't bought one yet, because my Defender is just fine and the ultimate protection, but I would be interested in hearing any opinions/experiences with either of these new models...}

[SuperKat]

Just put my Otterbox back on my iPhone 3G to keep it protected during snowboarding, mountain biking, cycling, running, etc.
Love the case and the holster. I still get the water marks and I'm not understanding the baby powder thing...
The other downer is that my Griffin iTrip car adapter/charger doesn't fit with it on. Boooo! Need my tunes in the car!
I also just ordered an Otterbox Commuter for more "every day use", I'll let you know how that is once I get it.

[lemonademaker]

Just put my Otterbox back on my iPhone 3G to keep it protected during snowboarding, mountain biking, cycling, running, etc.
Love the case and the holster. I still get the water marks and I'm not understanding the baby powder thing...
The other downer is that my Griffin iTrip car adapter/charger doesn't fit with it on. Boooo! Need my tunes in the car!
I also just ordered an Otterbox Commuter for more "every day use", I'll let you know how that is once I get it.


my watermarking got better and better after a few times taking it in and out of the case for "inspection".... now after about 4 times in and out it went away....

(the watermarking never bothered me though)

[ViCkNaStY]

now maybe this wouldnt work, but could you put a screen protector over the otterbox screen protector on the outside to prevent scratches on in? i doubt this would work also using one on the screen of the phone. it would probably affect the touch screen.

[SB1]

Greetings all,

I have found a way to fix the Otterbox watermark problem. At the ATT store or Apple store you can purchase the anti-glare screen protectors in a pack of 3. Just put one of those on your iPhone and bam...the watermark issue is gone.

I hope this helps...

[SuperKat]

Greetings all,

I have found a way to fix the Otterbox watermark problem. At the ATT store or Apple store you can purchase the anti-glare screen protectors in a pack of 3. Just put one of those on your iPhone and bam...the watermark issue is gone.

I hope this helps...

Doesn't work for me. I have the anti-glare on too.:(

[SuperKat]

I have received the Otterbox Commuter case.
I really love the look and feel of it, but MAN is it a pain to get on and off. Hopefully it'll get easier with time.
It is a slimmer Defender type case, no holster though.
There were a couple of good reviews on YouTube, I'll try to get the links.

[organsoup]

Just wanted to say this post swayed me to finally get the defender case. Excellent design, perfect fit, all around great protection. Highly recommended case.