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No this does not apply to all cases, the Defender (for the regular user) is overkill plain and simple. It makes the phone at least 4-5 times thicker. I can understand people who need this for their jobs/construction/dust/sandy conditions.

You said it's made of cheap materials. Most all cases are made of silicone/rubber and various plastics. That's why I said your objection is with cases in general, and not the Defender.
 
I, for one, love the OtterBox Defender. But in black! Disgustingly liberal amount of photography here: http://www.gadgetoid.com/2010/08/13/otterbox-defender-for-iphone-4-review/

It doesn't look or feel cheap, but what it does do is protect a £600 phone and offer peace of mind. It looks cool too, in its own bizarre kind of way, and is more of a conversation topic than the now very, very common iPhone 4.

I've got the OtterBox commuter in, too, it's not nearly as protective, but I would say it's the best silicone/rubber case I've laid my hands on thus far. Perhaps a somewhat unfair statement given the fact it's got a large plastic component to it, too. I love the window for the Apple logo, too, it's ironic. It screams "hey I'm a massive Apple-loving douche-bag" when in actual fact I'm just a small Apple loving douche-bag.
 
Taking it back to bestbuy...

Well I also bought a black defender from bb. I really did enjoy using the case because it offered supreme protection for my phone. However, I can't get used to the bulk and also all the lint and dust that sticks all over the case. The bottom port cover was also annoying because it wasn't easy to clasp shut. You had to play with it to secure it closed.

I still would recommend this case to someone who wants good bounce off the floor protection. However, the added bulk really hide the overall beautiful look of the new iPhone. The case attracted lint and the port covers weren't easy to shut.

So I have decided to return it and get my $52 back. If it were around $20-$30, I would probably have just kept it to use when I go to the beach. But at that price range I wouldn't want any flaws which compromised the look and usability of the device.
 
Just had a birthday so I had a little bit of cash that was burning a hole in my pocket. Decided to get a defender for on trips or "outdoor" activities so I wouldn't have to worry about it.

Well i've had the Reveal Etch on for about 3 weeks and was pretty happy with it and was only planning on using the OT defender on rare occasions.

Went to Walmart yesterday and saw they had them in stock. Picked one up and got back to work, took the etch off, wiped down the phone, and wrapped in what I can see is the most protection you can possibly buy without putting it in a pelican case.

Well, since I put on the defender and stuck it to my hip, it looks like this will be my full-time case from now on. It feels great! Not nearly as "bulky" as some were saying. Should have gotten this case sooner!!:D :D
 
^^^I Agree. I really like the Defender case. The protection is awesome and Now i dont have to worry about dropping my phone anymore. It is also better designed than my 3gs version. Otterbox did a great job.
 
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