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Otterbox Alternatives?

C

Counted Out

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 8, 2008
34
0
So I bought an Otterbox for my iPhone 3G - it's a great case and it really does protect the phone but it does have it's downsides. One of these is the bulkiness, but that's not even too bad considering the amount of protection.

The other problem is that when I am making phone calls, it causes an extreme echo for the other person. By this I mean the person will talk, then they will hear themselves say it again. It can be somewhat fixed by me turning down the volume alot - but then I can't hear them very well.

I'm guessing this is because the vibrations from the ear-piece can not escape and vibrate back down into the microphone. So my question is, do all fully enclosed cases have this problem?

I was looking at the DLO and Agent18 cases to be more specific, but I am also interested in hearing about less bulky (when compared to the Otterbox) cases.
 
Counted Out said:
The other problem is that when I am making phone calls, it causes an extreme echo for the other person.
Click to expand...
That isn't an issue with the case. We have the Otterbox Defender cases and don't get any echo with our calls.
 
Resist said:
That isn't an issue with the case. We have the Otterbox Defender cases and don't get any echo with our calls.
Click to expand...
Have you asked the people on the other line? Personally I notice no echo, but when I used my friends phone to call my phone, the echo is extreme.

I've read about it being a problem with many iPhones, Blackberrys and a few other models with the Otterbox.
 
Resist said:
That isn't an issue with the case. We have the Otterbox Defender cases and don't get any echo with our calls.
Click to expand...

I have the otterbox defender, and it does cause an echo. Take the phone out, echo goes away.
 
I had an otter box but tthe rubber started to rip on it and the case was generally to bulky so i switched to a poly carbonate case. it has a touch through screen protector and i have dropped it several times and not a scratch on the case or the phone and it lets your phone look great as well! plus its 40 dollars cheaper than the otter box. if you need a hip case as well there is one made that fits it called something xl i have a link for that but its on my other computer it costs 20 bucks so buying both together would still only be 30 bucks. you can also you a palm treo hip case to fit it as well.

http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-iPhone-Touch-Through-Crystal/dp/B001OF49S4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1241068588&sr=8-2
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I love the otterbox defender, but everyone I talk to on the other end hate it :). It does cause an echo, a quick work around from the otterbox.com website is to unplug the bottom port cover during calls. It works well, it can be a hassle but the trade-off for the superior protection is worth it for me.
 
Otterbox Recall

According to the folks at my local AT&T store, the Otterbox Defender for iPhone has been recalled due to the echo problem. They said that an updated model should be out in the next couple of weeks.

Otterbox's web site says that it will ship in 5-7 days.
 
robvs said:
According to the folks at my local AT&T store, the Otterbox Defender for iPhone has been recalled due to the echo problem. They said that an updated model should be out in the next couple of weeks.

Otterbox's web site says that it will ship in 5-7 days.
Click to expand...

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.
 
I just called OtterBox today about why they pressed big hole at the speaker filter sponges on the new OtterBox defender case and they told me that people are complaining about the echo issue.
 
the solution to this problem is taking the foam and thin white paper out of the bottom speaker holes.

I have this case on my 3GS and havent had a echo problem.
 
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