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Otterbox Commuter Case - iPhone 4
- Thread starter S1njin
- Start date
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Looking forward to seeing some real pics and first impressions from those who are lucky enough to get this case today. Mine won't make it to me till Tuesday. 
Does this image concern anyone? Look how deep the cut-out around the flash is.
Surely this effects the spread of the flash... I definately would have to see some tests comparing flash photography with/without the case. If it has no effect I would definately get this case it looks fantastic.
Not sure why they chose to have such small cut-outs, why not just have one larger one like most other cases (shown dotted below)
Right, on second thoughts, Otterbox have spent more time on these series of cases than most other manufacturers. Surely they have done extensive testing on every aspect of the case including flash quality. I would just quite like to see the evidence of it.
Am getting the iphone 4 soon and i'd like to have a case waiting for it, have been waiting for a review of this for ages and it's by far the best looking case for the iphone 4 i've seen to date
Good points... when I saw the pictures on their site, I wondered the same thing. I'd rather the dang apple be covered up and have a larger hole for the camera lens/flash. But I thought, with all the bad press some other makers got for causing flash issues, SURELY Otterbox has tested this over and over and that's partly what took so long. Surely...
I wonder if the real reason for the apple cut-out is for heat dissipation?
Good points... when I saw the pictures on their site, I wondered the same thing. I'd rather the dang apple be covered up and have a larger hole for the camera lens/flash. But I thought, with all the bad press some other makers got for causing flash issues, SURELY Otterbox has tested this over and over and that's partly what took so long. Surely...
I wonder if the real reason for the apple cut-out is for heat dissipation?
Right, yes that would make a lot of sense.. I've often wondered how cladding what is basically a wee laptop with no fans/vents in rubber and plastic would not make it overheat in a matter of minutes.
It's a bit like running a marathon in wellies (wellington boots) your feet would melt eventually... So yeah, i suppose that might be the reason for the cutout, which would make me like the case even more. I never really had a problem with that cutout anyways..
I really hope i'm wrong about the flash cut out being too small because this case looks to be 100% appropriate for me otherwise.
Can someone please do a quick photo test with/without the case at say 3 different distances please?
Ideally in a dark room pointed at blank wall @ about 10, 20 50 inches or whatever, that way you can see how well the flash spreads
Thanks in advance Ferdia
Does this image concern anyone? Look how deep the cut-out around the flash is.
Surely this effects the spread of the flash... I definately would have to see some tests comparing flash photography with/without the case. If it has no effect I would definately get this case it looks fantastic.
Not sure why they chose to have such small cut-outs, why not just have one larger one like most other cases (shown dotted below)
Right, on second thoughts, Otterbox have spent more time on these series of cases than most other manufacturers. Surely they have done extensive testing on every aspect of the case including flash quality. I would just quite like to see the evidence of it.
Am getting the iphone 4 soon and i'd like to have a case waiting for it, have been waiting for a review of this for ages and it's by far the best looking case for the iphone 4 i've seen to date
The flash cut out seems to be very similar to the one they have on the Defender series case (I currently use this case, but waiting on my Commuter for the times I don't need quite so much protection), and it has posed no camera flash issues that I've noticed so far. If anything, it's probably even deeper on the Defender due to the thickness of the case.
Is the screen protector that comes with the Commuter an adhesive one?
I currently have a Defender but I am not a big fan of the built-in screen shield. It takes away too much from the awesome retina display.
The Commuter seems like a nice middle ground of offering good protection with minimal added bulk. I'm just wondering what people's experiences have been with the Commuter screen protectors.
Also, is anyone with a Power Support or SGP screen protector planning on using their screen protector with a Commuter?
I currently have a Defender but I am not a big fan of the built-in screen shield. It takes away too much from the awesome retina display.
The Commuter seems like a nice middle ground of offering good protection with minimal added bulk. I'm just wondering what people's experiences have been with the Commuter screen protectors.
Also, is anyone with a Power Support or SGP screen protector planning on using their screen protector with a Commuter?
I'm going to use the commuter w/ my Power Support Crystal. I anticipate no issues.
Same here...
THe screen protector that comes with the case is an adhesive one (not the kind that comes with the defender. See photos here:
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/otterbox-commuter-series-case-for-iphone-4/
I imagine it's of a similar quality to what comes with other cases.
Does anyone intend to use an SGP?
I really want to get the SGP oleophobic, but i see that they are cut smaller than the screen to avoid 'lifting' at the edges. The actual edge of the screen protector seems to clash with where the silicone meets the screen which makes me think will it rub against/under it causing the SGP to lift?
Anyways, if anyone uses an SGP with this case, please advise me on how well it stays adhered;
thanks
I really want to get the SGP oleophobic, but i see that they are cut smaller than the screen to avoid 'lifting' at the edges. The actual edge of the screen protector seems to clash with where the silicone meets the screen which makes me think will it rub against/under it causing the SGP to lift?
Anyways, if anyone uses an SGP with this case, please advise me on how well it stays adhered;
thanks
I you look at the pictures on ilounge, it sure looks like there isn't a cutout for the from facing camera. Anybody else notice this?
got mine
I got my commuter case this morning (10-14 days to ship... nope! ordered on wednesday, shipped on thursday, arrived in canada on friday. that's amazing)
My initial brief review would be this:
PROS
1. Protection. For the size of case and style, no other case comes close to offering this level of protection, unless you were willing to have a more bulky case.
2. Style. Amazing. Sexy. Slim. The phone feels very solid in your hand. Like one complete unit. Doesn't add more bulkiness or weight to the phone than any other similarly styled case. It feels great.
3. Dock connector plug seems to fit into place much better than the 3G/3GS version of this case.
4. The camera and flash are actually separated. Not just one hole. Two separate holes. I haven't tested, but imagine this will make issues with flash washing out pictures non existent with this case.
CONS
1. Screen protector isn't great quality. I won't even open it. You really have to use no screen protector with this case or get a better quality one from Power Support or SGP United.
2. Installation of case is slightly more difficult than 3G/3GS version. There are groves in the sides of the silicone that have to fit into a small slot sticking out of the inside of the hard shell. It took about an extra minute or two to get them into place.
3. Silicone over power button should have been thicker to stick out more so it would respond to a lighter press. VERY MINOR ISSUE.
4. Top left of outter case seems like it could fit a bit tighter over silicone (I seem to have a very small gap). VERY MINOR ISSUE. It could be a defect in my case, but it's so minor and I'm probably being OCD.
PRO or CON?
1. Cutout for apple logo. The apple logo is fully exposed. Not really much of an issue since its recessed in a hole so not going to get scrapped by laying flat on a table. Maybe an issue with keys or coins in your pocket. If you put a back film protector or invisible shield, it's not issue. I actually consider this a pro (I like the look to show off the apple logo) and since I do have a back film in place for protection, it's no issue for me. I know this cutout is an issue for some.
Question for someone who has the case:
Are there grooves in the silicone only on the sides, or at the top too? I got it installed perfectly and don't want to uninstall to check.
Anyone else notice a small gap between hard shell and silicone at the top?
I got my commuter case this morning (10-14 days to ship... nope! ordered on wednesday, shipped on thursday, arrived in canada on friday. that's amazing)
My initial brief review would be this:
PROS
1. Protection. For the size of case and style, no other case comes close to offering this level of protection, unless you were willing to have a more bulky case.
2. Style. Amazing. Sexy. Slim. The phone feels very solid in your hand. Like one complete unit. Doesn't add more bulkiness or weight to the phone than any other similarly styled case. It feels great.
3. Dock connector plug seems to fit into place much better than the 3G/3GS version of this case.
4. The camera and flash are actually separated. Not just one hole. Two separate holes. I haven't tested, but imagine this will make issues with flash washing out pictures non existent with this case.
CONS
1. Screen protector isn't great quality. I won't even open it. You really have to use no screen protector with this case or get a better quality one from Power Support or SGP United.
2. Installation of case is slightly more difficult than 3G/3GS version. There are groves in the sides of the silicone that have to fit into a small slot sticking out of the inside of the hard shell. It took about an extra minute or two to get them into place.
3. Silicone over power button should have been thicker to stick out more so it would respond to a lighter press. VERY MINOR ISSUE.
4. Top left of outter case seems like it could fit a bit tighter over silicone (I seem to have a very small gap). VERY MINOR ISSUE. It could be a defect in my case, but it's so minor and I'm probably being OCD.
PRO or CON?
1. Cutout for apple logo. The apple logo is fully exposed. Not really much of an issue since its recessed in a hole so not going to get scrapped by laying flat on a table. Maybe an issue with keys or coins in your pocket. If you put a back film protector or invisible shield, it's not issue. I actually consider this a pro (I like the look to show off the apple logo) and since I do have a back film in place for protection, it's no issue for me. I know this cutout is an issue for some.
Question for someone who has the case:
Are there grooves in the silicone only on the sides, or at the top too? I got it installed perfectly and don't want to uninstall to check.
Anyone else notice a small gap between hard shell and silicone at the top?
Can try to take pics when I get home.
A front screen protector is included with the case and DOES NOT have a cutout for the front camera. Fail! I knew the screen protectors Otterbox include with thier cases are garbage, this is no exception. The case itself more than makes up for that though. But if you want a screen protector, you will have to buy a decent one somewhere else.
However, I do have both front and back 3rd party screen protector films installed, and the case is completely compatible with that. Invisible shield wouldn't be a problem either I would imagine.
I got mine, and did my very first youtube installation video on it. To be honest it's not a good video but you get to see how it look on the phone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH8qJXIsBJY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH8qJXIsBJY
I got mine, and did my very first youtube installation video on it. To be honest it's not a good video but you get to see how it look son the phone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH8qJXIsBJY
you suck at installing...
(seriously though get some practice)
LOL! I hope mine isn't THAT difficult!
Here's the official "how to" video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tI8ALszEsQ
Here's the official "how to" video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tI8ALszEsQ
Oh, good... thanks! When I watched the official how-to it looked like it was covered. Glad that it's not.
Got my FedEx tracking tonight... says to expect it on the 25th. Maybe if I'm lucky it'll get here faster than that!