I'm a case addict. Specifically, I'm an Otterbox Commuter addict. It started with my 3GS. While, with the 3GS version, you were restricted to only black silicone, you could get "color packs" that included different colored shells. I ended up with nearly every color...black, green, yellow, navy blue, and white. It was great, because I could change the color with my mood or upcoming schedule. Going out for a fun night? Pop on the green or yellow shell. Got a meeting and need to be more professional? Pop the black shell on.
After upgrading to the 4S, it was back to "old reliable". I picked up a black/black combo from AT&T on launch day. This one has the "old style" silicone. Softer, more pliable.
After about a week, I decided to pull the trigger and ordered two other ones from Otterbox using the 10% off and free shipping coupon from the thread here. Once they arrived, I noticed the silicone had changed. It was much more firm (something that's been duly noted in two different threads here). At first, I hated it. I was used to the softer silicone, like the 3GS version and the black/black one I got on launch day. But after using it for the last week, I can say that I now prefer the new silicone. It holds it's shape better and doesn't attract lint at all (not that I had much of a problem with the old silicone doing that.)
For those that are wondering, yes, I had the fitment issues. But what I've figured out is that if you just use it...break it in...those fitment issues will go away. Someone suggested wadding it up, stretching it...just giving it a good once-over before you put it on the phone. It works.
Anyway, I now have another one. The blue/blue one. I wanted the blue silicone, badly. Hey, I'm a Kentucky Wildcats fan and certified member of Big Blue Nation! We're nothing if not crazy!
So I wanted to show off some pics for those that may have wondered what combining some of these different cases looked like. Without further ado...
Green/Black:
Blue/Gray:
Black/Blue:
I'm still breaking in the blue silicone, so there's still some slight fitment issues. You'll notice around the bottom, where the plastic shell curves, it doesn't sit completely into the silicone. This is just a matter of the silicone breaking in. The gray silicone was the same way, but has now relaxed and the fitment issues are gone.
Now, for the +1 surprising case. While in Radio Shack (where I got the blue/blue Commuter), I found they had the Incipio Delta on sale for $9.99. I'd seen this case on Incipio's website and was intrigued by it, but I'd never thought about picking one up. Well, for that low price, I snatched it right up! And I'm glad I did!
The Delta is comparable to the Commuter, except it lacks the built-in port protectors. It's a 2-piece case, consisting of the inner silicone sleeve and a firm plastic frame that fits over the silicone. I would say the silicone's firmness sits somewhere between the original Commuter silicone and the new Commuter silicone. Firm, but not hard...it has a nice feel. The frame is a matte finish with a rubbery coating. Time will tell if this will scuff or peel off, but it feels good in the hand.
The one thing I've noticed in testing it...it DOES suffer from a small amount of flash washout. It's not as bad as some of the other cases that had the smaller, or keyhole, openings...but it does have a touch of it. I'm going to try and figure out a way to remedy this (maybe the Sharpee trick?)
Anyway, here's some pictures. If you want a good protective case for CHEAP...swing by Radio Shack and grab one of these. I promise you won't be disappointed (as long as the slight flash issue doesn't bother you).
Fits the 4S perfectly!
After upgrading to the 4S, it was back to "old reliable". I picked up a black/black combo from AT&T on launch day. This one has the "old style" silicone. Softer, more pliable.
After about a week, I decided to pull the trigger and ordered two other ones from Otterbox using the 10% off and free shipping coupon from the thread here. Once they arrived, I noticed the silicone had changed. It was much more firm (something that's been duly noted in two different threads here). At first, I hated it. I was used to the softer silicone, like the 3GS version and the black/black one I got on launch day. But after using it for the last week, I can say that I now prefer the new silicone. It holds it's shape better and doesn't attract lint at all (not that I had much of a problem with the old silicone doing that.)
For those that are wondering, yes, I had the fitment issues. But what I've figured out is that if you just use it...break it in...those fitment issues will go away. Someone suggested wadding it up, stretching it...just giving it a good once-over before you put it on the phone. It works.
Anyway, I now have another one. The blue/blue one. I wanted the blue silicone, badly. Hey, I'm a Kentucky Wildcats fan and certified member of Big Blue Nation! We're nothing if not crazy!
So I wanted to show off some pics for those that may have wondered what combining some of these different cases looked like. Without further ado...
Green/Black:
Blue/Gray:
Black/Blue:
I'm still breaking in the blue silicone, so there's still some slight fitment issues. You'll notice around the bottom, where the plastic shell curves, it doesn't sit completely into the silicone. This is just a matter of the silicone breaking in. The gray silicone was the same way, but has now relaxed and the fitment issues are gone.
Now, for the +1 surprising case. While in Radio Shack (where I got the blue/blue Commuter), I found they had the Incipio Delta on sale for $9.99. I'd seen this case on Incipio's website and was intrigued by it, but I'd never thought about picking one up. Well, for that low price, I snatched it right up! And I'm glad I did!
The Delta is comparable to the Commuter, except it lacks the built-in port protectors. It's a 2-piece case, consisting of the inner silicone sleeve and a firm plastic frame that fits over the silicone. I would say the silicone's firmness sits somewhere between the original Commuter silicone and the new Commuter silicone. Firm, but not hard...it has a nice feel. The frame is a matte finish with a rubbery coating. Time will tell if this will scuff or peel off, but it feels good in the hand.
The one thing I've noticed in testing it...it DOES suffer from a small amount of flash washout. It's not as bad as some of the other cases that had the smaller, or keyhole, openings...but it does have a touch of it. I'm going to try and figure out a way to remedy this (maybe the Sharpee trick?)
Anyway, here's some pictures. If you want a good protective case for CHEAP...swing by Radio Shack and grab one of these. I promise you won't be disappointed (as long as the slight flash issue doesn't bother you).
Fits the 4S perfectly!
