Accessories Otterbox case type differences?

[HittingSmoke]

So in light of the news that Otterbox will be releasing all three of it's most popular case designs for the Evo, I think it would be nice to have some more detailed info on them.

I've read up on their site referencing the iPhone versions, but I've never used an Otterbox phone case before, only their other products and generic cases.

Can anyone elaborate on the difference between the Impact, Commuter and Defender other than that they go in that order from cheapest to toughest? using the pictures it's hard to accurately compare the case size.

I would like to spring for a Defender when they come out but how much bulk do they add on average compared to a Commuter? What type of screen protection comes with the different models (if any)?

It would be nice to get some input from someone who has used more than one series on a single phone model.

Can we get a discussion going on this? Preferably with some personal pics?

Thanks

 

[Bagua]

Great discussion, I took a look at the differences. The commuter looks thinner and more what I'm leaning towards everyday use.

but, I love how rugged the defender is and could see this being used for trips like backpacking,camping and off roading.

I'll probably pick up the commuter to begin with then get the defender later for extra protection.

 

[HittingSmoke]

Great discussion, I took a look at the differences. The commuter looks thinner and more what I'm leaning towards everyday use.

but, I love how rugged the defender is and could see this being used for trips like backpacking,camping and off roading.

I'll probably pick up the commuter to begin with then get the defender later for extra protection.

I was just digging though YouTube videos and thinking the exact same thing. I do a lot of camping. I think a Defender case with a Solar charger would be excellent for trips like that.

There's no Defender for the HD2 so it's hard to judge what it would look like. The Commuter for the iPhone looks really bulky compared to the HD2 Commuter so the Defender for us might be a little bit thinner.

I guess only time will tell.

 

[ashykat]

I was just digging though YouTube videos and thinking the exact same thing. I do a lot of camping. I think a Defender case with a Solar charger would be excellent for trips like that.

There's no Defender for the HD2 so it's hard to judge what it would look like. The Commuter for the iPhone looks really bulky compared to the HD2 Commuter so the Defender for us might be a little bit thinner.

I guess only time will tell.

I'm guessing they didn't make a defender for the HD2 because of the buttons at the bottom. I had a defender case for an iPhone, and it was great in a lot of ways, but there were a few issues. It bulked up the phone, and I mean A LOT. All of a sudden it really wasn't very pocketable. It has a screen protector built in which is nice, but the screen would have this "oil slick" look to it. Suggestions to remedy that ranged from a light dusting of baby powder to rubbing the screen on your face (getting natural oils on it, gross) before putting it in, to what I finally did which was put a matte screen protector on it. Since it was an iPhone, I never had to take it off, but if you're someone who replaces the battery often it's a big PITA to do it. The phone goes inside a hard shell which is then covered by a silicone layer. There are rubber stopper like plugs around all the ports, so you pull those out to plug in headphones, etc. On the iPhone, the speaker and mic are on the bottom, so there were openings there. I'm not sure how Otterbox plans to work around the speaker being on the back with the mic on the bottom. Overall the case was probably the best you could use to protect the phone, but it definitely takes away the sexiness as well as the ability to easily dock the phone, etc. I'll probably go for a commuter series, looks a bit more lightweight but still pretty nice. Anyone have any experience with a commuter series on another phone?

 

[HittingSmoke]

I'm guessing they didn't make a defender for the HD2 because of the buttons at the bottom. I had a defender case for an iPhone, and it was great in a lot of ways, but there were a few issues. It bulked up the phone, and I mean A LOT. All of a sudden it really wasn't very pocketable. It has a screen protector built in which is nice, but the screen would have this "oil slick" look to it. Suggestions to remedy that ranged from a light dusting of baby powder to rubbing the screen on your face (getting natural oils on it, gross) before putting it in, to what I finally did which was put a matte screen protector on it. Since it was an iPhone, I never had to take it off, but if you're someone who replaces the battery often it's a big PITA to do it. The phone goes inside a hard shell which is then covered by a silicone layer. There are rubber stopper like plugs around all the ports, so you pull those out to plug in headphones, etc. On the iPhone, the speaker and mic are on the bottom, so there were openings there. I'm not sure how Otterbox plans to work around the speaker being on the back with the mic on the bottom. Overall the case was probably the best you could use to protect the phone, but it definitely takes away the sexiness as well as the ability to easily dock the phone, etc. I'll probably go for a commuter series, looks a bit more lightweight but still pretty nice. Anyone have any experience with a commuter series on another phone?

Otterbox actually has the baby powder solution posted on their official YouTube channel with detailed directions claiming their technicians have confirmed that it works. Seems odd but if whatever causes the oil look helps protect the phone I think it's a small price to pay.

I'd still like to hear from someone who's used the HD2 Commuter.

 

[ashykat]

Otterbox actually has the baby powder solution posted on their official YouTube channel with detailed directions claiming their technicians have confirmed that it works. Seems odd but if whatever causes the oil look helps protect the phone I think it's a small price to pay.

Yeah it's a form vs function situation basically. I just can't help but wonder if leaving baby powder on your screen could ever damage it in some way? I liked the matte screen protector solution well enough. I agree I'd like to see someone who's used the commuter.

 

[Mistah_Transistah]

I'm guessing they didn't make a defender for the HD2 because of the buttons at the bottom. I had a defender case for an iPhone, and it was great in a lot of ways, but there were a few issues. It bulked up the phone, and I mean A LOT. All of a sudden it really wasn't very pocketable. It has a screen protector built in which is nice, but the screen would have this "oil slick" look to it. Suggestions to remedy that ranged from a light dusting of baby powder to rubbing the screen on your face (getting natural oils on it, gross) before putting it in, to what I finally did which was put a matte screen protector on it. Since it was an iPhone, I never had to take it off, but if you're someone who replaces the battery often it's a big PITA to do it. The phone goes inside a hard shell which is then covered by a silicone layer. There are rubber stopper like plugs around all the ports, so you pull those out to plug in headphones, etc. On the iPhone, the speaker and mic are on the bottom, so there were openings there. I'm not sure how Otterbox plans to work around the speaker being on the back with the mic on the bottom. Overall the case was probably the best you could use to protect the phone, but it definitely takes away the sexiness as well as the ability to easily dock the phone, etc. I'll probably go for a commuter series, looks a bit more lightweight but still pretty nice. Anyone have any experience with a commuter series on another phone?

use a zagg or bodyarmor in concert with otterbox?

 

[ashykat]

use a zagg or bodyarmor in concert with otterbox?

Neither. This was before I figured out I really liked the naked gadget look so I just used a generic matte screen cover w/ the otterbox. The Otterbox kept the phone absolutely perfect though. It looked brand new when I took it out.

 

[HittingSmoke]

Yeah it's a form vs function situation basically. I just can't help but wonder if leaving baby powder on your screen could ever damage it in some way? I liked the matte screen protector solution well enough. I agree I'd like to see someone who's used the commuter.

In their demo they didn't even turn the baby powder upside down. They just held it out at an angle, squeezed it to get some to disperse in the air above the case then let it settle.

I can't imagine that in any way hurting your screen. Baby powder is made to not be course and scratchy. It would probably just bond with whatever is on the inside of the screen protector and dissolve.

 

[ashykat]

In their demo they didn't even turn the baby powder upside down. They just held it out at an angle, squeezed it to get some to disperse in the air above the case then let it settle.

I can't imagine that in any way hurting your screen. Baby powder is made to not be course and scratchy. It would probably just bond with whatever is on the inside of the screen protector and dissolve.

There's nothing on the built in screen protector. It doesn't actually stick to the screen, it's just held there by the otterbox. It probably wouldn't cause any harm, I just don't like putting something loose in there. Seems to me they should modify their design rather than tell people to just "fix it with baby powder".

 

[makisupa79]

I have the defender for my 3GS (which is now just a glorified ipod touch thanks to my new EVO). It is an extremely rugged case. Use it whenever I go mountain biking or hiking.

 

[Selfdestruct]

http://androidforums.com/accessories-evo-4g/89890-want-evo-otterbox-case-read-2.html


From what i gather from other phones with these lines.... just look at iphone 3g/3gs lines the following was pulled from the tech specs of the iphone 3g/3gs so features will prolly vary a little bit for the EVO just a general idea what to expect

Impact -
layer 1: Self-adhering clear protective film (cleaning cloth and installation card included)
layer 2: Durable textured skin for grip

Commuter -
layer 1: Self-adhering clear protective film (cleaning cloth and installation card included)
layer 2: Durable silicone mid-layer
layer 3: One piece custom molded polycarbonate shell

Defender -
layer 1: Clear protective membrane on screen and keypad
layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell
layer 3: Durable silicone skin

 

[ElectricPickle]

I would like to use an armband with this phone for walking. Any suggestions?

 

[NxtGenCowboy]

I would like to use an armband with this phone for walking. Any suggestions?

Rubber band

 

[Selfdestruct]

I would like to use an armband with this phone for walking. Any suggestions?

Neoprene Extreme Armband Case for HTC EVO 4G - eBay (item 270591161261 end time Jul-08-10 20:22:33 PDT)


maybe something like this... Im sure you want the thing to be FULLY enclosed cuz you dont want it bouncing out

 

[lopezpm]

Going with the commuter case. It's just right.

 

[chum1600]

Going with the commuter case. It's just right.

Agreed, I just hope it doesn't take them forever to get this case out.

 

[HittingSmoke]

Agreed, I just hope it doesn't take them forever to get this case out.

Does anyone know how long the US version of the HD2 case has been "Coming soon"?

 

[bobr0949]

I have the commuter for my hero. Signed up with otterbox to be notified when it is available for the evo.

 

[ashykat]

I hope the commuter is available soon! I'm using a crappy silicone case for now because I didn't want to invest in anything until I found out if otterbox was making anything. If they weren't I was gonna go with Seido.

 

[damink23]

I hope the commuter is available soon! I'm using a crappy silicone case for now because I didn't want to invest in anything until I found out if otterbox was making anything. If they weren't I was gonna go with Seido.

+1

 

[system60]

I'm guessing they didn't make a defender for the HD2 because of the buttons at the bottom. I had a defender case for an iPhone, and it was great in a lot of ways, but there were a few issues. It bulked up the phone, and I mean A LOT. All of a sudden it really wasn't very pocketable.

You buy their heavy duty case then complain that it's not pocketable???? That's what the Commuter and Impact are for.