May 11
It is extremely hard to design a case to shield all the buttons and balls of the BlackBerry.
OtterBox somehow found a way to get as close as you can.
While you still can’t throw it in the ocean and make calls from the deep end of the pool, the OtterBox Defender. The tough plastic shell we’re used to with an OtterBox combines with an optional clear membrane to protect the screen and keyboard.
The case is surprisingly comfortable. It’s still easy to use the keyboard, but the trackball is a little more awkward. How awkward? It’s harder to play BrickBreaker and make those quick saves when the ball suddenly accelerates or jumps because you got a text message.
The OtterBox is comfortable, but practicality is a slight concern. It’s not waterproof. It protects against a few accidental drops of water, but that’s it. So you can’t really count on it when you’re in the canoe or something. I did find that it keeps a lot of the sand out at the beach, though.
OtterBox is a popular brand with outdoorsmen. I’m not sure how many hunters and fishermen carry a BlackBerry, but the OtterBox is as good as it gets. If you drop your phone a lot or work with your hands and are always banging your phone against something, the Defender is great.
John Guilfoil is the editor-in-chief of Blast: Boston's Online Magazine. He can be reached at guilfoil.j@blastmagazine.com.
it seems that it doent snap togeather right. but everything else i love about it. I with the holder would fit a 3″ sam browne police belt
I work in a construction environment, and the Otter Box has proven to be a great accessory. The clear membrane protect my screen from an abrasive environment, the water that drips onto the keypad, and of course all the other $h!t that usually gets transferred onto and in between my buttons. My first Blackberry lasted about 3 weeks on my sites. The second one has been seviced a few times. My personal BB is in the Otter Box, and looks like the day I opened the box.
The only inconvenience I have is a problem with the microphone. The Otter Box attenuates the user’s voice. Most people on the receiving end, complain that I sound as if I’m holding the phone very far away from me. I have to use the phone in “1975 Walkie Talkie” style.
I have made a modification to my Otter Box to reduce the attenuation, and although improved, voice transmission is still noticeably compromised.
I am however very pleased with the Otter Box. Its comfortable — I don’t even notice that there is an accesory added to the phone.
I’m also still the owner of a new BB 8300 as a result.
Is there a way to modify the plastic membrane to allow for clearer pictures?
I used a razor knife and cut a small hole in the plastic where the lens is, I have much better pics now, the plastic was just too hazy.
First of all let me say this is a great case! There are a few things that could use fixing though. 1 – the silicone cover doesn’t stay snapped in place on the sides. 2 – the clear cover is a great idea, but virtually eliminates the use of the camera unless you cut a hole around it which defeats the purpose of that piece even being there. And it attracts and holds dust like a magnet. my advice is buy the case, but efore you put it on your BB, throw the clear cover in the trash.