[This review of OtterBox's newest iPhone case references the OtterBox Defender for iPhone review from September.]
While the Defender offered robust protection, the bulk made it unlikely to be used in all but the harshest conditions.
The OtterBox Commuter TL, however, strikes the right balance between protection and in-the-pocket everyday use. At first glance, it looks like the Commuter TL only has the standard neoprene slipcase. The small clear plastic horizontal stabilizers at the top and bottom of the case, though, are part of a solid plastic back plate the protects the rear, top and bottom of an iPhone 3G or 3GS.
Unlike the previous Commuter series - both of which now come in a variety of colors - the Commuter TL allows the Apple logo to show through.
As an added benefit, the hard plastic across the back also forms a protective ring around the camera lens without covering the lens. While the Defender fully covered the camera lens with a thin piece of clear plastic, its recessed nature meant it could gather dust, dirt or rain drops.
The Commuter TL, on the other hand, will be more susceptible to the elements directly impacting the camera's lens, but the ability to wipe off the back surface of an iPhone 3G or 3GS is easier than trying to clean out the recessed surface of the Defender.
Given the overall protection of the Commuter TL - which has rubber covers for the volume, multi-pin connector, headphone jack and on-off switch - I felt comfortable taking the unit out in a light rain to take a few pictures, one of which can be seen below.
All in all, it's nice to see progression in design that takes into account some of the real-world issues. More importantly, it's nice to find, in the Commuter TL, a case that my wife and I can both agree on as practical, everyday protection.
iPhoned
1 comment:
Great to see. I had an OtterBox a while back, but never used it, because it was way too bulky to carry comfortably in my pants pocket
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