OtterBox Defender Case for Apple iPhone 3G / 3GS - Black

Ive been searching around the internet to find something suitable to protect my new 3G iPHONE should it ever drop, and help prevent it from getting scrapped or marked.

Well this "OtterBox Defender iPhone 3G Impact Case" is just what the doctor ordered, the people who made this thing really put a lot of thought into the construction of this case, simply because its superb to hold in the hands with the feel of decent quality silicon rubber, also something you can not see in the picture is the full case (close up), the case has been perfectly molded so it doesnt look outta place once your new 3G iphone is firmly inside the Otterbox safety Case.

Its just a matter of removing the silicon skin, then opening up the tough plastic safety frame, then gently placing the iphone inside - closing everything up nice and tight; then finally putting back the silicon skin over the top. (the Otterbox even has a clear plastic screen to protect yours) so before you place it inside the Otterbox, make sure you give your 3G iphone a damn good clean with a soft cloth.!

I can safely say that this case is the business, it could easily withstand a 5-6ft drop and live to tell the tale, and never at any time does your grubby hands get a chance to mess-up the real iphone inside... Underneath its 110% protected, to get access to the controls the folks behind the Otterbox Case have thought of eveything. there's thick rubber bits protecting access to all the bays, like charging bay, & headphones bay etc. (which you have eazie access when you want, just flip the rubber back.

All the 3G iphone controls can be easily and safely accessed from outside the Otterbox Case. Volume, On and Off, power-link, PC-link, headphones etc. (once inside you never need to open up again).

The one excellent point about this case that makes it feel so priceless is the fact it really looks the part, its very pretty, and stop's the iphone from slipping out of your hands, which can happen to us all.

If you liked my review, (please kindly leave me your poz vote), for time taken to review, Many-Thanks for reading.! :D

Upsides?

I have never been moved to review a product bought through Amazon before, but I received my Otterbox Defender this morning and I must say it is every bit as good as the reviews suggest. My iphone 3Gs fits beautifully into the plastic case which is then put inside the silicone skin, which appears to be much thicker silicone than the standard iphone silicone surround. The silicone fits very well with 2 lugs on either side to prevent accidental removal. I had the same problem as some reviewers with bubbles trapped between the screen and the screen protector but this was easily solved by using a little 'Mr Sheen' to polish the screen and screen protector before fitting the case back on.

The case itself feels lovely to hold, without the constant feeling that your iphone is about to slip through your fingers and every port is covered by a silicone closure which easily opens to reveal the headphone or docking port etc. The home button,volume control and on/off switch all have moulded buttons which work perfectly without the need to remove the case. There are cut-outs for the speaker, microphone and earpiece and also the sensors on the front of your iphone. On the back is a cutout for the camera and a nice touch - a cutout to show off the apple logo on the back of your iphone (this has a plastic screen like the touch screen protector to stop dust getting in via this cutout).

Included in the box is a plastic holster with an ajustable clip to go over a belt or pocket etc. The iphone fits in with the screen facing the back of the holster, which offers further protection if you are outside.

I was initially unsure whether the screen would be as responsive with a screen protector on top, but it works just as it did without it.

If you search you-tube you will find some video reviews, one of which is a guy throwing his iphone within a defender case out of a second storey window then retrieving it (and the case) completely undamaged. Thankfully this means I don't need to, but i feel confident that if i now drop my iphone it will be safe and sound.

Downsides?

You have to accept that with this case your iphone won't look as sleek and 'designer', the silicone outer does attract dust, and the extra protection adds some size to your iphone which I imagine will make it difficult to use with some docking stations but I like the solid, quality feel of the case and the feeling of confidence the defender provides. It is more expensive than many other iphone cases but I am very glad I spent a little extra to get what I believe is a top-notch product. Buy one. Now.

I bought this case to protect my nice shiny iPhone from the death of being chucked on a hard floor and run over by various toys.
I can confirm that since buying the case not a mark has appeared on the case, no matter how much my toddler has tried!

It's a little fiddly to get on and off, but in a way that's pretty reassuring on the protection it is giving you.