OtterBox for iPad

[bobob]

Being an OtterBox fan, I've been wondering if they would enter the iPad market. Now their website has an announcement page that they will be making both a Defender series and Commuter series iPad case.

I've had a Defender series OtterBox for my iPhone 3GS since I bought it last June and love it's functional security. I don't like having to worry about rough and ready real world iPhone use, and it's saved my iPhone from harm on three occasions so far. However, based on the MacRumors Otterbox discussion thread, I do realize that there is not universal love for the OtterBox. Most negative comments seem to be something like "It's butt ugly!". There's definitely two schools of thought in iPhone casery - - form vs. function.

I am still deciding how useful it will be to an iPad though. My iPhone is used everywhere, inside and out, even while walking - - but my own use of the iPad will primarily be around the house. I'm leaning towards getting one because the iPad will certainly used by multiple people and frequently passed around to share. I can also imagine falling asleep on the couch and having it tumble onto the hardwood floor. But perhaps a regular rubbery case will be enough to absorb these lesser indoor levels of shock.



Finally the differences between the Defender series and the Commuter series:

• the Defender is heavier duty, with the silicone skin covering the polycarbonate shell, and a built-in screen protector. (The iPhone model ways 2.20 oz)

• the Commuter is lighter duty, with the opposite build - - inner silicone layer with exterior polycarbonate shell, and removable screen protectors. (The iPhone model ways 0.75 oz)

 

[maroontigre]

I hope that they streamline those designs because they look a little too hefty for iPad use IMO.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

If i end up with an iPad that my 5 & 10yo are regularly using - i'll probably end up with one of them.

I will be getting them a defender for their Touch when they start shipping again.

I actually probably could use a Defender for the iPad when out in the field (like at Search & Rescue type of field) too - i'll know more how that might work for me in early April.

 

[M87]

I would think the biggest vulnerability of the iPad is its giant glass screen and I don't see how the defender could do much to protect that. If you drop it or something and the screen takes the brunt of the impact it probably won't end well despite the bulky case. It would be kind of cool if there was a protective cover for the screen that folds back when the device is in use and closes over the screen when you want to throw it in a bag or something. Otherwise, I don't see much point because it will still be quite vulnerable to damage.

Really though, the Apple iPad case seems like plenty of protection to me.

 

[anthonymoody]

I would think the biggest vulnerability of the iPad is its giant glass screen and I don't see how the defender could do much to protect that. If you drop it or something and the screen takes the brunt of the impact it probably won't end well despite the bulky case. It would be kind of cool if there was a protective cover for the screen that folds back when the device is in use and closes over the screen when you want to throw it in a bag or something. Otherwise, I don't see much point because it will still be quite vulnerable to damage.

Really though, the Apple iPad case seems like plenty of protection to me.

Usually on drops the screen doesn't take the brunt of the impact - a corner (or edge) does. In that regard, these cases do a pretty good job of absorbing the shock. I use the lighter one on my 3GS and I've dropped it a couple of times with no damage...

 

[v3rn]

I plan on picking up the Defender series. I'll probably be taking my iPad out camping and hiking so I'll need something really durable. I do wish it had a lid on it though. Even though most drops won't fall on the screen, I would still feel better about something covering the screen when I'm not using it.