Review: OtterBox iPod Touch Defender Case
I posted a while back that I was looking for an iPod Touch case that would offer real protection in case of the device being dropped or dinged - the OtterBox Defender case is what I finally bought and it’s truly fantastic.
Product
Manufacturer: OtterBox
Model: iPod Touch 2nd Gen Defender Case
Recommended Retail Price When Reviewed: US$29.95
Audience
Most iPod and iPhone cases are concerned mostly with being stylish and “slimline”, protecting your device from scratches and small dings. If that’s what you need, this case probably isn’t for you.
The Otterbox Defender series of cases are for users who want protection when the device is dropped or bumped. No case can protect totally against drops, especially from a height or onto a rough surface, but the OtterBox cases focus on protecting the device as much as possible while still keeping it usable.
Video
This is a review on YouTube for the Defender case. I find the guy’s voice a bit difficult to understand - he speaks very quickly - but there visuals are clear and it shows you the dimensions and thickness of the case and how protective it is.
Specifications
- Fits the iPod Touch 2nd Generation only (8GB, 16GB and 32GB models).
- THREE layers of protection:
- Layer 1: a clear, thin membrane to protect your Touch Screen
- Layer 2: a hi-impact Polycarbonate skeleton
- Layer 3: a Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock
- Touch screen fully usable through case
- Brightness detector fully usable through case
- All buttons are accessible through the case
- Sync/Charge jack and headphone jack accessible via silicone plugs
- Dimensions (case only): 4.68″ x 2.74″ x .65″
- Weight (case only): 1.8 oz.
Accessories
There is a ClipStand available which functions as a belt clip and also a stand if you’d like to sit the iPod up to watch video.
An arm band is also available for sports lovers.
Conclusion
I’ve already dropped my iPod Touch several times since I got it and this case has fully protected it from all of these drops. I still wouldn’t recommend dropping the device if you can avoid it, but if it does get dropped this is a case I’d want to be using.
Pros
- Some protection from falls
- Screen protector included
- Silicone case makes the device less slippery and prone to drops, while still being soft to the touch
- Cost is fairly low, compared to other protective cases
Cons
- Bulky case may not fit into other bags or sock-type cases designed for iPod Touches
- Difficult to obtain outside USA, so if returns are necessary this could be a problem
I’m really pleased that I bought this case. It’s not the sleekest around but I didn’t buy the iPod Touch because I liked how thin it was. The only thing I’d like that this case doesn’t provide is somewhere to attach a lanyard so I can fix it around my neck or wrist to further protect against drops, but that’s not a common feature in any iPod Touch cases. I highly recommend this case.
- Ricky Buchanan
Most annoying thing I find with this case is I can fully utilize the screen specifically the edge of the screen.
Do you mean you can’t fully use the screen? The screen works right up to the very edges and in the corners for me - what specifically is your problem with it?
I have a similar case, and some application developers have made tiny little touch areas right at the bottom of the screen and in the corners. It definitely interferes, esp. w/ some high speed games! Still, the extra protection is worth it, and it’s trade off I’m willing to make.
where can i buy this case….
I have this case for the Blackberry Storm and have the same problem with landscape keyboard when trying to get on the small keys at bottom (space bar, caps lock etc)
I did look at iPhone but had to rule it out cos of cost and also Blackberry Storm had better accessibility to help me with typing due to their sure press system and in built word prediction and abbreviation/expansion to create pre-stored sentences for sending text messages.
I wasnt sure it was my coordination difficulties stopping me getting to the tony keys on bottom of landscape keyboard but seems its not just me. I just use a different keyboard as you get a choice of 3 designs and the sure type keyboard (portrait mode) has bigger keys and just as easy to use as the qwerty landscape one (which i didnt have problem with until after i put case on)
Was your case from OtterBox also, or another brand? I’m having no trouble with even the very corners of the screen.
@Shafay: Check the list of supplier on the OtterBox website to see where you can buy it.
My case is an official Otterbox case for Blackberry Storm.
Also not connected, but for some reason when i try and post reply using firefox they never come on here! Have to switch to Safari to answer and then it goes on here. Any ideas why?
I’ve been using the case 6 months now and it’s still just as protective and I’ve dropped my iPod Touch a lot of times. No damage or broken anything from falls, thanks to the case!
One thing I have noticed is that what Kati and Ted reported about difficulty using the very corners of the screen is starting to happen to me too. This was definitely not happening when I first got the case - I’m wondering if the screen protection section somehow stiffens up with use or time?
Hi, I just purchased a OtterBox Defender for my 2nd gen I-touch. The think I notice is that I am finding that the protector screen doesnt sit flush with the itouch and i get almost a wet look were it does touch. Might not be explaining myself very well. It is like the center of the screen is touching but not the remaining. Kind of makes it look like there is moisture under the film. Can send pic if it helps
Joe, I have the case on my iPhone and had the same issues. One of the reviews I read said to sprinkle a light coat of powder on the protector (NOT the iPod), blow off the excess. Yea, I know what you’re thinking - I was VERY hesitant, but decided to try it on the protector. Another review said rub the screen across your cheek to coat w/the natural oils of you skin … the powder worked, but left a little to be desired, so I took my iPhone back out and tried step to (the oils). Not sure if it was the combo of methods or just the oil, but when I put it back in the case, after a couple of tries — I no longer had the “wet look”.
@Rod: That’s good to hear. The “wet look” doesn’t bother me much because I mostly just use my iPod for listening or as an external trackpad (using iTap) but I’ll try the natural skin oil method and get back to let you know how it went!
Hi!!!! I am looking at getting the Defender case, but I am a stylus user. Will the styus still be able to be used even with the plastic screen protector?
Hi, I was having the same problem with my otterbox - “moisture” under my screen and I just rubbed it on my cheek and ‘VOILA’ the wet look is gone! Thanks, -a
Hi, just got the Otter Box Defender for my Itouch 3rd gen. I really like it so far, sure beats the previous case I used (silicone rubber case with flimsy plastic screen cover). I only have one question. How scratch resistant is the screen protector. I am not so much worried about my itouch getting scratched, but rather the case screen itself getting scratched, forcing me to buy a new case or screen protector. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Md