Tank Up! Otterbox Defender Case for iPad – Review

ByMike Moffit

If you’ve ever owned an Apple iOS device you know that the company loves to make its products thin and sleek. With every new generation, Apple seems to make its products thinner and thinner. The number one fear of any iOS device owner is dropping their new device and breaking it. I had one friend say that dropping their new iPad was like dropping a baby. Otterbox, one of the many case and accessory brands carried at Small Dog, is a company determined on fixing this problem—specifically with its Defender series.

When I purchased my iPad, the first accessory I bought was an Otterbox Defender case. I had heard that the Defender offered the best protection, and I knew that it was what I wanted. The $90 price tag made me hesitate for a second, but then I thought about how much it would cost to replace the iPad if I did end up breaking it. I bit the bullet and bought the case. So far it’s been well worth it.

The first time I put the Defender on my iPad, it reminded me of the scene from Star Wars when Darth Vader’s helmet is lowered on. The case consists of five pieces: two interlocking plastic pieces which cover the iPad, with cutouts for ports and buttons, a soft rubber shock absorbing bumper, a removable piece to cover the dock when not in use, and a final plastic piece which snaps on the outside. The final piece can be used as a cover when the iPad is not in use, or can help to reinforce the back when it is. The Defender also includes a built-in stand.

The assembled case pretty much makes your iPad into a tank. Though the case nearly doubles the weight of the iPad, it is a small price to pay for the great protection the case offers. The Otterbox Defender case is also available for the iPhone 4, iPod touch and a number of other devices.

One item that goes particularly well with the Defender case for the iPad is Otterbox’s Utility Latch. This accessory comes with a pad that attaches to your Defender case and offers a handle to slip your hand into. This makes holding the iPad with one hand easier, and reduces the risk of dropping it. The Utility Latch also includes a number of other accessories that make it simple to display and hold your iPad. These include a neck strap, an elastic fabric band and a clip. The neck strap allows you to carry your iPad under your arm, and prop it against yourself for hands free usage. It is also a great way to make sure you don’t drop your iPad accidentally. The elastic fabric band is ideal for strapping your iPad to the back of a headrest to watch movies in the car.

When customers ask me about heavy duty protection for their iPads, the first name I think about is Otterbox. The Defender series offers the peace of mind that your precious gadget will not become useless by a small tumble to the ground. Pairing the Utility Latch with the Defender also gives you the most protection and versatility that the iPad has to offer.

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