OtterBox for BlackBerry® Curve™ Defender Series™ Case December 20, 2008 Reviewer: Jedd Category: Mobile Over the years I have had my fair share of accidents with my cell phone or PDA. The many drops and bumps don't help keep it looking new and definitely do not help keep if functioning properly. Even though I typically use the service provider discounts and plan options to upgrade or replace a phone or PDA, I still try my best to take care of it so it will last me the two years. Often the best action you can take to protect your phone or PDA is a protective case. Today we take a look at an offering from OtterBox for my BlackBerry® Curve™. Company: OtterBox, www.otterbox.com Price: $49.95 US Ratings Price: Install/Setup: Usability: Support: Average Rating: Pros: Very durable 3 layers of protection Protective case does not limit the usability of the device Cons: Not a quick plug and play case Getting Started The OtterBox for BlackBerry® Curve™ Defender Series™ is one tough case. Before you even get it on your Blackberry, you get a good feel for the sturdiness and durability of the case as you separate the layers. With 3 distinct layers, it will be difficult getting a scratch or getting general dirt and liquid close do the device under normal use. The first layer is a thermal formed clear membrane that protects the screen and keypad. Installing this is the slowest step. The recommended process is to use a little bit of water with dish soap in it. Using this method helps to create a better seal between your screen and the membrane. After letting it dry for about 24 hours, you are ready for the final two layers. Next is the hi-impact polycarbonate shell. This is the backbone of the case. It is a very rigid and hard plastic that will withstand quite a bit of pressure before cracking or breaking. Around the polycarbonate shell is the silicone skin. This skin has several purposes. Not only does it help hold all 3 layers in place, but its soft pliable nature allows it to absorb bumping and shock as well as make it easy to hold in your hand. Included with all this is a polycarbonate holster with a very sturdy belt clip. Click on picture to enlarge image Usability The Defender Series™ case for my Blackberry is a fully interactive case that enables complete usability of the trackball, keyboard and camera. All surfaces of the BlackBerry are fully covered at all times, yet I still has full access to all ports via convenient Silicone plugs. I can also sync and charge the BlackBerry right through the case. From a complete protection standpoint, this case has it completely covered. The only drawback I could see was that to fully utilize the 3 protective layers, this is not a case you just use when you want and then take it off. Where I am in a business/office environment most of the time, I do not need this much protection. Yet I am often running around doing things in the outdoors, working in the yard, running around to soccer practice and games. At these times this case is everything I need to keep from destroying my Blackberry. So I am in a bit of a quandary. Over the last few weeks I have become used to the larger case while sitting at my desk. But is this much case overkill for how often I need the protection? My wife would remind me that having my Blackberry in the case at all times is much better than not having it and breaking it when I drop it the one time I'm out in the garage with my arms full of groceries. When it comes down to using my Blackberry in this case, I still have complete use of all functionality. So the little bit of extra bulk is very much worth it! Specifications and Features Compatibility Accommodates the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8300 Series. This includes the 8300, 8310 (AT&T), the 8320 (T-Mobile) and the new 8330 (VERIZON and Sprint) models. Features Included with the case is a holster style swivel belt clip. This case is available in BLACK and BLACK/YELLOW. 3 Layers of Protection First, a thermal formed clear membrane that protects the screen Second, a hi-impact Polycarbonate shell Lastly, a Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock Case Dimensions 4.53" x 2.72" x 0.94" Case Weight 1.80 oz. Adding It All Up The OtterBox for BlackBerry® Curve™ Defender Series™ Case will protect your Blackberry Curve and keep you from destroying it under normal everyday use as well as those occasional and possibly disastrous bumps and drops. If you are just looking for a simple cover that you can slip your Blackberry in and out of, this isn't the case for you. But if you are like me this type of case will end up saving you money from having to replace your Blackberry because you were only using a simple case that allowed you to slip it in and out of... Because of the excellent quality and endurability, we are awarding the OtterBox for BlackBerry® Curve™ Defender Series™ Case the UpgradAdvisor.com Recommended Upgrade seal of approval!!!

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