Otterbox (not released yet)

wrhutch

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Jul 9, 2007
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Pottsboro Texas
The iPhone Otterbox is a snap together plastic box with a flimsy skin type of outer exterior that you strech to cover the plastic box. The plastic box is as to be expected, it has a clear plastic window that protects the iPhone screen. This window seems to stick to the iPhone screen and cause bubbles to appear. These bubbles are worse than any screen protector bubbles that I have ever seen and I've had many PDAs with screen protectors. The bubbles definitely cause distortion when viewing the iPhone.

The skin cover is very loose and doesn't stick well to the plastic box. Evertime I pick it up it seems to protrude from the iPhone. :mad: Then there's the holster. The holster looks like a dimestore knock off.

I apologize for not taking pictures but I was so disappointed that I just wanted to box it back up and send it back. The cheap case that I got at the AT&T store for $39.00 was much better than this one.

Hopefully their waterproof version is of better design and quality. This one seems rushed to Market.

Cheers,

Will
 

Indy

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Jul 29, 2007
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The iPhone Otterbox is a snap together plastic box with a flimsy skin type of outer exterior that you strech to cover the plastic box. The plastic box is as to be expected, it has a clear plastic window that protects the iPhone screen. This window seems to stick to the iPhone screen and cause bubbles to appear. These bubbles are worse than any screen protector bubbles that I have ever seen and I've had many PDAs with screen protectors. The bubbles definitely cause distortion when viewing the iPhone.

The skin cover is very loose and doesn't stick well to the plastic box. Evertime I pick it up it seems to protrude from the iPhone. :mad: Then there's the holster. The holster looks like a dimestore knock off.

I apologize for not taking pictures but I was so disappointed that I just wanted to box it back up and send it back. The cheap case that I got at the AT&T store for $39.00 was much better than this one.

Hopefully their waterproof version is of better design and quality. This one seems rushed to Market.

Cheers,

Will
Well that's definitely a letdown, I had high expectations for this case...oh well maybe they'll improve it down the road, Thanks for the heads up!;)
 

iPhoneJones

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Jul 13, 2007
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Mine comes tomorrow and now I don't want it based on the impressions just given. :mad: Do I have to open it in order to send it back?
 

Ocala

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Jun 14, 2007
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Ocala, FL
I recommend that you open it and form your own opinion.
When I found out about the completely waterproof model I called them and told them to cancel my order for the first one, and send me the waterproof model when it comes out.

They ended up sending the first one anyway - I'll get it on the 25th.

Based on what I've read here so far, I'll just send it back and hope the new model is better.

I don't CARE if it's ugly, as long as it's well made and does the job. (I guess I have to apply this criteria to SOMETHING!):cool:
 

wrhutch

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Jul 9, 2007
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Pottsboro Texas
When I found out about the completely waterproof model I called them and told them to cancel my order for the first one, and send me the waterproof model when it comes out.

They ended up sending the first one anyway - I'll get it on the 25th.

Based on what I've read here so far, I'll just send it back and hope the new model is better.

I don't CARE if it's ugly, as long as it's well made and does the job. (I guess I have to apply this criteria to SOMETHING!):cool:
Ugly wasn't an issue for me. Functionality and durability is.
 

Indy

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Jul 29, 2007
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I work outdoors and don't want the screen to be exposed while on my hip, you never know when you may fall or lean on something and forget your phone is on your hip and risk mashing it!

I guess the best thing to do is get a nice hard case that has a nice snug tight fit and then get a nice pouch that zips close to wear on the belt...
 

acosmichippo

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Sep 10, 2007
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I work outdoors and don't want the screen to be exposed while on my hip, you never know when you may fall or lean on something and forget your phone is on your hip and risk mashing it!

I guess the best thing to do is get a nice hard case that has a nice snug tight fit and then get a nice pouch that zips close to wear on the belt...


Or just not wear your phone on your belt.:laugh2:
 

beej

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Jul 31, 2007
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Pictures please, somebody.

...although I think I feel better about getting impatient and buying the Agent 18.
 

jppotts

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Oct 24, 2007
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First post so be kind...! Well, maybe I just got lucky, but my experience with this case so far has been mostly positive. Do not have any screen issues other than faint scratching on the outside of the membrane after just a day of use. Noticeable when screen is dark, but they sort of disappear when screen is lit. No bubbles or distortion of any kind. I agree that the silicone jacket is a bit flimsy but I don't think it'll cause me any problems. Have no need for the holster, which seems functional but not up to the standards of other otterbox cases I have for my ipods. Overall, I'm a little disappointed. I 'll be keeping this one, but am looking forward to the release of the "ruggedized" model.
 

wrhutch

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Jul 9, 2007
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Pottsboro Texas
This is a reply email that I got from OtterBox this morning:

We have taken customer feedback regarding this case and are actually coming out with a new revision in approximately 2 weeks.
 

acosmichippo

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Sep 10, 2007
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This is a reply email that I got from OtterBox this morning:

We have taken customer feedback regarding this case and are actually coming out with a new revision in approximately 2 weeks.

naturally, they don't say whether or not they will be REPLACING the thing.

Am i to understand they did not beta test? Seems like they just rushed it to market.
 

iPhoneJones

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Jul 13, 2007
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I got mine today. I tried to post pictures but was unsuccessful. This case actually isn't that bad. And thanks to wrhutch I called Otterbox inquiring about the revision case. They are going to send me the revision case when it comes out and I get to keep this one! That's customer service. The phone number is 888.695.8820 for those that want to get theirs. You need the sales order number that comes with it.

You will not be able to access the mute button to turn it to vibrate with this case as the plastic guard covers it.

The screen does leave bubbles in the middle of the screen and be quite annoying. The screen is better off with the protective film, IMO. The screen won't be as bright but you won't get the bubbles in the middle.

It's got full functionality with the touch screen, though not 100% responsiveness as it is naked. I don't think it looks that bad personally. There are two holes at the bottom for the speaker and the microphone. I thought the volume might suffer because they cover up part of the speaker but they still sound good. However, a part of me wishes the speaker was a little larger. I feel so much safer than this one than with the encase.
 
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