At CES 2013, OtterBox announced the Armor Series for the iPhone 4, 4S and 5, their first waterproof case in a long time. The arguably more interesting product OtterBox was showing off at the show was the Defender Series with Ion Intelligence - a new variant with an integrated backup battery and a dedicated iOS application for monitoring how much juice is left in the pack and in your iPhone.
OtterBox is one of the leading brands when it comes to reliable protection for iPhones and iPads, so it comes at no surprise that the OtterBox Defender for the iPhone 5 offers phenomenal, high-quality protection to your precious device. If you live a rugged lifestyle that frequently puts your iPhone 5 in danger, you're definitely going to want to give the OtterBox Defender a look.
The OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPad is the full plate armor of iPad protection. It's built with a high-impact inner polycarbonate shell that includes a built-in foam interior that provides additional shock absorption and scratch protection. The rugged silicone skin absorbs the impact from bumps and shocks while the textured exterior provides for added grip. The built-in screen protector prevents scratches, smudges and fingerprints from getting on your high-resolution screen. In other words -- it's badass. And the iMore Accessory Store has one ready and waiting to give to you for FREE -- if you can win our Twitter Treasure Hunt!
We've already revealed the first 4 treasures... have you found them? Here's how to enter:
When it comes to iPad 2 cases, everyone has an opinion on which type is best -- hard, soft, waterproof, leather, or skin case
Apple has sold 55 million iPads to date, including a ton of iPad 2s, and all I can think about is all those beautiful, breakable screens, and elegant, scratch-able aluminum backs in need of the best iPad 2 case possible to protect them. We've reviewed a bunch of iPad 2 cases here on iMore already, and we'll be reviewing a bunch more in the coming weeks, and the sheer variety of iPad 2 cases is staggering -- from the thinnest of skins to the strongest of hard shells.
There are advantages and disadvantages to all styles of iPad 2 case. Do you value form or function? Style or security? Gloss or grip? Protection or low-profile? A lot will depend on what you do with your iPad. A construction site has different iPad case requirements than a vacation on the lake or a trip to a trade show. And now that all the basics have been covered -- how many little black iPad cases can one girl or guy own? -- manufacturers are getting more creative with materials and molding. iPad cases can now be about fashion and fun as well. Cool colors, terrific textures, and niche needs are all being covered now. And the very best iPad 2 cases bring all of that together, and more.
Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting the OtterBox headquarters in Fort Collins, CO and it was bigger and nicer and more fun than I ever imagined. There are very few right angles in the building and the architecture and interior design is just gorgeous. As if the multiple mini-kitchens, work-out gym, bike room, and pinball machine wasn't enough, OtterBox headquarters also features a slide. Yes, a giant, awesome, circular indoor slide. iMore and Mobile Nations better watch out, because if OtterBox offers me a job, I'm there!
After watching the video, head over to Otterbox's website for videos about the headquarter's design and photo gallery. You'll be nothing short of impressed.
Giveaway: Watch the video then leave a comment letting us know which of the Otterbox cases you'd love to win!
Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting the OtterBox headquarters in Fort Collins, CO and talk with Jordan about the history of the OtterBox name, the design and testing process, and get a closer look and description for each case series for the iPhone and iPad.
In addition to the interview, Jordan also passed on one of each case series to give away to our readers! Specifically, we have the following:
Otterbox has long been known for their heavy duty protection. We had an opportunity to talk to them here at CES 2012 about what they consider when designing their cases. Material selection and protection level are heavy factors.
With full, fast internet access and apps aplenty, the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad are pretty much perfect for students of all ages. If you're looking for a gift for the student (or students) in your life, from elementary to high school to university, there are a ton of accessories and apps to choose from. Here are some of our favorites!
Don’t need anything for a student? Check out the recommendations anyway, something great might still catch your eye. If not, no worries, check out one of our other 2011 holiday gift guides!
You asked us to put the Otterbox Defender head-to-head against the Incipio Destroyer in a proper, traditional Smartphone Experts style review and... I thought to heck with that. We're doing an Amazing Case episode of TiPb TV. No, not a Jiu-Jitsu death-match or scratch test or water torture, this time we're taking the Defender and the Destroyer out onto the frigid Canadian slopes, we're putting them up against ice and snow and mud and rocks -- we're literally putting our butts on the line to stress test them for the TiPb nation!
We've previously taken a look at how to put on and take off the Destroyer and how to install and remove the Defender. This time we took them... sledding! Now the Defender's outer layer is silicon (Destroyer puts that layer inside) and non-stick might be great for grip but not for racing down a hill. So we had to take that off. Destroyer is also literally screwed together. With differences like that, could it be a fair test? Could we figure out which one would best keep your iPad protected (and me alive?)
Hit play and find out!
[Special thanks to @marcedwards from Bjango for the 1-star rating t-shirts. Meh!]