Customer Reviews

OtterBox Defender Case  for iPhone 1G (Black)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Length:: 7:30 Mins

I was looking for a case for my iPhone that would protect the product while also having a belt clip and holster; like many Blackberry holders. After watching review on YouTube and reading reviews on the net, this seemed to be the best case for my need. After using the case for a few months, I'm happy with the design and protection. It holds the iPhone in-place and has a swivel belt clip. It does add to the bulk and weight of the iPhone, and the phone no longer fits into docks (apple or third party) made just for the phone in its uncased design. This is not an issue for me as I just use the direct connect cable that come with it without the dock. While looking for the product, I was able to find this seller on Amazon that had it for a great price. The case is very professional looking and well made.

I followed the advice of Otterbox to use hand or facial oil to "lubricate" the screen. It did not work, and I wonder why they did not use the solution I found. I used a Fellowes WriteRight universal screen protector (I had some left over from a previous phone). Once installed, there is absolutely no oil slick and the screen looks perfect! The thickness of the screen protector is minimal, and does not affect the closure of the case. The touch screen works perfectly, too, even with a double-layer of protection on top. It is as if you are using the iPhone nude (that sounded strange...but you know what I mean).

Here is the link to the product I used to completely fix the oil slick problem:
Fellowes WriteRight Universal Screen Protector, 10 Pack

The pros and cons seem pretty well documented here, except one major con:

The case somehow keeps physically pushing the silent mode switch to silent. I have the original iPhone, and I depend on being able to hear the phone as I am frequently outside, sometimes with trucks and such running near me. I keep the phone in my pocket, and inevitably during the day, my phone has gone to silent mode and I have missed calls. At this point I have to take the case apart (partially) and move the switch back so I can hear it ring again.

This one major flaw has me searching for another case, unfortunately, as I can't be missing calls every day. Nor do I want to have to stop, unwrap my phone (decreasing the lifespan of the case no doubt) and push the switch back. This flaw also now has me constantly checking my phone for missed calls. I don't want to have to look at my phone all day, fearing I am missing business opportunities because of a $30 phone case.

Another more minor flaw is that very fine dust actually does penetrate this case. I am around stone dust at times, which ends up between the case and the phone.

Cons:

1) The plastic screen has a few noticeable "bubbles" (like a bad tinting job on a car window). Especially on white backgrounds you will notice it.
2) It make the phone larger all around so it probably does not attach well to some third party iphone docking stations/accessories.
3) It doesn't allow access to the silence ringer switch. However, there is a workaround - when you turn the ringer to the lowest volume, it silences the ringer.
4) Pictures aren't as clear - the plastic that protects the camera also obscures it a little.
5) The black case attracts dust in my pocket. However, the phone without a case would do the same.

Pros:
1) It is protected better from drops and accidental water. I've dropped my iPhone twice and it didn't even make a sound when it hit the floor. The rubber around the defense case seemed to absorb the impact well.
2) It is still fits comfortably in my pocket.
3) It gives me peace of mind that I will not accidentally damage my iPhone with drops or kids getting water on it.
4) The touch screen is still very sensitive and works well with touch.
5) It is a nice case that makes my iPhone seem more like a PDA, which I like.

I am very happy with my purchase of the OtterBox Defender Case Black for the iPhone. I'm glad I didn't have to pay full price also on Amazon.com. I would buy it again if I ever bought another iPhone.

Peace.

The case is great but it has one flaw that others have already mentioned - THE OIL SLICK ON THE SCREEN.

I removed and re-installed the case doing everything that others had tried but without success and it was just too annoying to live with.

The case itself is well designed and it does protects the iPhone well, even from water (to an extent). I really wanted to like the case but just couldn't do it so I ended up sending it back.

Sorry OtterBox!

My son was given the 1G as a hand-me-down after an upgrade. I had the 3G Otterbox and was very pleased after a suburban SUV drove over it without any damage to my iphone...(amazing).
I wanted my son's iphone to have the protection the Otterbox had given mine. He is happy for the protection The Otterbox gives his iphone, he is pleased by the sharp looks and the belt clip function. The Otterbox is the superior choice for your iPhone investment. My sisters have them on their iphones now....Easy to assemble and looks great!

It is a good product, it keeps your i phone protected. But the i phone in the case will get water marks in between the case and the phone, but that is fixable you a lite mist of baby powder in between.

I purchased the OtterBox Defender for my first gen iPhone after checking out my buddy's case. It protects against drops and knocks like no other case I'd tried or read about. It's not perfect by far. There's no lining in the plastic shell to protect you beautiful phone from abbrasive scratches. The silicone cover for my charging port soon started to pop out and eventually tore off. The entire silicone sleeve got stretched out to where it started fitting loose. The built-in screen protector isn't very durable and you can't change it. There are a lot of nooks and crannies for lint and dust to get into.

I just got my Pink iPhone 3G defender case. I am not the most coordinated person in the world and I have been terrified my wonderful phone would be dropped and break. My kids constantly want to play with the phone and I had to refuse to let them touch it. This case is very sturdy and has already protected my phone from the daily bumps and bangs. I did have the "oil slick" issue with the screen but the baby powder trick worked. I am very happy with this purchase.