The Otter Box is probably
the most durable line of cases available today. They're made
with a fiberglass reinforced ABS resin that is virtually
indestructible, according to the manufacturer. The various
sizes have been pressure tested to depths beyond 100 feet
(they float!). Some of the boxes have been placed under the
wheels of vehicles with no effect to the box whatsoever,
or so says the Otter Box website. They do offer a lifetime
guarantee on each box, so if you run one over with a Jeep
and it cracks, send it back. They're
available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, with
models suitable for palm sized PDAs as well as keyboarded
models such as Psions and WinCE HPC computers like the HP
Jornada 690. They're also among the cheapest cases out there-
a real steal at $14.50 for the 2000 series and $19.95 for
the 3000 series.
We've tested the 2000 series,
designed for Palm Pilots and Pocket PCs; as well as the
3000 series, intended for keyboarded PDAs such as the Psion
5mx. The cases have a techno-tough look that's pretty cool.
The array of colors is impressive. But how well does it
protect your PDA? Well, it floated in the bathtub, protecting
a Palm VII perfectly. The rubber gasket that seals the
top and bottom of the unit does such a good job that it
actually takes a little effort to open the case! Needless
to say, it did a fine job of keeping water out. Will it
seal to 100 feet below the water? We didn't have any divers
on hand to test that claim. We then proceeded to stand
on top of the Series 3000 case, and it didn't dent or crack.
Not bad! How about the fit? You'll find that a HP Jornada
545 Pocket PC has a little extra room inside, so you might
want to put a tissue or some other soft padding inside
to stop it from sliding a bit. The Palm VII is a perfect
fit. The Casio E-115 Pocket PC fits very snugly, due to
its larger size. How about the 3000 series? A Psion has
a bit of extra space, as does the Jornada 690. If your
PDA does slide a bit, it will be protected by the soft
neoprene rubber (at least it seems like neoprene) padding
that clads the inside surface of the case. The Otter Boxes
start at a very affordable $9.95
Otter Heavy Armor 2000
and Armor Travel Case
Armor is a new line of cases
from the Otter folks. We tested the Heavy Armor 2000 and
the Travel Case. The Heavy Armor, pictured to the right,
is intended for folks who use their PDA in "challenging" conditions
such as military, hunting, emergency services and etc..
The front recessed window is clear and pliable, allowing
you to use the PDA while it's sealed in the case. Next
to the window you'll find a stylus holder so you won't
have to open the case in adverse conditions to pull out
a stylus.
Like Otter Boxes, the case
is made of rugged fiberglass reinforced ABS plastic and
polycarbonate. It's airtight and has relaceable gaskets
(great for wet weather, but don't go diving with it). It
floats (thanks to the airtight seal that holds in air),
is crushproof and has a lifetime warranty. Two clips on
the left secure the case closed. The back is clear so you
can use IR while the unit is sealed safely inside. Padded
inserts come with the case so your PDA will be cushioned.
The case has wide velcro strips
on the back that allow you to secure the case to your hand,
wrist or other equipment. There's even a belt clip, which
is a very large plastic affair that encases the back of
the case and has a clip. Despite the no-nonsense tough
design you can get the Heavy Armor 2000 in a nice selection
of colors. It looks pretty darned cool in person. It sells
for $49.95
Travel Case
This is one James Bond case!
At 10 inches x 8 inches x 5.25 inches, it's large enough
to hold a collection of toys and gadgets, and has cell
foam padding with sectional removeable inserts that you
can pluck out to make spaces for your gadgets. It comes
with a padded shoulder strap and has a handle as well.
Like other Otter cases, it's
crushproof, waterproof (do not take it diving, but do let
it get splashed by rain), and even has an airlock release
valve! You can attach the lock of your choice to the two
security holes in the lip of the case. It's available in
Midnight Black and sells for $69.95.
www.otterbox.com prices
vary with model |
above:
Otter Box 2000 series
above:
Otter Heavy Armor 2000
above:
Otter Armor Travel Case |
