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iPad Defender Case |
iPad 2 Defender Case |
Protecting their investment is the first thing people think about when they buy a new iPad or more recently an iPad 2. Owners want to protect it from potential damage, but are not always aware of the options available. Otterbox
has been making high quality cases for electronics for years and are focused on products that are in high demand. We are covering both the iPad (1st generation) and iPad 2 Defender Series cases and will show the differences between the two. A lot of thought has gone into the design and protection offered by these case designs.
iPad and iPad 2 Designs
Whether you have the original iPad or the new thinner and lighter iPad2, Otterbox offers Defender Series cases that will protect your product. We were fortunate to have both iPad models and cases to support this review. Both case designs allow access to all buttons and ports. Assembly is simple with the exception of getting a bubble-free screen when placing the protective cover over the front of the iPad. I opted to remove the protective screen entirely since the best performance seems to be without one. However, you will run the risk of scratching the surface of your iPad without it.
The original iPad Defender case has an interlocking shell that is divided into equal halves, while the new iPad 2 Defender case takes a slightly different approach, but works equally well. Both models offer a clip-on multi-directional back shield with a built-in fold out stand.
The original iPad Defender case has an interlocking shell that is divided into equal halves. The iPad case provides access to the bottom connector for charging or docking the unit with a removable panel.
The new iPad 2 case takes a slightly different approach with a flip out section of the silicone cover. Placing the iPad into this outer shell will most likely make it incompatible with many of the docking stations currently available.
The stand is one of the best features of this accessory, offering a sturdy place to put the iPad without worrying about knocking it over. The only issue is that when the iPad is removed, the stand collapses flat. As a result, I modified the stand by slightly pinching the slot with a pair of wire cutters where the sliding mechanism runs. This put a small notch in the travel and keeps the stand upright. It now works great and since I did not press too hard when modifying the track, it can go back and forth without much effort.
Conclusion
The OtterBox for iPad and iPad2 Defender Series™ cases are awesome designs and I cannot think of a better way to protect the products. The high-quality polycarbonate shell and durable silicone skin not only protect from damage, but also help prevent the unit from slipping out of your hands. The slightly larger size may be an issue for some, but for us it is a small price to pay for the level of protection provided. The product is well thought out and the fold-out stand serves as a stable platform, which has been perfect for our entertainment room.
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Kevin Nakano |