Review: OtterBox Defender for BlackBerry Bold

Review: OtterBox Defender for Blackberry Bold
[rating:8]
Price: $49.95 plus shipping @ BerryReview Store

I have been using BlackBerry devices since its first incarnation. I have also used many other mobile devices, MP3 players (I still have a Rio PMP300, one of the first MP3 devices ever). There are two things I know from experience:

1. If you can, use a screen protector.
2. A good case makes BIG difference.

Both of these will add years to your mobile devices. The OtterBox Defender fits well into #2.

Opening the box you’ll find 5 items, protective membrane for screen and keyboard, two piece polycarbonate shell, silicon skin that keeps the first three in place and adds shock/bump resistance and finally the holster. All these added together makes your Bold feel like a tank that can take almost anything. I have to mention, while this provides some protection against liquids, such as light rain, it will not prevent water entering.

The installation process was quick, but I had my own share of troubles setting up the membrane. Unlike my fellow team members, it would not form fit and left air pockets on the screen. The rest is fairly easy, put together the shell, slide the silicon skin over it and voila.

After I was fairly confident my unit is safe, I had my 7 year old daughter test it as well. She threw it on the floor, sat on it, and tried various other things but there was not even a single scratch. The membrane over the keyboard takes some time getting used to, but after couple of days, it fits really nice. For me the it was harder to get used to the trackball.

My biggest issue is the bulk, as the case doubles the thickness of the Bold. On the other hand that may be a fair trade if you want to protect your unit. I don’t think I will be using the case for my day to day life, but when I am on vacation at the beach or hiking, it will definitely be protecting my Bold for years to come.

Overall, I’d highly recommend it to anyone, especially if they are working on the field.

Pros:

• Excellent protection
• Ports are still fully accessible

Cons:

• Adds bulk to the unit
• Membrane may be hard to get used to