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iPhone Armor by OtterBox

Submitted by Michael Johnston on June 3, 2008 - 7:55pm.
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Who's the most abusive iPhone owner you know? The guy who always drops his latest gadget, sits on it, gets it wet, what have you. If you're "that guy", then OtterBox has just the case for you. The iPhone Armor Case was designed to be the toughest iPhone case available, and it certainly fits the bill. Completely waterproof and rock-solid, this case is great for even the most abusive iPhone owner.

Description: OtterBox's iPhone Armor Case offers superior protection for the iPhone. Made of a single piece which hinges open, the Armor is completely waterproof. Two latches allow the case to open and your iPhone slides in from the bottom. A headphone jack plugs into the phone and acts as a passthrough for headphones with the case on. Clear waterproof membranes cover the camera hole, screen, and the Apple logo. The screen is easy to use and the membrane over the camera doesn't seem to distort the image too badly. There is access to every button with the case on, except for the sleep/wake switch.

Pros: The greatest advantage to this case is that it's waterproof. It's also extremely durable. You have access to all the phone's buttons and camera. All the sensors function properly, as well. The headphone passthrough is also quite clever. If you're looking for the most rugged and durable iPhone case, this is the one you want.

Cons: There are a few things that really disappointed me about this case. For one, it can only go about 5 feet under water before liquid will start seeping in. Not bad, though in most circumstances. More disappointing is that you can't use your phone by putting it up to your ear. To use it with the case on, you need to use headphones or a bluetooth headset. This is because the passthrough disables the earpiece. Also, speakerphone doesn't work because the microphone doesn't pick up sound. The ring/silent switch is also covered, although it's fairly easy to access. The speaker is also quite muffled, so you may miss a call or two.

Bottom line: The iPhone Armor is supremely rugged. This is the only one I've seen that's absolutely waterproof and it's fairly easy to assemble. It won't fit in a pocket, and it has its share of other issues. I do recommend it for those who need protection from water damage and constant abuse.

The iPhone Defender Case is available for $69.95 from OtterBox.com.
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3.5 Stars

Submitted by Snoop1990 on June 19, 2008 - 12:37pm.
it looks like the first phone I had just kidding but to be serious I see no need for this thing. Because we pay such a high amount of money to get such a thin phone, then why use such a box.

In my opinion you should be old enough to prevent your phone to fall into water. I have a mobile phone right now and I had various mp3-players (ipods as well) befre and non of these fall in water. (you should know I was a professional swimmer in the last 5 years so I was in the swimming pool each day.)

Sorry I just do not understand why to buy a thing like this.

Many Uses

Submitted by Humble Rat on June 20, 2008 - 2:42pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoop1990 View Post
it looks like the first phone I had just kidding but to be serious I see no need for this thing. Because we pay such a high amount of money to get such a thin phone, then why use such a box.

In my opinion you should be old enough to prevent your phone to fall into water. I have a mobile phone right now and I had various mp3-players (ipods as well) befre and non of these fall in water. (you should know I was a professional swimmer in the last 5 years so I was in the swimming pool each day.)

Sorry I just do not understand why to buy a thing like this.
There are several uses for this case that come to mind: for use when swimming (using waterproof headphones of course), for use with most extreme sports, if you have to walk in a downpour, if you really like riding water rides at amusement parks, or if you'd like to take your phone/music player on a jet ski. Anytime that you want to make sure that your body getting wet doesn't ruin your phone. It is a product that lets someone not have to be careful all the time, so life can be enjoyed without destroying our toys.

Submitted by Snoop1990 on June 21, 2008 - 1:47am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Humble Rat View Post
There are several uses for this case that come to mind: for use when swimming (using waterproof headphones of course), for use with most extreme sports, if you have to walk in a downpour, if you really like riding water rides at amusement parks, or if you'd like to take your phone/music player on a jet ski. Anytime that you want to make sure that your body getting wet doesn't ruin your phone. It is a product that lets someone not have to be careful all the time, so life can be enjoyed without destroying our toys.
but cannot it be a bit smaller ? it looks very thick and heavy ... just my impressions.

Submitted by Humble Rat on June 21, 2008 - 2:23am.
@Snoop1990

I agree it would be nice if it was thinner--like most things.

Submitted by Snoop1990 on June 21, 2008 - 5:05am.
I am just wondering is there is no other way to get it water resistant because I like the idea (I am a semi professional swimmer up to three times a week training at the local swimming pool so it would be cool to take the phone with to the swimming pool and not to have it locked in the locker, but there are some guys who like to throw me in the water ). Maybe some latex or silicon protection (as thin as possible) some kind of second skin ;-) If anybody knows such a product I would be pleased if you inform me.

These look cool.

Submitted by Bernie on June 21, 2008 - 6:53am.
h2o Audio



I thought I read about these in MacLife but could not find the link online. It is for the Nano but the make other stuff too.

Submitted by Snoop1990 on June 21, 2008 - 6:57am.
That's very cool, just waiting until they release a iphone version. it would be really cool to listen to my music while swimming !

InvisiShield

Submitted by grafixgrrrl on July 1, 2008 - 7:00am.
I thought you guys were going to review the InvisiShield. MY favorite, and only "case" for my baby. Great warranty and service too.

Submitted by Snoop1990 on July 1, 2008 - 7:31am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by grafixgrrrl View Post
I thought you guys were going to review the InvisiShield. MY favorite, and only "case" for my baby. Great warranty and service too.
But the invisiShield is not water proved

Submitted by grafixgrrrl on July 1, 2008 - 7:34am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoop1990 View Post
But the invisiShield is not water proved

ha ha. couldn't find a better place to post that comment. i don't like cases, but i think i have convinced my mom to finally get the iphone. she has dropped her current cell phone in the sink, and the toilet, so she might want this case

Submitted by Woody_online on July 1, 2008 - 9:46am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoop1990 View Post
I am just wondering is there is no other way to get it water resistant because I like the idea (I am a semi professional swimmer up to three times a week training at the local swimming pool so it would be cool to take the phone with to the swimming pool and not to have it locked in the locker, but there are some guys who like to throw me in the water ). Maybe some latex or silicon protection (as thin as possible) some kind of second skin ;-) If anybody knows such a product I would be pleased if you inform me.
Who needs the 'second skin'? You or the iPhone?
I can't imagine why a semi-professional swimmer would want to listen to the iPhone while actually swimming, surely there are some places you don't want to take a call

As for the Otter, I work in hostile environments and (big though it is) it'll be the mutts nuts for keeping my expensive toy clean and dry... Cheers chaps

Submitted by Snoop1990 on July 1, 2008 - 10:27am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woody_online View Post
Who needs the 'second skin'? You or the iPhone?
I can't imagine why a semi-professional swimmer would want to listen to the iPhone while actually swimming, surely there are some places you don't want to take a call
NO, I do not want to listen during the swimming I want to take my phone with me as I am in the bath all day (at least in summer). And you know sometimes others like to throw me into the pool, having the phone in my pocket ... so having a water protected phone would be very very cool

Submitted by Frogg on July 2, 2008 - 6:50pm.
Cool concept yet hideous look

holy crap balls!

Submitted by *grrrlshelbs (not verified) on July 5, 2008 - 10:25am.
Quote:
Originally Posted by grafixgrrrl View Post
ha ha. couldn't find a better place to post that comment. i don't like cases, but i think i have convinced my mom to finally get the iphone. she has dropped her current cell phone in the sink, and the toilet, so she might want this case

i swear to you guys, i left my phone outside in a thunderstorm last night!!!! i am an idiot! i am restoring right now. wish me luck! :0

Submitted by Justin Mellor on July 5, 2008 - 10:45am.
My thoughts exactly, I love the concept, but man it is kind of ugly looking. Where listening underwater would be extremely awesome, there are some places where these places are just not meant to go!

Submitted by rhazelrigg on July 9, 2008 - 1:49pm.
I love Otter Box stuff but if you're not going scuba diving it's a bit of over kill.

Submitted by Snoop1990 on July 9, 2008 - 5:32pm.
again it depends on your needs. I need water resistance and nice look so this product is not the right one for me

Submitted by rhazelrigg on July 9, 2008 - 8:29pm.
I review 2 Otterbox... boxes for MyMac.com I'm sure you'll be happy.