The Otter Box Commuter Case for iPhone 4 is a well constructed hard-shell case with a silicone layer underneath and screen protector. It provides a no-slip grip while keeping the thin iPhone 4 form factor we love.
Reviewing cases can be tough; there are a lot out there. I think it's fair to say most cases I review are rather good. I haven't really come across the "perfect" case yet, but I might be close with this one. Why? Well, it's the perfect compromise between slim and protected and it's by Otter Box, an industry leader in hardcore protective cases.
What makes this case unique among its competition is that the silicone is very well constructed. The the hard shell outer case and the silicone literally work in concert to protect every aspect of your iPhone 4. The silicone covers everything from the headphone jack port across the top of the device to the 30-pin connector slot on the bottom. Each is protected with a flip-out plug. What is so great is the headphone jack is protected without the sacrifice of blocking the second mic; it's still uncovered. I am very impressed with Otter Box's design work.
The hardshell is pretty solid. The only way I could envision it breaking is if it was frozen to -30 degrees then smashed with a hammer. I seriously feel very secure with it.
Here is something else I like about the case; by now you may know how much I like raised edges on cases for the iPhone, as it protects the screen if it is laid on its face. With the Otter Box, I feel I am getting an extra .5 or 1mm additional height and the hardshell meets the height of the silicone on the top, bottom and sides of the device. This means that if placed face first and any weight is placed on the device, it is still not likely to scratch. That is great design work and my kudos to Otter Box.
If you need your iPhone protected, look no further than the The Otter Box Commuter Case for iPhone 4 to have a good looking case while keeping it safe. Available now from the TiPb iPhone 4 Accessory Store.
Pros
- Awesome protection with little sacrifice for thinness
- Throughly protected, yet access to all ports, even the mic!
- Included screen protector
- Durable silicone skin
- Polycarbonate outer shell
Cons
- Though relatively easy to take on and off, not really meant to be removed
- Lint tends to stick to the silicone, but this is an issue with every silicone skin I have come across
- No color selections other than black
- Can't place in dock with case on
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