Review: Otterbox Defender Series Hardcase for iPad 2

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Otterbox has created the ultimate protection for the iPad 2. The Defender Series case, a multi-layer structural and rugged protector that beefs up the svelte tablet for the rough and tumble reality of day-to-day use under various conditions. An internal silicone skin absorbs shock while an outer polycarbonate shell deflects scratches, dust and impact.

Since Apple made the iPad 2 thinner and changed the design, a slew of new cases had to be made for the popular tablet. 

Otterbox, which created some sturdy cases for the first iPad quickly responded with the Defender Series case (US $90.00). This case is composed of an inner silicone skin that slips on the iPad 2 like a wet suit.

This skin is then connected to a polycarbonate exoskeleton that is a bit of a tight squeeze to apply. After around 5 minutes of tugging and pulling at the rubber parts to make sure they fit right where they meet the plastic, the iPad 2 is as armoured as it can possibly be.

Otterbox has upped the protection by offering a third piece, a screen cover that snaps on the front to add yet another layer of polycarbonate to protect the otherwise exposed touchscreen.

This screen protector is also multifunctional, pop it out and you can fashion a pretty handy dandy reclining stand for the iPad 2.

You can angle the tablet slightly for typing or playing Angry Birds or you can prop it up to watch videos.

Otterbox clearly created this case to withstand high tolerances for impact, harsh surroundings and a variety of unfriendly conditions. Yet, it managed to maintaining the curves and contours of the iPad 2 while making sure to add the right grip and tactile texture to different parts of the iPad 2. The result is the tablet is grippier and easier to hold.

This is an ideal case for travelers who might need to pull out the iPad 2 at a moment's notice or suddenly stuff it into a bag, an airplane seat pocket of a security X-Ray conveyor.

We also see this case allowing the iPad to live and work on the field in heavy industry or construction where dust and unpredictable weather conditions might be a factor. 

If you need an iPad  case for the impending zombie apocalypse, this is pretty much the only game in town. 

The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender Series case isn't the kind of case you want to put on and take off every other day. You're dealing with three layers and different materials that need to be coerced into fitting together. When we were testing it, we had it on for a week so as not to have to remove all the layers which is a bit of a chore.

These layers, however, are what keep dust, debris and other unfortunate elements from scratching the iPad 2's surface. We also like how all the buttons are completely covered and secure while all the cameras are visible and quickly accessible.

The Otterbox iPad 2 Defender case does add substantial bulk and weight, it's a suit of armour after all. One handed iPad operation becomes nigh well impossible with the case installed on so it isn't for the iPad user who lounges around the house reading eBooks.

If you have children or small pets that are iPad fixated, then this might be a good investment.

Rating: 5 out of 5