OtterBox Defender Series Hybrid Case for iPad Mini (Black)

• Silicone plug covers keep the dust and debris out of the main openings without interfering with usability
• A polycarbonate case cover fits over the front or back of the iPad mini and doubles as a stand to view in portrait or landscape mode
• 1-year limited warranty
• A screen protector is built into the polycarbonate shell to protect against scratches without compromising sensitivity
• Includes a removable shield stand that acts as a protective cover to either the front or back of the case and acts as a stand for typing or viewing

This is my 3rd Otterbox Defender case (previously I had the first generation iPad and currently have one on my iPhone 4s). I was pleased with the previous two, and, considering that this iPad Mini is for my six year old son, I felt that purchasing a third was a no-brainer. And, now that I have it, I have to say that I'm even more impressed than I was with the previous two. While I loved the Defender on my iPad 1st Gen, I found that it added a lot of bulk and weight. The Mini Defender manages to provide what appears to be the same level of protection, but it does so without adding the same proportional bulk and weight as that in the 1st Gen iPad, IMO (of course it still remains heavier than say, a leather folio).

Other pluses:

1) Excellent fit the case feels like a natural extension of the Mini itself.

2) Buttons work great with my previous Defender cases, the silicone protection over the home, power and volume buttons felt like big pieces of rubber, and not particularly sturdy. However, the silicone over the buttons on the Mini Defender are so well placed and and designed that it feels like you are using the actual buttons on the Mini without the protection again, the case feels like an extension of the Mini itself.

3) The silicone backing has a nice, slightly grippy feel, which makes it easy and comfortable to hold on to, especially when gaming.

4) The case cover that doubles as a stand fits very securely over the display screen of the Mini, and adds extra protection for the corners of the device. With the case cover on over the front of the Mini, the surface of the Mini is fully protected if dropped (well, as protected as it can be anyway). I wish all tablet cases would come with a case cover that fully protects the display in case of falls (as opposed to just using a screen protector, which won't do much good if dropped on a non-flat surface).

5) It does also have a built-in screen protector. I'm still trying to decide if I want to keep it, or tear it off and put on my own it seems a little too glossy for my taste.

6) Both the front and rear cameras are fully visible and unobstructed by the case.

7) The stand (for which the case cover doubles up as) seems much more stable as compared to the previous Defenders I have used.

Cons (Minor):

1) For some reason, this version of the Defender does not have a clear opening to display the Apple logo on the back of the Mini. Perhaps due to the smaller size they were not able to do so without compromising the integrity of the overall case?

2) As someone else mentioned, the speakers at the bottom are not covered at all they are however protected as they are surrounded by the rim of the case as well as the silicone cover of the Lightning connector. To me this does not really matter but some may prefer that extra-extra protection against dust etc.

3) As of the date of this review, only three colors are available black, "blushed" (pink) and "crevasse" (gray). Hopefully they'll add more colors soon.

4) It's kinda pricey (at least as of the date of this review). But, IMO well worth it considering that it provides the best overall protection I've been able to find (i.e. front and back of the Mini).

Overall, I'm very pleased. Nothing else I've seen out there will give the same level of overall protection as this, especially if the device is to be used primarily by a child, or if you travel/carry it around a lot.

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None of the reviews I read mentioned the weight of this product. My Wifi iPad Mini weighs 11 oz. This product is composed of three separate sections. The plastic section that covers the iPad weighs 4 oz, the rubber portion that partially covers the plastic section weighs 3.1 oz, so with these two parts on the iPad you have 7.1 oz in addition to the 11 oz weight of the iPad for a total of 18.1 oz. The other section, which is used to protect the iPad while traveling and as a base to support the iPad in two different upright positions, weighs 4.3 oz.

This product is well constructed, fits the iPad Mini well and should provide good protection. The other reviews covered other aspects of the product so I won't cover those. I gave this five stars because I concluded that it should protect the iPad from most accidents, which is the main purpose. As to the additional weight, any case built to protect the product will have a weight penalty. So the choice is protection with a weight penalty or less protection without the case.

Read Best Reviews of OtterBox Defender Series Hybrid Case for iPad Mini (Black) Here

Those of us shopping for an iPad mini case the week the device was announced know that there were slim pickings. Out of the handful available, I chose the Khomo case -it only cost $2.99 at the time (now it's $12.99). Plus it has a full back cover and a magnetic front cover.

But I'd had my heart set on the Defender. However, the $69.99 preorder price was prohibitive. So I waited until I saw one through Amazon Warehouse Deals for under $42.

As much as I liked that very affordable and well-made Khomo case, this Defender for the iPad mini is a thousand times better. No exaggeration.

Yes, it adds a bit of bulk. But it's so well styled that you'd think it was organic to the mini if you didn't know how thin the real mini is. This does not have the awkwardness of the Defender for the iPhone 4s (which I own). It is attractive and highly protective.

It's the difference between carrying a raw egg in a baggie and placing the egg in an egg carton. I'm now thinking I took huge risks carrying my mini around without the protection of the Defender.

If you've read another review about how this applies too much pressure to the mini and cracked the screen, I haven't experienced anything like that. It's well fitted, there is no flex between the case and the device, and I can't see how you could crack the screen unless you were trying to remove the Defender case and you torqued the mini in your attempts to extract it. Otherwise, there are no pressure points created by fitting this case onto your mini. Don't let that review stop you from purchasing this item. If you do, you're making a big mistake and not backing up your investment.

Unlike that other reviewer, I post constantly about products/books I purchase, the good as well as the bad. Because that's what will help you decide to purchase or move on.

The screen protector does not impede the touchscreen, either by finger or with a stylus. I have a Bamboo stylus and it works just fine, although I need to apply slightly firmer pressure with the stylus.

If you're a Defender owner, you know the quality of the materials. If you've never bought one before, this is the one to purchase. You'll be hooked for life.

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I've been using OtterBox cases for a couple of years nowfirst on my iPad "1", then on my iPhone 4, then on my iPhone 4S, then on my iPad "3", and now on my iPad mini. I've been thoroughly pleased with all of the previous OtterBox purchases, and any time there was an issue, OtterBox's customer service was quick to respond and provide free replacement parts when needed.

All of that being said, it was a no-brainer for me to purchase this case when I ordered my iPad mini (which I'm actually replacing my iPad "3" with I just like the smaller size better). And just like all of the other OtterBox products I've used, this one is a good choice.

Here are some pros of this case:

1) It's solid, just like other OtterBox cases

2) The texture on the back is a little smoother than previous cases, which is fine because of the smaller size and weight.

3) It has a built-in screen protector. It's not "HD" like other protectors out there, but it does the job well.

4) The cover easily snaps on and off and doubles as a stand with two viewing angles.

5) The cover also doubles as a stand with two different viewing angles in landscape mode.

6) At the new price point of $48, it's about $22 less than what you'd pay retail.

Here are some cons of this case:

1) It adds bulk to the iPad mini. But, that's expected considering it's intended to protect the iPad mini.

2) The cable adapter for old 30 pin cables will not work with this case. You'll have to use the adapter that includes the wire between the two connectors it does work.

Overall, I say if you're looking for a good, solid case for your iPad mini and aren't too terribly concerned with the added bulk, grab one of these.

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My wife received a iPad mini from Santa for Christmas. She didn't want this case, but after I researched it, I bought it anyway, along with her choice of case. She likes this one better, and wants me to return the other.

The biggest issue was "how wide will this mini be with the case on?" Well, although the Otter Box is a 4 piece case (including the stand/hard cover), without the hard cover on it's plenty thin, as the OB really adds very little bulk. And the lightly textued back makes it very non-slip for holding with one hand as well.