- Robust silicone - durable and absorbs impact force
- Built-in screen protector - simplifies installation, protects from scratches and is easy to clean
- Engineered design is inspired by the new iPad - ergonomics accommodate natural use
- Aesthetics - textures and styling in combination with high quality materials create an attractive protective solution
- Port protection with complete access to all functions through case - blocks dust and debris from ports which lengthens the life of the device
- 3 layers of protection
- Access to all ports and functions
- Clear protective membrane on touch screen
- Compatible with the new iPad 3 and iPad 2 - the case is a natural extension of the refined technical beauty of the device
- Easy installation - polycarbonate pieces lock together with obvious snap closing, silicone installs easily over polycarbonate and stays in place
- Screen protector fits flush and flat on the screen - protects from scratches and is barely noticeable
When I first opened it, I was a bit confused as to how to get it apart so I could put it on my iPad. There are picture directions on the box (no written instructions), but they are vague so I had to work a bit get it taken apart. The silicone part is more firm (not as pliable or flexible) than the one for the original iPad and I think I prefer it. The hard case snaps together at a few points where the original one just slid together. It feels more steady and protective. I also like the built-in screen protector rather than relying on having a stick-on screen protector (those are a pain to put on and I always end up with a small speck of something stuck under the protector).
Once I got it all put together, I really like the feel of it; it's pretty solid. The cover for this case snaps on more securely than the original one did so I like that as well. The cover would pop off my original iPad way too easily.
Another thing I like on the new one is the cover for the dock connector. On the original one, there was a piece that would actually slide off (as in a completely separate piece that you then had to keep track of) that revealed enough of the back and bottom of the iPad so you could put it in a dock if you wanted to. I don't use an iPad dock, so wasn't of any use to me and just irritated me that I had to keep track of this extra piece. After using the case for a while, that piece didn't stay put nearly as securely as when it was new, so I had to be careful how I held my iPad while caring it so I didn't accidentally grab just that piece and have it slide out and drop my iPad on the ground.
The only complaint, and that's pushing it a bit, is that the silicone covering the home button is a bit stiff so pressing the home button, or double-clicking it, is a little bit tougher. By no means is it a deal breaker and I really think it will loosen up with a little bit of use (obviously I haven't used it much since I just got it a couple days ago).
Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase (though I bought it from Best Buy, not Amazon) and would recommend this case t anybody that wants full protection (not water-proof) for their new iPad.
Buy OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector (Black) Now
I talked to an Otterbox rep about the screen taking away from the New IPAD's retina display. He said the plastic from the screen can be removed from its frame. Its only attached with a mild adhesive. Then you can have your own screen protector but on (one of those shields that adhear to your IPAD). Then put the frame over that. Granted for $90 they should of provided a that as an option in the package, but this is a very protective case that will work well I believe. Removing the screen Otterbox said will not void the warranty.Read Best Reviews of OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector (Black) Here
Received this case and installed it pretty easy watching the video from Otterbox's website. First thing I cleaned the Ipad screen and the screen protector and looked at them both in the light making sure there was no prints or lint on either. I just used windex and a paper towel. Then assembled it. The screen looks beautiful. Games, video's and everything else looks wonderful. I can't tell I'm even looking thru a screen protector. I can't understand why so many other reviewers are unimpressed with the screen protector. Overall protection seems pretty good. My nine year old son can grab this anytime he wants now without me worrying. I would recommend this case highly to anyone looking to purchase protection for their new Ipad. Also try keeping this in your cart with Amazon as the seller and watch for a price drop. Amazon last week for a short time dropped the price to $30.99 which is when I purchased it. If they did it before maybe they will do it again.Items Ordered Price
1 of: OtterBox Defender Series for The New iPad 3 3rd Generation & iPad 2 Black [Personal Computers]
Condition: New
Sold by: Amazon.com LLC
$30.99
Amazon Prime: Two-Day Shipping is free
Item(s) Subtotal: $30.99
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
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Total Before Tax: $30.99
Sales Tax: $0.00
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Total for This Shipment: $30.99
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Want OtterBox Defender Series Case with Screen Protector (Black) Discount?
I ordered one of these cases when I first ordered my New iPad but I had to wait for over 3 weeks to receive it. I have to tell you I was nervous holding the iPad without a case. I have large, dry and calloused hands and to hold an iPad without a silicone case for me is like trying to hold a slippery sliver of ice. I was so afraid I was going to drop it and the iPad is designed like a piece of art and I didn't want to scratch or damage it.This new case has several improvements and they are noticeable because we own an iPad 2 and the older style Otterbox Defender case. The improvements in my opinion are:
* The lid of the new case has four robust hard plastic corners that firmly lock around and onto the corners of the Defender case itself. This provides better protection from dropping the iPad on a fragile corner and the lid is snapped onto the case more securely than the last model.
* The lid contains two magnets so that when you snap it onto the case for carrying it puts the iPad into sleep mode and when you remove the lid the iPad is instantly turned on. The old case did not have this feature.
* The new case has a built in screen protector and the original had a separate screen protector. The new screen protector has a pixilation effect when compared to using the New iPad retina display without a screen cover. Without the cover the picture is absolutely perfect and with the cover you can see the micro granulation of the plastic material. It is ever so slight but it is there and this aspect of the screen protector needs improvement. I like the fact that the screen protector is built in but I hate losing display quality because the wrong material was selected for the protector. Let's face it, the retina display is the main reason why many of us purchased the new iPad.
* On the new case the flaps that cover the docking area, the headphone jack and the switch for the Silent/Screen rotation lock, snap into place tightly and do not randomly come open. The silicon seems thicker and tighter on the case and the areas where these flaps fit are much better designed and close tighter.
* The edge of the silicon on the top bezel of the case that goes around the iPad display has a nice wide extrusion that fits into a larger channel seal area in the hard plastic case than the last model defender case. The seal and fit is much tighter than the last model case and it simply feels more secure. The silicon was actually a little harder to get off to install the iPad as it is so tight fitting.
* The silicon overall feels thicker and fits tighter than the last Defender model and it just feels better made.
* The large flip up flap that was on the back of the case for the iPad 2 docking area is no longer there and I like that they removed it. It was useless and was hard to seal and keep in place some times.
Things that are the same and are still good:
* The removable lid still has the flip up mechanism inside that allows you to install the iPad into it in a typing slant or in a higher tilt for video viewing. I do like the larger snap on corners again as the tilt holding area is larger and seems safer in the video viewing position. For video viewing you can stand the iPad up into the portrait or landscape modes.
* The lid still snaps onto the bottom of the case for storage while using the iPad.
* The case has two hard plastic polycarbonate shells that firmly snap together to enclose the iPad. The bottom case shell is lined with memory foam to cradle the iPad and provide additional shock absorption.
Over all the weight of the New iPad in the case does increase. My iPad 64 GIG is specified to weigh in at 652 grams and when installed in the case with cover the weight goes to 1172 grams or 2 pounds and 9 ¼ ounces. I know it is heavier by almost 80% but I can tell you it feels 10 times more protected than a bare iPad. The silicon cover has an alligator style tread pattern on the long sides of the iPad case and I can securely hold it in one hand where without the case I was afraid to drop the slick surfaced iPad.
Two negative comments about the display cover built in as part of the case top shell.
* I cleaned my iPad with a very slightly damp microfiber cloth and made sure that the case screen was clean. I still got a few minor pieces of dust under the screen once I closed it. I don't like that but I have to tell you that is was cleaner than when I installed the stick on screen cover on the last model of the Defender case. You just can't get rid of all the dust no matter what you do. This is not Otterbox's fault but just a statement about screen protectors in general and their installation.
* The screen protector that is built into the top of the polycarbonate case needs to be improved. I may leave mine on for a while but I am likely to take the screen protector out of the case as I do not like the degradation of the quality of the retina display.
Overall I love this new case and if the screen protector was better it would be a strong 5 out of 5 stars. It is the best Otterbox case I have used in 3 years and I have purchased a lot of them for iPhones, iPads an iPod touch. As it is now I would have to rate it 4 stars but I still recommend it to you as a good buy.
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I was really looking forward to protecting my investment with this case, unfortunately the low quality screen protector is too large a trade off for this protection.Pros
+ The case is rugged and fits well with access to all of the ports
+ Cover that doubles as stand is nice
Cons
Poor quality screen protector
Screen protector cannot be removed without modification and possibly voiding the warranty
poor instructions for diss-assembly of case (not an issue for most but my mom would go crazy)
screen protector seems to float above the screen giving a "tic" sound when pressing and releasing at times
I imagine the sacrifice in optics would not be as noticeable on an Ipad 2 but it is a huge detractor from the stellar screen of the Ipad 3. Pass on this case until the price drops and the screen is made removable or improved. Clear plastic optics are achievable, many others are doing it, it is a shame that otterbox would to this shortcut to presumably trim the margins. If Otterbox would include the protector instead of attaching it to the top portion of the case, then the consumer would have the option to use or discard the protector.
UPDATEI would like to acknowledge some of the resourceful ways of removing the screen protector from this device as pointed out in the comments for this review. However I feel it is important to remember this may void the warranty on the case and more importantly it should not be the responsibility of the end user to modify a premium product that should be consumer ready out of the box. Modding is usually something performed on less expensive products in order to mimic the function of more expensive products, not the other way around.
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