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However, Otterbox also now has you covered, so to speak, if what you're looking for is a more modest degree of protection for your iPhone, with their new Commuter and Commuter TL Series case lines for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, which incorporate some of the looks and rugged engineering elements from both the Defender and the Otterbox Impact series of cases, but in lighter, less cocooning, and less expensive packages. Otterbox calls them "hybrid" cases.
With the Commuter Series Otterbox has in some respects turned the design of the Defender case inside-out, with the case's hard plastic shell now on the outside of the soft, shock-resistant silicone layer on the inside. This new design slims-down the physical size and changes the look and feel of the cases.
In order to slim down the size of the Commuter and Commuter TL series, rather than the Defender's fixed transparent face plate membrane that covers the touchscreen protecting it from dirt, moisture, and scratches while still being thin enough to allow interaction with the touchscreen controls so long as good contact is maintained, the Commuter Series siblings incorporate a self-adhering screen cover that protects the touchscreen from scratches.
The Commuter cases themselves are essentially silicone skins that wrap over the iPhone to protect its corners from bumps and shock, while dust intrusion is inhibited by the use of silicone plugs over the iPhone's audio port and dock connector, but all control are buttons fully functional through the case. Note well that these cases do not protect against water.
The cases' outer layer is a smooth, one-piece, custom-molded polycarbonate carapace that fits tightly around the top, bottom and side grip areas of the case the silicone inner "glove," allowing the case to slide easily into a pocket or purse.
The OtterBox Commuter Series cases are ideal for carrying your iPhone to a lunch meeting, business trip or workout. The fortified polycarbonate shell wraps provides a sleek feel and also enables smooth transitions in and out of purse, pocket or briefcase. The iPhone's corners of are protected with resilient, durable silicone to safeguard against bumps and shocks.
The OtterBox Commuter Series leaves the iPhone’s rear Apple logo exposed and offers optional, interchangeable color shells, while the Commuter TL Series is available in black and six colors as well, with the Apple logo visible, but protected behind a transparent polycarbonate shield so nothing is exposed — the outside of the TL model case is a translucent plastic shell that clips around the spine of the silicone adding extra support.
These are both good, serviceable iPhone cases, but the more comprehensive protection and availability of a wider selection of colors (our test units were both black, but I think the white TL pictured below is especially sharp-looking) tips the balance decidedly in favor of the TL, IMHO, and the fact that it's cheaper doesn't hurt either.
[Update - late breaking: Otterbox rep. Kelly Richardson tells me that they have changed the Commuter Series color pack accessories. You can now choose between three additional bundle kits, each kit includes a black Commuter Series case and two interchangeable color options. Instead of three color shells, sold separately.]
However, in the Commuter's defense, its more enveloping hard shell molding gives it a somewhat higher-end look, although I don't think it looks like 20 bucks worth of extra elegance. Back in the negative column the more rigid structure also makes it more difficult to insert the iPhone.
The Commuter and Commuter TL Series accommodate the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS only, and come with a microfiber cleaning cloth, an installation card to walk you through application of the self-adhering screen, and are covered by a one-year limited warranty.
Otterbox Commuter Specifications:
Height: 4.71”, Width: 2.61”, Depth: 0.62”
Approximate Weight (case only):
0.75oz (21.11g)
Optional Accessories:
2 colored pack options with 3 interchangeable plastic shells
Pack 1: navy, maroon, grey
Pack 2: white, yellow, green
Otterbox CommuterTL Specifications:
Colors:
Black/Clear (silicone/plastic)
White/Clear (silicone/plastic)
Green/Clear (silicone/plastic)
Blue/Clear (silicone/plastic)
Red/Clear (silicone/plastic)
Yellow/Clear (silicone/plastic)
Pink/Clear (silicone/plastic)
Dimensions (case only):
Height: 4.73”, Width: 2.63”, Depth: 0.66”
Approximate Weight (case only):
0.74oz (20.87g)
Optional Accessories:
3 pack of adhesive screen protectors
The iPhone 3G / 3GS Otterbox Commuter Case with Color Packs sells for $49.95.
iPhone 3G / 3GS Otterbox Commuter TL Case in your choice of seven colors sells for $29.95.
Charles W. Moore
Tags: Hot Topics ď iPhone ď iPhone Reviews ď
