Have you ever been roughing it either outdoors or just to your job and thought to yourself, “Damn, I wish I had a box that was waterproof, crushproof, watertight, and would only fit some of the smallest crap I own?” If so, the OtterBox 1000 Series Case will make you jump for joy. Admittedly, OtterBox makes these kinds of cases in all different shapes and sizes. But, since size does matter to most of us, the size of the 1000 series is just not adequate to fulfill our desires.
Just to clarify: a review of the OtterBox 1000 Series case is essentially reviewing OtterBox case technology itself. Readers will find that statements made regarding the 1000 Series Case will apply to the general design and construction of other cases, although the other cases may differ in their size and shape.
This review will have remarks in it that could apply to other cases offered by OtterBox, but let me state that this review is of the 1000 Series only, and any pet peeves may or may not apply to other OtterBox cases.
With that being said, here is some information offered by OtterBox.com:
The OtterBox 1000 Series case is waterproof, crushproof AND watertight (it floats!). These cases are perfect for protecting your valuables from the elements, whatever they may be. The OtterBox 1000 offers watertight protection and storage for pagers, car keys, film, batteries, credit cards, small wallets, cell phones, fishing lures and so much more. The OtterBox is a patented drybox designed to handle full submersions–up to 100 feet!
Features: Great for holding keys, batteries, credit cards, fishing lures/flies, wallets and so much more! The OtterBox 1000 is waterproof tested to 100 feet.
Exterior Dimensions:
4.837″ (123mm) x 3.682″ (93.4mm) x 1.652″ (42mm)
Internal Dimensions:
3.700″ x 2.350″ x 1.000″
Weight (case only):
0.3lb (.14kg)
This case is definitely compact. It is the smallest that OtterBox has to offer, and comes in four colors: neon yellow, black, clear, and blue. If you’re the type of person who loves camoflauge and hunter’s bright orange, the neon yellow may fit your quirky personality. Typically, black is more my style.
Unfortunately, this size case comes with drawbacks. It is too big to fit into a pants pocket, but small enough for backpacks, fanny packs, and tackle boxes. Indeed, it is the perfect size for cash, batteries, credit cards, and other outdoor supplies. WIth no locking mechanism, I would not be inclined to store my valuables in it.
As well as being crushproof and waterproof, the 1000 series is also airtight. I suppose in a pinch if you cut off your finger you could store the appendage in the box until you made it to the hospital and it wouldn’t suffer any decay…
The 1000 series has one latch that is a bear to open. Similar to Otterbox’s iPod cases (reviewed here), the latch really sticks. If you’re trying to keep your prescription medication out of the hands of a six year old, this case would for sure do the trick. Although it is a pain to open, it makes sense that the latch is so tight. [Editor: Otterbox suggests that opening the box with two thumbs is much easier]
Compared to other storage devices of its kind, the 1000 series case is on the less expensive side. If you value your belongings and plan to take them outdoors or traveling, you get a
Lucky for the consumer, OtterBox was smart enough to utilize this technology to make cases in other sizes and shapes (read about the Otterbox 7030 Laptop Case here). Depending on what you want to use the case for, the variety of cases that OtterBox offers is large and the price tag is just right.
For small, fragile, and valuable items, the OtterBox 1000 case makes a great stocking stuffer or Father’s Day gift for the outdoor enthusiast. Although it is small and compact, it is functional and very reasonably priced. The additional sizes that OtterBox offers ensures that if you grow out of your wee case, there is always a bigger one to fulfill your needs.