I’ve seen too many expensive gadgets destroyed in my lifetime. I cringe every time I see a cell phone, mp3 player, or camera crash to the ground, splashed, or overrun by an early tide. Today’s tech gadgets just aren’t meant to stand the elements… the only ones that are remotely protected are professional gear that costs many thousands of dollars.
Even if you are conscious enough to protect your gadgets with a shock-absorbing case or water-shedding jacket, there really is no going back if it drops in the pool, is covered in sand, or crushed by a rock. Even those who aren’t outdoorsy (such as myself) find themselves thrust into the elements of Mother Nature from time to time. Nearly everyone likes to go to the beach, for example, which is where I’ve witnessed most of my gadget destruction.
Professional photographers have special cases to protect their gear from all of the elements, and are even crushproof. These cases are expensive, heavy, and extremely bulky. But what if there was a small case that you could store your gadgets in, and afford the same protection?
The Otterbox 3510 Waterproof case enters the room like a ninja. Our sample is bright yellow, so it enters like a nina dressed as a banana. It can weather all the elements, and is also a convenient place to drop all of your gadgets so you know where they always are.
The OtterBox 3510 (this waterproof case is the same as the OtterBox 3500, but with “Pick-N-Pluck” foam included) is a patented drybox designed to protect your valuables from just about anything. Take it camping, kayaking, fishing, hunting, or you can keep some around the house to organize your goods. The OtterBox 3510 is waterproof, crushproof, dustproof AND it floats! This is a great “carry-all” case that is perfect for protecting GPS units and cameras. They are great for keeping your ammo dry during hunting season and so much more.
Features: Waterproof tested to 100 feet. Waterproof, crushproof and airtight protection for GPS units, cameras, small video cameras, hunting ammo, fishing supplies and so much more. Available in black, yellow and blue and comes with a “Pick-N-Pluck” foam insert.
| Exterior Dimensions: 8.813″ x 5.175″ x 4.179″Interior Dimensions: 7.549″ x 3.606″ x 3.326″ |
Specifications
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- The OtterBox 3510 offers waterproof, crushproof and airtight, protection for GPS, cameras or other small to mid sized equipment you want to keep safe.
- The OtterBox is a patented dry box designed to handle full submersions–up to 100 feet!
- A 1/8″ foam lining pads the inside of the box giving added protection.
- An added insert of “pluck foam” allows you to customize the foam padding to perfectly fit your equipment minimizing bumps and jarring.
- A strap loop, lanyard and padlock hole on the latch round out this outstanding dry box.
If you’ve read our other Otterbox reviews, then I don’t need to reiterate just how well-made and rugged these things are. They can take a beating, can withstand heavy pressure, and they float. I really prefer a bright color so that it can be easily identified if it goes overboard.
The case isn’t extremely large, which can be both an advantage and disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. This case was intended to house all of your gadgets, so your professional SLR camera won’t fit in it, but your MP3 player, cell phone, USB drive, GPS and cables will. I have way too many gadgets with me at any given time, and I can easily stuff them into this case. The case also has a small ring on the left latch, so you can easily use a padlock on it to prevent unauthorized entry. On the right side is a loop to attach a strap, which can be handy to keep the case around your neck, arm, or whatever helps you feel secure.
High-quality latches keep it shut tight
The inside of the case has a nice amount of “pluck foam”, which is basically just foam that has been perforated so you can pull out little squares to accomodate any gadgets you want. The foam block is 3.6″ x 7.5″ x 3.26″ (91.59mm x 191.74mm x 84.48mm). You can create any custom shape that you wish, but be advised that you can’t re-attach the foam like velcro. You can stuff the foam back in place, but then the foam pieces are loose. I would recommend plucking out standard shapes that will fit most devices, like an upright MP3 player or cell phone. If your device will stand up inside the case, then carve out a place to maximize the available space inside the oblong foam block. Overall a very good way to customize the inside of the case, but it’s not meant for frequent drastic changes.
What makes the case waterproof is its professional ridged seal and heavy-duty latches. The upper and lower rim of the lid and base are notched with hard rubber so they fit together like a lock-and-key. It is hard to completely close the lid by hand, but snapping the latches shut makes a waterproof seal.
The case is made from extremely strong ABS Plastic. You see all the raised portions of the case? That’s the design which makes it virtually crush-proof. I wouldn’t tempt fate by throwing it on train tracks, but it is certainly military grade and can withstand extreme conditions. Not TOO extreme like throwing it in a fire. You might want to invest in a fireproof safe for your house if you’re really that cautious.
The retail price of this case is thirty dollars, which really isn’t that expensive for a pro-level protective case such as this. Heck, I’ve spent that much on a case for my iPhone that doesn’t come close to offering the protection that the 3510 does. An even better bargain is that you can find this case for half-price at the OCMS Store right here. It may not be for everyone, but if you ever find yourself outside at all (or talk to people without IM or email), then you really can’t afford to be without one.
So, there you have it. If you’ve been looking for a little treasure-chest to keep all of your valuable gadgets in one place, then the Otterbox 3510 Waterproof Case might just be what you’re looking for. It can withstand the elements, even the heat of being too close to a campfire (it’s not completely fireproof, however). This is one of the necessary items I bring along with me when my wife drags me kicking and screaming into the throws of Mother Nature.
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