Otterbox iPod Classic Defender Case

If you love your iPod and want it to live a life free of dirt, scratches, and cracks, it would be worth it to consider purchasing the Otterbox iPod Classic Defender Case. This case is highly functional, sleek, compact, and dare I admit… nerd sexy. The great part is that you don’t have to nerd to appreciate the protection this case offers.

Here’s some info from OtterBox:

The OtterBox for iPod® Classic Defender Series is a slim-fitting, water-resistant iPod case that will add years of life to your device. The Click Wheel is completely covered by a PATENTED thin membrane, yet remains fully functional through the case. In fact, all surfaces of your iPod are covered by the OtterBox, but you still have full access to your sync/charge and headphone ports through convenient Silicone plugs.

Compatibility/Features:
Designed to accommodate the 80GB and 160GB iPod Classic models ONLY. This iPod Classic case provides bump, shock, scratch and drop protection. Compatible with any headphones that have a standard 1/8″ mini stereo plug. Sync/charge and headphone ports are accessible through the case via Silicone plugs.

• 3 LAYERS OF PROTECTION!
• First, a clear Polycarbonate sheet with high performance hard coating that offers chemical and abrasion protection
• Second, a hi-impact Polycarbonate skeleton
• Lastly, a Silicone skin to absorb bump and shockNotes: The Defender Series iPod cases are not completely waterproof. They will offer some protection against light precipitation, but are not designed to withstand full submersions.

The case is composed of two parts. The part that forms the shell and provides the bulk of the protection is a sheet of Polycarbonate. The case is easy to open and the two parts (top and bottom) snap together easily.

The second component of the case is a thin skin made of silicone that absorbs bumps and shocks. The skin slides easily over the hard case and also fills in the holes of the case skeleton where your charger or headphones plug in.

The click wheel is covered by a thin membrane, similar to the Armor Case, but better. Although the thin membrane present in both cases is the same, this technology seems to be more functional in the Defender Series. The click wheel is easy to operate through the membrane and responds well, although it takes more effort to slide your thumb over the click wheel than if the iPod were outside of the case.

Alas, if you do not happen to own an iPod Classic, never fear! The Defender Series offers cases for the nano (check prices here), iPhone (check prices here), and video (check prices here). The silicone skin is offered in either clear or black. Both look very slick.

The Defender Series is another product offered by OtterBox that is a great deal for the price. If you value your gadgets, it would make sense that you would need to protect them.

Compared to the Armor Series (reviewed here), the Defender Series offers a more sleek and compact package. You also do not need to remove your iPod from the case to charge it, as the silicone plugs are easily removed to reveal the charge/sync port. However, the Armor Series is waterproof up to three feet, whereas the Defender Series is not. If you are more of an outdoor iPod user, it may be worthwhile to protect your iPod the best you can; with an Armor case. For everyday use, the Defender Series is more compact and functional for charging. Whichever route you choose… the Defender Case is a purchase you definitely won’t regret.

	REPORT CARD : Otterbox Defender for iPod Classic category rating comments Quality 5 Looks and feels great. Innovation 5 Small, sleek, compact, functional. Performance 5 Thin membrane improvement (at least it feels like it) Installation 3 Easier to open, but it’s not like you can slip your iPod in and out on a whim. Value 5 Great price; spectacular! FINAL VERDICT: 5 out of 5 stars