Otterbox makes some of the most robust cases for today’s electronic devices. Depending on the level of protection you need determines which line you need to choose from. The Defender line protects from just about everything, but isn’t waterproof. The Armor line of products completely seals off your device from all the elements, which makes it military-grade and completely waterproof. For most of us, the Defender is just fine, and protects against the casual liquid or acid spill.
Like other Otterbox products, the build quality is excellent. The plastic case is extremely rigid and tough, and the silicone rubber provides a great grip. There are water-resistant areas over the microphone and speaker, which allows the device to still function while being protected. The volume buttons are completely sealed off by rubber and can still be pressed. Ports that require a physical connection (like the USB port and earphone jack) have a flap that easily tucks into the base when not in use. The ports are large enough to accomodate the average cable, so you shouldn’t have any problems making connections.
In addition to the great case is an awesome holster. The back of the case has some thich ridges built into the back. Not only does this help with grip, but it also secures your Storm onto your belt very well. It’s almost impossible to remove the case accidentally, and yet it comes apart very easily.
The transparent screen on the front still allows for touchscreen activity. Simple pushes register very easily, but movement gestures lose a little bit of sensitivity. It has happened once or twice that the edge of the transparent screen accidentally touches the hard buttons while using the keyboard. Also, there is a slight bevel around the edges of the transparency, which can interfere when typing characters near the corners. This may only be a problem for me, since I have ginormously fat fingers. Good thing I’m not a proctologist.
The microphone and speaker filters work very well, and are still water resistant. I noticed a slight drop in speaker volume, but still more than adequate. The camera viewport works great, and does not appear to affect picture quality at all.
Like the Defender for the iPod (reviewed here), installling your device into the case involves removing the black silicone skin, and prying the plastic case apart. Then slip your Storm in, snap the plastic together, and replace the rubber back over. It takes a little work the first time, but once you know how it’s done it is no sweat.
