review: OtterBox Commuter and TL

February 4, 2010 by Bill Palmer

Dual layer cases consisting of an impact-resistant outer hard plastic shell and a shock-absorbent soft rubber interior are some of the most protective cases on the market and, when done right, can be among the most stylish as well. But it’s a tricky task, as the combination can be a real pain to assemble if not smartly designed – which is perhaps why relatively few vendors have tried. A handful of names come to mind in this realm, but OtterBox isn’t one of them. The company has instead long been known as the maker of waterproof and element-resistant cases, and the Commuter and Commuter TL represent its first foray into mainstream cases that you don’t need a special reason (swimming, working in the mud, etc.) to consider buying.

Both cases offer a rubber skin (black on the Commuter, choice of colors on the TL) with play-through coverage of the iPhone’s top and side buttons, and peel-back coverage of its headphone and docking ports. The hard plastic shell then snaps over top of the rubber, leaving almost every millimeter of the iPhone covered, save for its front face (film is included) and small holes for the silencer switch and speakers.

Where these cases diverge is that the less expensive model surprisingly turns out to be the more desirable product, at least based on my tests. The plastic on the Commuter wraps around to the iPhone’s sides, which is laudable, but makes it a pain to attach the plastic piece without the rubber repeatedly sliding out of alignment. But the plastic piece on the TL doesn’t extend to the sides, making it almost effortless to attach and remove – a more than worthwhile tradeoff, as the iPhone’s sides are still covered with ribbed rubber with the TL. Also, where the Commuter oddly exposes the iPhone’s rear Apple logo to the elements, the TL smartly covers it with see-through plastic. While both models originally shipped in black only, they both now offer color options, with the TL and the Commuter available in a choice of seven colors, and the Commuter also available in three different tricolor three packs (for $49).

The Commuter is solid, worth the hassle if you really want maximum side impact protection. But the Commuter TL is one of the best iPhone cases ever made.

Learn more about the Commuter and Commuter TL at OtterBox.com

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About Bill Palmer

Bill Palmer is Editor in Chief of Beatweek Magazine. His editorial contributions include interviews with musicians and iPhone industry coverage.

Comments

maxtmon

Although not the reviewed model, I've been using the Defender for a few weeks now. I must say, at first it was awkward using it as the case bulked up the iPhone in size. However, after using it, I found that it actually helped in typing and playing games. The case creates a recessed frame around the screen; this gives a place to support the phone during use. The Defender also encloses the phone using rubber flaps to “seal up” the phone, although not making waterproof, it does make it resistant. This is helpful since I use mine in not so friendly environments.

The Defender uses a three part system like the Commuter and Commuter TL. First layer, a clear film for the screen, the second (and most clever), a two piece plastic case that encloses the iPhone, third layer, a silicon wrap that helps reduce shock from impacts.

I will check out the Commuter and Commuter TL, as they may be the better option for my wife's iPhone since they are less bulky, but provide a good amount of protection. I expect the quality and ease of use will be the same as for my Defender case.

Thanks Otterbox for a providing us with such good products. Thanks iProng for your articles and reviews.