Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have the Defender as well, and the Commuter gives a nice, in-between product between the Impact and the Defender. My review will really focus on the Defender vs the Commuter:
The Defender has a polycarb frame surrounded by silicon, plugs the docking port, headphone port, and volume and sleep button. It also covers the screen with a clear protective layer. This is a very protective case, while not waterproof it's pretty much impervious to everything else. However, this protection adds heft to the phone, and the raised edges can make it difficult to get to the letters on the edges of the screen.
The Commuter has a silicon wrap that is protected by a polycarb frame around it. The screen protection is provided by a screen protector that is applied to the surface, with a slot for the speaker and a cutout for the home button. There is a plug around the headphone jack as well as the docking port. The volume and sleep buttons are protected, but the mute switch is open. However, the slim form is maintained, and there is no problem getting to the edges of the keyboard.
When I had the Defender case on my phone, I had a hard time dropping it into my pocket and retrieving it because of the additional heft. No such problem with the Commuter. With the polycarb frame around the silicon, it also kept the phone from "sticking" to the sides of my pockets, which the Defender tended to do.
The Commuter will be a nice compromise for those that don't want the additional heft of the Defender case, yet want the Otterbox type of protection for their iPhones.
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OtterBox Commuter TL Case for iPhone 3G , 3GS (Black)Fusing rugged elements from the Defender Series line and sleek characteristics from the Impact Series, the Otterbox Commuter TL case for iPhone 3G/3GS in black offers the best of both worlds of on-the-go protection. An inverse design of the Defender, the Commuter's hard plastic is now on the outside of the case with protective silicone on the inside. And this TL version has inner coring along the vertical sides that provides added bump and shock protection while the one piece custom molded polycarbonate shell provides impact resistance.
The Commuter TL was designed to highlight the true beauty of the iPhone in three slender, yet sturdy layers:
First, a self-adhering screen cover protects from scratches (touch screen remains completely functional).
Second, a silicone skin wraps over the device to protect corners from bump and shock. Dust intrusion is reduced with the use of silicone plugs over audio port and dock connector.
Finally, a smooth one-piece, custom molded polycarbonate shell hugs tightly around the silicone allowing the case to slide easily into a pocket or purse.
Note that it does not offer protection against water.
Features & Specifications
All buttons are fully functional through the case
Exposed silicone corners dissipate impact away from your device with added bump and shock protection
Sleek, stylish design
Textured impact-resistant silicone
Smooth outer layer allows case to slide easily into your pocket or purse
Silicone plugs provide access to audio jack and charge port
Self-adhering clear protective film, cleaning cloth and installation card included
What's in the Box Commuter TL case, self-adhering clear protective film, microfiber cleaning cloth, and installation card.
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