Review: Otterbox Laptop Case – Absolute Protection
Reviewer : Jack Cook
Vendor : Otter Products
Price : $169.95
Rating : 4.9/5
Do you protect your devices? The answer is most likely yes especially after you have spent a considerable sum for a new device. After years of getting devices and then thinking about protection after I get them I now find myself thinking about it as I begin the process of making a purchase.
For example, I recently decided to get my first tablet, a Motion LS800. During the ordering process, I liked a soft case they had that would allow me to carry the tablet as well as the accessories that I use all the time. It’s a great case but on a recent trip out west, I found that I needed to store it in the overhead compartment of the plane. Ordinarily that would be fine but there was a fellow that was determined to jam his bag in an already filled compartment. As I watched him start the process of making his bag fit, I realized that it was undoubtedly going to apply that extra pressure on my bag with a possible result of some damage. So in an Irish whisper I said “whoa, hang on a sec and I’ll remove my bag” which I did and found a place where it would fit with a little more comfort.
I considered myself lucky that I saw a possible problem and was able to find a place to store my tablet that was safe. But that is not always the case especially with all the activities I find myself involved in. The soft case is nice, it does afford a reasonable degree of protection but there are times when you need serious protection; protection that allows you to not worry at all. Of course, that protection comes from none other than Otterbox!
The folks at Otterbox know how we like our devices and they know about the possible scenarios that occur that ultimate protection is needed. They have spent years developing cases that not only look good but provide you with absolute confidence that your device is protected.
What did I want?
I wanted a case that would protect my tablet but also would be versatile enough to provide protection for a new laptop. I wanted a case that I could use when I found myself in a situation where I needed that extra protection that is only afforded by Otter Products. Well, in fact, Otter Products had just the case for me! The OtterBox 7000 series laptop case was designed to protect a laptop like no other case that is on the market today. This case incorporates the famous Otterbox “rugged case design” that is so strong that you can stand, jump or possibly even drive on the case without doing any damage. Now that is protection!
This does not mean that I am giving up my soft case because for those everyday routines that I find myself in, that case is perfect but I want this case for those extreme situations I find myself in like when I decide to take one of my jaunts over the rocky coast of Maine to find some neat place to sit and work. And of course, if I’m on the coast of Maine, that added protection of being waterproof is a very definite plus.
The Look - Outside
When you look at the case for the first time, it has an appearance of a very professional attaché case. Black in color, it has a rich appearance that gives that “feel good” feeling as you carry it. There is a “rubberized” handle at the top that has four depressions on the underside to fit your fingers comfortably. The handle is enveloped around a strong ballistic nylon material and affixed to the case with sturdy nylon tabs that are securely screwed into the case. There is enough flexibility in the handle to provide comfort as you carry the case and as you might move it in a variety of ways for placement on a table or floor.
Directly underneath the handle, there is a key lock and on either side you find two unique compound latches for securing the case closed. The latches are designed to easily move over a tab then pull and lock the two halves of the case firmly together.
It is appropriate at this time to explain a little more about the locking system. When the case is open, there is a groove that completely surrounds the lower half of the case. In side of this groove is a soft rubber material that has been pressed into the groove. The upper half of the case has a protrusion that matches the groove perfectly. When you close the case, the protrusion fits perfectly into the groove and as the compound latch brings the two sides of the case together, the soft foam inside the groove creates an air tight, watertight seal. It is this carefully crafted integral part of the case that gives the user the absolute security of having a “dry” device in case of some unforeseen mishap.
On either side of the case, near the top, you find a sturdy plastic clip ring secured with a metal pin. These clip rings are where the shoulder strap clips are attached. The clip ring floats freely providing for comfort as you move the shoulder strap around. The included shoulder strap is high quality, comfortable and has a wide shoulder pad as well as some serious high quality metal clips for attaching the strap to the case.
As you look at the bottom of the case, you see a simple yet complex hinge system that provides for perfect movement as you open the case and at the same time its design provides incredible strength to the hinge system. The case opens to about a 110 degree angle. I wish you had the option to open it a full 180 degrees. With a laptop inside, it is fine because the weight of the laptop keeps the case standing upright. With my LS800, the weight of the case is more than the tablet and the case will tip on me if not supported.
The reason for that is not a design flaw; it is just that the LS800 is very light. The case was really designed for laptop use. They were incredibly observant on users that would want to use their laptop while it was still secured in the case. They designed the split of the two halves to have the top portion have a little more of the case to allow for easier access to your laptop and specifically the keyboard. It was designed well and works perfectly with a laptop. I just have to remember to keep the case open at about a 90 degree angle for my own tablet use.
There is a rubber plug at the bottom of the case that when removed allows for cable/power cord access to devices that you want to operate while still in the case. I suppose there are folks that want this option but if it were not there, the airtight/watertight capabilities of the case would be significantly enhanced. The rubber plug can easily be inserted or removed and as long as it is inserted properly, the watertight capabilities of the case are maintained.
The top half of the case has an Otterbox label in the lower right corner that identifies the maker but is clearly done in such a way as to not detract from the professional look of the case. The bottom half of the case has four rubber feet integrated into the case for support while resting on its back. I like the feet because they prevent slippage as well as prevent the case from getting scratched while resting on its back. In addition, there are two holes located near the top that serve as a drainage system in the event that water did seep into the edges of the case. (Note: if water did enter the case it would not pass through the sealed system. The drainage holes are for water that might accumulate in the outer portion of the sealed system.)
The “finish” of the case is a mixture of smooth and grained finishes done in a complementary nature to maintain that professional look. It is nicely done!
The Look – Inside
When you open the case for the first time, you can’t help but notice the Velcro backing that is throughout the top and bottom of the case. It not only looks good and provides some “cushion effect” but it also serves a valuable purpose in affixing the supplied laptop bumpers. In addition, depending on your individual configuration, you will be able to attach additional items with Velcro fasteners.
There are 10 bumpers supplied for you to use in the configuration that you choose to secure your laptop (or tablet). The standard bumpers will work for most configurations but in case you need that little extra room, the extra bumpers will allow you to make the appropriate changes to suit your needs. In addition, the L-shaped bumpers allow for extra support if needed.
Once you have “set” the bumpers for a snug fit with your laptop, there is a Velcro strap that serves to firmly hold your laptop in place. The bumpers and the strap lock your laptop in place providing it with security from movement while in the case. It should be noted that you can enclose a device with dimensions up to a maximum length of 14.2 inches, width of 11.2 inches and a thickness of 1.9 inches.
I like the ability to customize the way you want to insert your device. Depending on the size of your device, room for accessories is at a premium. In the case of my tablet, I have plenty of room for the device, the power supply and a few extras.
Conclusion
Does it work? You bet it does! It’s an Otter Product, what else would you expect?
There is no question when you hold the case in your hands and as you inspect the integrity of the case you know that it will provide superior protection. The construction is such that you know that a device will be protected in the event of a drop as long as it is snugly fit into the bumpers and the securing strap is affixed.
My experience with previous Otter products gave me the confidence in the sealing system for water but I did want to test the case for its ability to withstand weight. I stood on the case and there was minimal movement. Considering the width of the case, to see it just slightly move was acceptable. I could hear air rush out from the seal as I stood on the case and could hear it return as I stepped off. Again, I want to reiterate that the depression of the case as I stood on it was minimal.
I am pleased with the overall appearance and construction of this Otter Product and without the slightest hesitation I give it my recommendation. If you are looking for a case that will provide the best protection for your laptop then this is one to consider.
It would be unfair to the reader if I did not comment on the weight of this case. Although the type of materials used in the construction of the case are extraordinary, they are also heavy. The total weight of the case alone is less than 7 pounds so if you are looking for a lightweight solution, this is not the case to consider. If you are looking for a case that will provide the ultimate in protection and can deal with a little extra weight, then there is no question that this case will fit the bill.
This case is perfect for folks that work in the field and those that are often in harsh conditions that would warrant extra protection. It is also perfect for those that travel and want a case that can take reasonable abuse without having damage to your laptop. For me, it’s perfect because I can throw it in my canoe as I travel across the lake to spend a day on the island off the shore and it’s perfect as I climb the rocky shores on the coast of Maine finding that special place to spend a day reading and writing.
Dimensions
Maximum dimensions of the laptop the case will accommodate with the standard bumpers:
14.2" wide x 11.2" deep x 1.9" thick
(361 mm x 284 mm x 48.3 mm)
External Dimensions:
16.375" x 14.5" x 3.375"
(416.9 mm x 368.3 mm x 85.7 mm)
Pros
Superior Quality
Adjustable inside bumpers
Serious protection from the “elements”
Cons
Heavy
Rating: 4.9/5
Cost: $169.95
You can visit OtterBox here to see the OtterBox Laptop Case
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