The New Otterbox 1900 - Total Protection for Your PDA

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://otterbox.vnewscenter.com/press.jsp?id=1104683499375' target='_blank'>http://otterbox.vnewscenter.com/pre...d=1104683499375</a><br /><br /></div><i>The new case incorporates a smaller design than the original Armor 3600 without compromising style and quality. Through a replaceable membrane screen, users have the ability to access their handheld through the case. Additional features include an external stylus holder, easy access to sync and charge connections and rubber over-molding for optimum grip. "This product saves customers thousands of dollars from purchasing high-priced rugged handheld units," said Brian Thomas, Director of Sales and Marketing for Otter Products. "Otterbox 1900 users such as McDonald's, UPS, and the US Forest Service can now focus on their work instead of carefully juggling their hand-held devices."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/Ekkie_Armor_1900_upright.jpg" /><br /><br />You can obtain this case for $99.95 at <a href="http://www.otterbox.com/product.cfm?product=178&code=NA">Otterbox</a>. Before anyone comments on how large, expensive, or bulky this is, remember that this is a specialized case not designed for the everyday consumer (though anyone can certainly purchase this case for any reason). This was specially designed with the field professionals in mind who utilize their PDAs for day-to-day activities and, in doing so, subject them to harsh conditions on a regular basis. This is also universally designed to accomodate nearly any model of PDA. That being said, I'd love to hear from anyone who utilizes or is thinking of utilizing this level of PDA protection.<br /><br /><b>Post-Edit</b> - Additionally, if you're interested in reading a review of the Otterbox 1900, you can find one <a href="http://davesipaq.com/articles/iPAQ_...protection.html">here</a>. (Thanks to Dave from <a href="http://www.davesipaq.com">Dave's Ipaq</a> for the link)

[DavesiPAQ]

Actually our Editor Jack Cook has done a thorough review of this case.. If you are interested you can read it here

http://davesipaq.com/articles/iPAQ_industrial_ruggedized_protection.html

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Thanks Dave. I've updated the original post with the review link.

[DavesiPAQ]

Nah thank you for linking it! We hope your readers enjoy it!

[jeasher]

FYI, no matter what this thing has been compared to in the past, style is DEFINITELY compromised. :rotfl:

[szamot]

I sure hope there is an easy access to the reset button of all things. :D

[nutzareus]

I have been using this over a month, testing it with the Audiovox PPC 4100, HP iPAQ 3835, HTC Wallaby, and Dell Axim X30. I can say for certain that it is water resistant because I actually tossed the entire unit (PPC included!) in my swimming pool, watched it float, and retrieved it out of the pool with a net. Once I opened the case, the inside was dry, and the PPC still worked! Whew! I've also dropped it a few times just to see what would happen. Other than opening the Otterbox and re-aligning the PPC because it shifted, it works as advertised. I am looking forward to adding a GPS SDIO add-on and taking it camping. Now I won't have to worry about water damage while canoeing, or bad weather days.

My only minor complaint is that the corners of the screens are hard to tap due to the see-through membrane of the Otterbox. Someone mentioned soft-resetting, get a Today plug-in that has a 1-click short-cut to soft reset your unit. I highly suggest tethering a stylus with a wire/string to the Otterbox. If you think the stylus holder will keep your stylus secured, go buy yourself a 3-pack of replacement.

Using the Audiovox PPC 4100 in the Otterbox, I was still able to use it in a phone mode. Yes, it's almost a flashback to the 80s, holding a brick to the side of your head! :wink: I was able to switch to speakerphone mode and carry a normal conversation. I still suggest using a headphone/microphone combo, and since the Otterbox has an accessible plug on top, it works great also! This is definitely worth the money for those who are either clumsy :oops: or the outdoors type. :D

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Thanks Nutzareus for sharing your experiences!

I'm actually considering this case myself. I typically carry my hx4700 around naked with just the screen cover and for the most part, it works out just fine, but there are times where I am outdoors or I am in environments where I expect to be bumped around quite a bit that a protective case like this becomes highly intriguing.