Popular case maker Otterbox has added a new series of ruggedized waterproof, dust-proof cases for your iPhone 5/5S/5C or Samsung Galaxy S4. The Colorado-based company also announced new versions of its Defender series of cases to fit Apple’s new iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina display.
Defender Series for iPad
OtterBox’s new Defender Series for iPad mini with Retina display and Defender Series for iPad Air, combine a built-in screen protector, polycarbonate shell, and shock-absorbing slip cover to defend against scratches, dust and drops. A removable screen shield protects the Retina display when the device is not in use and doubles as a media viewing stand in landscape and portrait modes.
The Defender Series for iPad Air doesn’t come cheap– it retails for about $90 (€60). It’s not yet available as of this writing, but you can pre-order it from a number of retailers who list its expected ship date as November 25. The Defender Series for iPad mini is available and sells for around $55 to $70, depending on the retailer.
Preserver Series for iPhone
Otterbox also offers its aforementioned Defender Series for the iPhone and other phones, but its new Preserver Series offer even more protection. Initially available for iPhone 5 and 5S with 5C and SGS4 versions to follow soon, the Preserver Series is dust-proof to the IP-6X standard, waterproof down to 6.6 feet (2 metres) for 30 minutes (IP-X8), drop proof from 6.6 feet (MIL STD 810G-516.6).
Each case comes in two snap-together pieces made of a solid plastic frame lined with device-cradling foam and over-molded bumpers. There’s also a built-in screen protector. The case promises watertight coverage for your phone’s ports, while keeping them accessible and your audio quality unaffected, according to Otterbox.
The Preserver Series case is available in multiple color choices, and comes with an adjustable lanyard.
The cases are on the pricey side at $90 (€60) each. The iPhone 5 version is available from Otterbox.com and major retailers, but the 5S and 5C cases are currently not yet in stock. Check back with Otterbox or with us, and we’ll let you know when they hit the store. With the holidays coming up, we expect that to be any day now.
