More and more of our lives have converged into our electronic devices -- MP3 players and smartphones, iPod and iPhone, BlackBerry and Palm. Yet these now-indispensible devices are rather fragile, just glass and plastic that is one drop away from disaster. And even if our gadgets survive the inevitable small accidents, they still will become beat up from the normal wear of daily use.
You can protect your devices with a layer of protective plastic (see previous post on the ZAGG invisibleSHIELD Protective Film), or try any number of different and fancy case designs. Or you can defend them from bumps, shock, and drops with protective cases from OtterBox, makers of the OtterBox 1000 and 2000 crushproof and waterproof drybox cases for storing cellphones and other small valuables (around $11 to $17).
The OtterBox Defender series includes cases for different models of the iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, and other smartphone devices. These include clear polycarbonate screens over the display and camera (and ambient light sensor), a high-impact polycarbonate shell, and a silicone skin to absorb bumps and shocks. You still can access the controls through the case, while acoustic vents protect the mic and speaker.
These OtterBox cases range from around $12.95 for the iPod nano to $49.95 for the iPod touch.
See my Portable Peripherals and Accessories Gallery for more on protecting your devices.
Find the
OtterBox 1000 and
OtterBox Defender
on Amazon.com