Review: Otterbox Commuter for the 9650

Protecting my BlackBerry is always something that is important to me, and if it is important to you as well, then you have probably invested some money is various cases, looking for the perfect match for your device. Otterbox, a company that many of us have heard about, and know for making very protective cases, is one of my personal favorites and I have had them on previous device, such as my Storm 2. If you are looking for a new case that adds some rugged protection, and feels good in the hand, hit the jump with me as we take a look at the Commuter series case for the BlackBerry 9650.

OtterBox Commuter Series Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9650

Initial Impressions

Having previously owned an Otterbox case for a BlackBerry device, I was well aware of what I was getting into when ordering, but the thing that I was unsure of was how the device would feel once it was in the case. The packaging was the same Otterbox packaging that I was used to, which is always nice. The two piece case has a nice firm feel, that fits the device rather well.

The Fit

As stated above, the Commuter series cases are made of a two piece design, the rubber case that wraps the whole device, like any other, and then a plastic piece that goes over top of this, providing additional protection, and holding the rubber case to the device. The case features cut outs for the USB port, as well as the headphone jack, both of which are protected by a flap that is pulled back for them when they are in use.

The top of the case has raised areas for the lock and standby buttons, making them easier to press and have it register then on most other cases. The bottom of the case has a small cut out for the microphoe as well, and the volume rocker is also raised similar to the lock button. As a whole, this is one of the best form fit cases I have ever seen. The case fits very close to the device, the needed ports and buttons are easily accessible and there is not a large amount of bulk added for along with this case.

Usability and size

For my personal use the BlackBerry 9650 is a little on the thin side, and it does not fit comfortably in my hands for long periods of time, and I need some more bulk. Once adding the Otterbox Commuter case to m device the size was definitely a lot more optimal for me, as the case adds a bit extra to the depth of the phone, as well as a bit more width. The case also provides a great grip to the device, with the rubber layer that is topped by the hard plastic.

 

The plastic used is not super slick, so the device does not want to slide out of your hands once the case it placed on. Also, if you place the case down on a surface it doesn't slip and slide all over, the case has a slight grip to the surface. What I enjoyed was that there was a lip over the top of the device as well, so if you place it face down you do not have to worry about the screen scratching.  If you are looking to maximize your protection, while keeping a nice small form factor, as well as having a case that looks very nice on your device, you will certainly want to invest in the Otterbox Commuter.

Pros

• Adds a ton of protection to the device
• Great design, and snug fit
• Easy to install

Cons

• Can be a bit difficult to take it off 
• Can not be used with extended battery doors

Conclusion

The Otterbox Commuter is one of the only cases that I am able to keep on my device for more then a few minutes without getting annoyed by it and removing it. The amount of protection that is added is not hugely sacrificed by adding a huge amount of bulk, and the grip that is provided is great. If you are looking for a very professional looking case, that provides great protection be sure to grab yourself one of these.

More information / purchase of the Otterbox Commuter for the BlackBerry 9650