Otterbox Computer Case: Be Nice to Your Motherboard
Remember the 1980s TV commercial with the gorilla jumping up and down on the suitcase as a demonstration of its durability. You can bet there was no laptop computer in there or it would have been pummeled to the consistency of mashed bananas. Fastforward to the iPod generation and laptops have proliferated to the point, according to the July issue of Popular Science magazine, that by 2009 laptop sales will surpass desktop sales.
While prices on low-end laptops are making them more affordable, the high end, super duper laps can cost more than a good set of billet wheels. Protecting that investment, especially if you’re prone to transporting it on your motorcycle, is a factor worth considering where you’re gearing up for a trip to the local Starbucks (apparently the place where all laptop users now congregate, at least in L.A.) or that run down to Tierra del Fuego to check out the Argentinean penguins.
I personally have gone through a laptop drop that wiped out days of work on the road. There was this gust of wind generated from an 18-wheeler that tossed not only the computer but the whole bike parked on the side of the freeway into a gulley. Since then I’ve resolved the problem of fickle Fate and laptop drops via a computer case that even the TV gorilla would have trouble squashing.
Available from the Otterbox company, well known for their menu of rugged all-weather protection cases for all kinds of electronics, from cell phones to iPods to cameras to GPS units to PDAs to cigars and now for laptops. They even came up with a case to carry your Zippo lighter in your airplane luggage, the only one okayed by the FAA. Otterbox got the ball rolling several years ago with innovative lightweight yet super tough boxes waterproof up to 100 feet deep. In other words if you got something that needs protection from impact shock and foul weather, they’ve got you and it covered.
When I first opened the box and pulled out the case, the first impression was
“Milspec.” Tough, functional and still cool looking and certainly not geeky.
Opening the case I found a Velcro system and a set of rubber “bumpers” that you position around the interior of the case to accommodate the size and shape of your laptop. Mine was a 15-inch Acer. Laptops of other sizes can also be accommodated from a maximum of 15.4 inches and smaller.
It only took a couple minutes to position the bumpers and my laptop snuggled right in. Closing the case, you still wonder if the laptop is going to wiggle loose and flop around inside, but various swing lo, swing hi efforts failed to dislodge it from its cocoon within the case. As far as keeping out dust, water and computer gremlins, the main case is sealed via a silicone cord and roller camber closures. As far as the hardware used, Otterbox states that the structural pins found in the hinges are made from marine grade 316 Stainless steel which is the standard choice for salt and freshwater applications.
Going over the case, I liked the thick handle with its notches to help you keep a grip if you get into slippery conditions from rain or otherwise. There’s little rubber “feet” or bumpers on the underside of the case that help isolate it when the surface you lay it upon, say a boulder being used as a off-road desk. An opening at the rear of the case, fitted with a weatherproof rubber plug, allows you to plug in your laptop for operation or charging without taking it out of the case.
The case has a lock with a key. I’m not a big fan of keys as they can go missing. I’d like some kind of coded tumbler but that may add extra weight. There’s a carrying strap included, but it could stand to be more padded what with the weight of a laptop plus the case.
The strap features these “squeeze-it” quick release attachments to the case. Maybe a little too quick release. Once one of protrusions that open the “squeeze-it” strap closure got snagged on something and opened up, the strap departing from the case and the case falling to the ground. This turned into a real world though unplanned test. The Otterbox case hit the pavement with my laptop but one, didn’t even scratch and two, my laptop went unscathed although there was a couple minutes of nail-biting while booting it up to make sure everything was still functioning. But as I carry the Otterbox laptop case over my shoulder on my bike, I like to be surer about that strap staying put.
That aside, I next let my 17-year old borrow both it and my laptop. Now this in itself expresses my confidence in the product especially since my previous laptop returned in nonoperable condition. But after a weekend with my son, both the Otterbox case and my new laptop came back in one piece. And in addition, my son who is charter member of the Cool Police, gave the case the thumbs up and would actually be seen in public with something I gave him. In other words, the case walks the walk and talks the talk, a combo of function and form.
So no more laptop in the tank bag for me or bungee corded to my seat. I’ve got heavy duty armor on my side now, or should I say over my shoulder.
Price: $160. Did I mention the Otterbox people guarantee the product for life?
Otterbox also sponsors a very cool ongoing competition. You enter with a photo and a 100-word story about your adventure experience with one of their cases. You win cash prizes including a chance at $1000 for the best entry each year. There was one entry with a guy onto a Greenland glacier with his Otterbox laptop case. Like we say, way cool.
More information about Otterbox products available at www.otterbox.com or 888-695-8820.
