Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

I've seen posts here about the otterbox and I like what I'm hearing, especially the price and its indestructo qualities. But I have a few questions.

I'd like to get the clear one (at least a clear cover) to use with the GPS springboard (whenever that comes out, but that's another issue). I think it would be great to use while hiking...I can keep it in the case while being able to read from it through the clear cover (or at least, that's my theory). But from what I've seen, the clear ones do not come with a liner. I understand why the ALL clear one doesn't, but why wouldn't the clear-cover case have one on the colored half?

My other question is, what do you think is a good size case to house this gadget-of-all-gadgets (the visor with the GPS springboard). Of course I could wait until the GPS thing comes out, but what fun would that be? I need to have everything prepared (socks, hiking boots, water, clean underwear, etc.) when this puppy comes in the mail.

Oh yeah, one last question, where's the best place to buy one of these cases?

[This message has been edited by Nhatman (edited 03-16-2000).]

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Others have recommended www.gear.com as a good place to buy the Otter.

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MarkEagle - Ice is nice!

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

Hey, I take that back about what I said about the clear-cover one not having a liner. Apparently, I was misinformed at the otterbox website (they said it didn't), but thanks to the Eagle-ster, the one at www.gear.com has the liner on the colored-half, and at $13.00 a pop, how could I not order this thing?

Time to prepare some clean hiking underwear....

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Texan in Calgary for a while
Posts: 1361

I added Otter Box to the Cases and am trying to get one to review.

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James Hromadka
VisorCentral.com
Personal Website: http://www.Hromadka.com

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

I just ordered the Otterbox (clear/winter green fresh) one. I will let you know my comments when I have the chance to test it out in the field. I'm so curious about the "waterproof to 100 feet" that I might just try to out for the hell of it. Of course, it won't be my visor that'll be in it.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 105

The most water I've ever exposed mine to is the Kitchen sink, cleaning it.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Cheese Country
Posts: 15

I pulled the trigger this morning and ordered my VDX. (Did it by phone so I could ask what sales were like of the phone clerk. "We're very busy. The phones ring non-stop." Incidentally it was a sales only office in WV. For what that's worth.) Anyway onto my question, I want to get an Otter Box, but I have some confusion. On the OB site, they recommend the Model 2000 for Palms and the VisorCentral accessory page lists the model also as the 2000, but the Gear site, which was recommended above and sells them, lists the Model 3000 as it's smallest model available.

So..which model do I get?

And yes, the idea of the clear top model OB with the GPS module running inside is very, very cool.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 105

You seem to be correct, I can no longer find the 2000 model on their website. Perhaps all these Otter Box posts drove a wave of anonymous board members to bo buy all they had in stock?

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

I'm still waiting for my Otterbox from Gear.com. I also did notice that Gear.com offers the 3000 as their smallest model. I didn't mind because it was cheap and it would give me enough room to put extra batteries and other goodies in it.

I plan to cut out a piece of foam that would "perfectly" fit my visor with the GPS unit (if that ever comes out). The extra room in the 3000 would be nice for that.

You may want to check out www.otterbox.com for info on their other products. I don't think you can purchase any online, though. They list the 3000 model for about $17 there ($13 at gear.com). The site even has a picture of a car running over one of their boxes!

As soon as I get the box, I'll be sure to post back here what I think of it.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

Nevermind about checking out the site. After CAREFULLY re-reading your posts, I realized that you've already visited their site.

Sorry!

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Cheese Country
Posts: 15

Well, I have an explanation of sorts. I emailed Gear.com today and asked about other models of Otterbox besides 3000 they might stock. Basically what's up?

They told me they do stock other models, just they were obviously sold out because the website automatically updates and displays only items that are on hand inventory. I was told to check back in a couple days as their new inventory should be displayed by then.

I guess all those lurkers did stage a "run" on them.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

Thanks for the info, HeadFra.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Moved to Clie Land
Posts: 331

Sorry, I was part of the run...I didn't take yours though, got the solid teal one and was happy to see it arrive in 7 days.

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My "Blue" is gaining experience....

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Cheese Country
Posts: 15

Another update...

Actually spoke with the guy at Otterbox. Spoke to him to find a local outlet so I could "put a hand" on one of these pups to see how it fit, etc. (And what color did I like.) Anyway, told him about the idea of using an OB with clear top for the GPS. Cool idea, but the prob is we don't know the exact height (Length?) of the Visor with GPS module inclusive, so we wait until we have one to see. Or might Handspring already have that info out and about. I suggested that it might be a nice idea to have a special molded foam insert that would specifically fit a Visor cum GPS nice and snug and personal, and with the clear tops, this could be a real seller. Got a, I believe, sincere "That's interesting and we'll look into it" answer. I believe he was sincere because he also told me they had been trying to break into the PDA market without success and I suggested there had not been a "killer app" reason to use an OB with a Palm... but with a Visor and GPS, NOW there is. I also suggested that he watch his ratio of clear top sales in the 2000 and 3000 models over the coming months to see if this was borne out.

From the more than you ever wanted to know about Otterbox Dept.

BTW, I did pick up one for my digital camera and it's GREAT! No more fears about that getting smacked or dropped, etc.

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

Well, since you've been so good with your homework and have helped me out immensely, I've decided to answer one of your questions.

The HandyGPS is approximately 5cm (W) x 7.5cm (H) x 2.5cm (D), which means, it's sticks out of the Visor about 1.25 inches, bringing the entire Visor/GPS combo package to a length of about 6 inches.

Which would leave VERY little room in the 2000 series OB. Luckily, I ordered the 3000 series (7 7/8 inches long, inside dimension), leaving me just enough room for some foam and extra batteries. PERFECT!

The only concerns I would have would be that I hope there is a clear sight through the cover to see the screen (i.e. no ridges on the cover that might make reading the screen difficult), but from the looks of it, that might not be a problem. We'll probably have to make a "frame" out of foam to stand the Visor off of the cover, so it's protected from all sides with foam.

And if OB decides to make a foam insert just for the Visor/GPS combo deal, we can say it all started right here! Woo hoo!

My OB should be here this Friday....if only I can get my hands on the GPS...my underwear is clean and waiting.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 251

I'm a little unclear on how this Otterbox works.

Even with a clear cover, wouldn't you have to open the case everytime you wanted to do something with the Visor?

That being the case, what does it matter if it is clear or not?

If you have an opaque cover, you can put foam inside the cover for more protection, too.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Moved to Clie Land
Posts: 331

Brings up a good point...Whenever I have to actually use one of my GPS's, it is a hands-on affair. Gotta push some buttons etc. After you get our bearing, you turn it off. I assume that you will have to interface with the VISOR at some point to select waypoints, bearings etc. SOOOooo...Why the clear top? The VISOR will shut off in 2min or whatever your default is and I don't imagine you would want to override the shutdown feature and run the batteries down.

In either case, I am very confident in the shock-proof features of the OTTERBOX and feel that it is safe even in wet environments.


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"It's NOT a tumor!"

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

Party poopers!!

I looked at it this way. Since there is a choice between a clear top or an opaque one, why not get the clear one for those times that it is on in the box?

Don't get me wrong, I completely understand your point and it is a good one, but the entire clear top otterbox idea was just a "wouldn't that be a cool thing to have" thing more than anything else. Nonetheless, I think the OB would still serve as a great case for my visor.

Hmmm...cutting out a small square access hole on the cover where the visor buttons would be and replacing it with a flexible rubber-like material (waterproofing it to the cover, of course). Perhaps this would give you good access to the buttons without having to open the case.

Either way, I think the anticipation of certain springmodules can really get the best of us.

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 53

Man. I've had one of these otterbox things for years and never gave it a second thought. I guess it would be nice to store my Visor in on Camping, Kayaking, waterskiing trips, etc. But all this talk on the see through qualities and cutting holes in it is really "interresting".

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 222

Ooo...I can't want to get the GPS and try my little "experiment"!

A little clear rubbery material (like dental dam) epoxied to the cover where the cutout will be...hmmm... just thinking out loud.

I think it's time to get my camping underwear out...