Warning: if you're one of those design-conscious folks who thinks that any remotely sizeable case for an Apple product is a disgrace to the sleek and sexy construction of the Cupertino company's products, the Otterbox Defender Series case for the iPad is not for you. For others who are willing to consider the functional advantages, have a read.

The concept behind Otterbox's Defender series cases, which are available for a multitude of devices, including the iPhone and BlackBerries, is ultra rugged protection. Each consists of three layers that protect against bumps, shocks, drops, and dust (but unfortunately not water.) The first layer is a thermal, formed protective clear membrane with slight texturing to prevent sticking. It is optional to use, based on how much protection the customer wants. The second layer is a high-impact, shatter-resistant polycarbonate shell; and the third, a silicone skin that locks into the shell to absorb bumps and shock.

 My first thought upon opening the box for the oversized iPad version was memories of purchasing IKEA furniture. All that was there was a visual, step-by-step diagram of how to outfit the iPad. Geesh: if it takes this long to get it on, will I ever want to take it off? I'll be honest: it took me about 15 minutes to finally figure out the proper way to "install" the case. I opted not to use the screen protector 1) because I don't require THAT much protection, and 2) because I absolutely hate putting those things on. (I stand by a point I've made many times: that retailers should offer a paid "screen protector installation service"; I bet it would be a hit!) Pull apart the polycarbonate shell, and slot the iPad in from the bottom. Then lock it into place, and wrap the silicone skin around the perimeter, being careful to fill each groove of the hard shell with the protruding rubber pieces for a clean look and a secure fit. You'll notice that all ports and buttons are protected with flip-open pieces that reveal them without having to remove the case (pop-up rubber piece cover the volume up/down keys and the multi-function centre button so you can still depress them.)

With the separate plate moved from the back of the iPad to the front, it can serve as a protective cover, making for easy transporting by hand, or placing it in a purse or briefcase.

You'll note that the case covers the charging port: to charge the iPad, you need to slide down the bottom, middle portion of the hard shell, which is sometimes awkward and cumbersome, but convenient, nonetheless. A circular, clear membrane in the middle of the back reveals the signature Apple logo....just in case there was any confusion as to what you were toting around.

On the back of the case is a circular clear membrane that reveals the signature Apple logo; along with a slide-out panel for charging and docking the iPad.

But the best part of this case that, in my eyes, seals the deal, is a removable back plate that doubles as a cover and triples as a kickstand. The polycarbonate piece secures to the back of the case via four clips on the corners. Pop it out, and place it over top the screen on the front, and voila! Insta-cover! This makes it easy to carry the iPad around by hand, or plop it into a bag or briefcase without worry of scratching the screen. On the inside of the back plate, two pieces pop out and shift up to create a makeshift kickstand for viewing videos, using the iPad as a digital photo frame, or, as I did, using it as a recipe viewer in the kitchen.

Here are the downsides: the construction isn't what I'd call sophisticated. It's a bit clunky, and while the stand works, its design could have been better implemented, affording a more secure "click and lock" system once put into the upright position. The case also adds quite a bit of heft to the iPad; it weighs 340.19 grams (0.7 lbs.) on its own! If you're holding it for any length of time to read an eBook, for example, it can put some strain on your arms after a while. Then there's getting the case on: your average person might have some trouble, even with the slightly confusing step-by-step drawings. Which means once you get it on, chances are you'll be keeping it on. Also, there's the price. It's approx. $100 for the case, which is almost double the cost of competing models. But consider that the Defender Series case can be used as a skin, a transportable all-cover case, and a stand, the added cost can be justified.

Pop-out rubber pieces conceal and protect ports and buttons, preventing dust from getting in.

The upsides: it's the most versatile case I've seen yet, indeed acting as three cases in one. It's convenient to be able to flip the backplate to the back, use the iPad while in a coffee shop or out on a patio, then just pop it back onto the front when you're ready to go. This means you don't need to lug around a separate bag. And being able to use that same piece as a stand, again not needing to carry another accessory with you is ideal.

A separate plastic piece secures to the back of the unit for added protection when in use; but also doubles as a front cover for transporting...

Bottom line: On aesthetics and construction alone, the Otterbox Defender Series case for the iPad won't be winning any beauty competitions. But for versatility and value for the price, not to mention ease of use (once it's installed, that is!) it's a creative option. Anyone who works outdoors, or passes the iPad around at parties or brings it along on trips, will find it to be a handy accessory. For those who feel the case ruins the beautiful cosmetics of the device, just make sure to hold it up when in public so passers-by can clearly see that unmistakable Apple logo emblazoned on the back. Everyone, after all, knows what an iPad looks like. And between showing mine off and keeping it properly protected to ensure longevity, I'll take the latter.

Article Tags:  shell, screen, cover, series, stand, defender, otterbox, pieces, construction, piece, polycarbonate, protection, plate, convenient, accessory, kickstand, middle, price, using, means, keeping, carry, works, rubber, layer, clear, first, bumps, three, membra