Here we are again, with another “Extreme Review” of another Otterbox case, the 2600, is a moderately priced case at $49.95.  This case is larger and wider than the Otterbox 1900 used in my previous review.  Special thanks to Otterbox for providing us with a 2600 testing unit for this review and for my use.

The Otterbox 2600 case is well constructed and provides protection from dropping, as well as water and dust.  Even though the manufacturer advertises that this case is crush-proof, since the glass on the PDA is not protected by a hard cover, we decided not to opt for a Suburban drive-over this time, as the last time after the review we were told that the pressure of the drive over could damage a device, as the cases do flex ever so slightly.

Throughout this review we will be protecting a much larger  and wider PDA device, that is, the Toshiba E800, which has a thick extended battery pack attached and is longer than most PDAs on the market.  Unfortunately, the previously reviewed Otterbox 1900 case was not tall or thick enough to protect the oversized Toshiba PDA.  Actually this is the only case that is large enough to fit this device.

What is inside of the package?

• The Case
• Extra Foam Padding for thinner devices.

Since the Toshiba E800 is a thick device, only one foam pad was necessary to firmly secure the device in the case and it did not slip or move throughout our testing.

Also of note is the construction of this clear plastic case, which is really Polycarbonate & ABS Shell, in disguise, as you will see in our test video that when dropped on a tile floor, I was not able to even find a scratch on the case…wow!!  This is a strong case indeed; don’t let the clear plastic fool you!

At the top of the picture below are two additional foam pads to provide a secure fit for your device, as this case does not have a strap, as with the Otterbox 1900, rather this case relies on a pressure fit.  Don’t worry though, our device did not slip throughout the testing.

Also thanks to the reflection in the picture, it is possible to see the clear plastic membrane that protects the screen of your mobile device, as well as allows for writing input and throughout our testing allowed audio and microphone recordings to be unimpaired.

Music Plays clearly through the membrane, as well as the nice feature of being able to write on the case enclosed PDA, while the device is secured inside the case.

Here is a picture of the Toshiba E800 with extended battery pack firmly secured inside the case.  Note the vertical cut-out on the right of the screen which allows for secure storage of a stylus.  A slightly thicker stylus will firmly fit into the custom slot.

Center the device face-down into the case, as shown and then close the back of the case and secure the latches.  Actually, it was easier to secure the device in the case with this Otterbox, than it was in the last review, as a strap in not used to secure the device from the inside.  I like the way that the E800 fit securely by pressure alone.  Note that on the top of the case is a slot that allows for a twist tie or a padlock to make sure that the case does not open, while under extreme conditions.

The hinge is thick and sturdy and looks like it will provide many years of service.

The latches are also very sturdy and securely fasten, providing a reliable closure, as the hinges did not open during our testing.

Unlike the Otterbox 1900, the 2600 does not have any pass-through ports or expansion capabilities, however, this was of no consequence to me, while testing the Toshiba E800, as I did not have any accessories that required that functionality.

The Neoprene strap is flexible, just like on the Otterbox 1900 and provides a secure feel while carrying the case.  The strap is easily adjusted by means of Velcro fasteners on both ends.  I removed the case for the testing, however it was very difficult to re-feed the strap back through their channels in the case, as the straps fit is very tight in the slots.  I recommend only taking of the strap infrequently, as a result of my experiences trying to re-thread the  strap.

Here is a close-up showing the convenience of writing through the case’s plastic membrane.  I was impressed by how easy it was to write through the membrane.

And now for our Video Review:

Otterbox 2600 Review

JAMM Review Summary

Things we liked: Everything!

Construction:  Strong enough to withstand damage from being dropped onto a tile floor and also great water-tight protection.  The strap gave a secure feel when holding the case.  The Stylus holder keeps a stylus firmly in place and is convenient.  The hinge is thick and durable.  Finally I was able to find a large and wide enough case to accommodate even a Toshiba E800 with a thick expansion battery.

Durability: The front of the case has a rubber rubber protector that is elevated from the mobile device’s screen to protect the glass during accidental drops, like the one we inflicted in our video review.  The Heavy-duty latches stayed closed during our testing.  The rubber pads that secure the device on the inside of the case protect, as well as keep the device firmly in place.

Ease of Use:  All buttons on the front of the mobile device can be easily accessed, including the touch screen through the plastic membrane.  The membrane that protects the screen and also allows writing with a stylus also does not dampen the device audio or recording.

Accessories: Multiple accessories are available as below.

Things that we would like to see: A plastic flip-cover  (like on the Otterbox 1900) that protects the glass on the device cover, since the mobile device’s glass is still exposed and the membrane will not protect against a direct-hit to the screen.  We would also like to see rubber around the case, as this would protect the plastic from scratches, as well as more durable.

The Price is a reasonable $49.95, which is well worth the money, if you are looking for a rugged case that will protect your thicker and oversized mobile device.

Related posts:

1. Review: The Ultimate Challenge – Otterbox1900 vs Chevy SuburbanTruck
2. Review: Otterbox 1900
3. The OtterBox 7000 Series Laptop Case Review at Gear Diary
4. Review: OtterBox Impact for iPhone 3G
5. Review- OtterBox Armor Series Case For iPod Classic