We just received after much anticipation the new OtterBox Commuter Case for the Apple iPad. The other case Otterbox will be having for the Apple iPad is the Defender Series. Hopefully we will be seeing this one soon for a review as well.

The hardest thing for 3rd party accessory companies is quickly release quality products. In many cases you don’t get devices in advance from manufacturers. If you get a device early on it could be a Beta model. From release of the production model to the release of a quality accessory you need to be patient. This waiting was worth for the quality that OtterBox has given us in the Apple iPad Commuter Case.

The OtterBox Apple iPad Commuter case comes nicely packaged with the signature yellow color from OtterBox

Located in the box we have:

• Commuter Series Case in two parts. Silicone shell and a Hard Plastic outer Shell
• Screen Protector
• Cleaning Cloth
• Squeegee
• Instructions – printed on the inner package

The case is a monster to get on. The extra silicone flap on the top  of the inner case, that allows you to cover up your 3.5 mm headset input, really works against you when you place the hard plastic outer shell over the soft silicone shell. The soft button cover for the power button is a little less of hassle. However,  once you have everything in place it is a perfect fit and protection for your Apple iPad.

Below are some images with the steps to get your full body OtterBox protection.

1. Apply the screen protector first using the instructions that are located under the squeegee.

Personally I don’t like the screen protectors on my devices anymore. So I haven’t applied mine.

2. Take out the inner silicone case from the outer hard plastic case

3. Place your Apple iPad into the inner silicone case, be careful not to lift up your just applied screen protector

4. Now, the hard part. Clamp over the outer hard plastic case on top of the inner silicone case. Start from sliding in the bottom part in the the Hard shell case. You might need to use a stylus/pen to keep the silicone headphone jack cover flap in place while snapping the top part over it.

5. On the back side of the cover you can remove part of the case which allows you to make a connection with your Apple USB cable or original Apple iPad Dock.

A view from the bottom of the case which shows you that the speakers aren’t blocked.

The view from the side of the device is showing you that the volume buttons are covered and work perfectly. The quick lock button in is not covered. The opening is big enough for my big fingers to allow a full functionality of this feature.

The following is the view from the top of the device showing you the covered power button and a flap covering the head phone jack. A small opening in this flap allows functionality of the microphone. That same opening has been created to you to use you headset plug to open the flap that covers the head phone jack.

Conclusion

As with all the Otterbox products. This commuter case gives you real good protection. Sanpping on the outer hard shell on top of the silicone shell takes some effort. But once it is on, you will have a top quality protection case on your Apple iPad. This case has not been designed to easily switch between cases, but was designed for the traveler among us that want their Apple iPad protected well.

We are looking forward to the Apple iPad Defender case from OtterBox in the near future.

The Apple iPad Commuter Series Case is available in Black at Otterbox for $64.95