Expert’s Rating

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

The Defender serial instance for iPad mini protects your gadget in relative stylus .

If you ’re calculate to protect your gimmick — looks be damned — look no further than Otterbox ’s tough $ 70Defender series case for iPad miniskirt . This case certainly is n’t lead to win any prizes in the “ sexy and sleek ” department , but it will protect your miniskirt better than most . It ’s a four - part shell with a big duty cover that replicate as a stand , so it ’s also pretty usable . Getting it on and off can be tricky , but Otterbox leave asimple - to - come instruction video .

The Defender comes in several parts . First , there ’s a slim , two - objet d’art plastic shell that snap onto the twist . This shield features mild strips to cradle the back of your miniskirt , as well as a sparse plastic screen protector . The shell entrust all of the iPad ’s ports and buttons assailable , give you access to everything — there ’s even a small cutout at the top for the microphone .

Next , there ’s a dim silicone stratum that correspond around the plastic shell . This piece is stretchable and pliant , so it ’s easy to put on . It locks over four protrusions on the case , and cross the mini ’s Home , mass , and Sleep / Wake button with rubbery press - through overlay . It also features rubber flapping that cover the mini ’s Lightning port , earpiece jack , and deaf-and-dumb person switch . The silicone layer is well made — it ’s rigid when it ’s unfold over the shell , but the clit cover are easy to press and the flapping are easy to remove when you need to get at the port .

Finally , there ’s an extra art object to the Defender : a thick , surd charge card cover that doubles as a stand . The cover is the easiest to get on and off , as it only attaches at the four street corner of the miniskirt . It can go on the back or front of your iPad , but it seems to make the most sense on the front for added sieve aegis when your iPad is not in habit . Inside the cover , there ’s a rack that pops up and provide you to prop up your mini in landscape orientation , at an upright , moving-picture show - see angle , or a lower typing angle .

The Defender emphatically put up tribute , and it ’s relatively silklike compared to a lot of other rugged casing . The two - fabric construction means that the case is skilful at withstand drops , since the silicone layer absorbs the shock , while the shaping stratum protects from dings . The built - in blind protector is a nice touch , and the miniskirt ’s screen door is still reactive through it . However , since it ’s not attached to the miniskirt ’s display , there is the exit of detritus getting immobilise underneath it .

Bottom line

If you ’re take care for a rugged case to protect your iPad mini , the Defender series will do an admirable job . It ’s not the pretty case I ’ve seen , but it looks and feels sturdy , and the extra - stout cover / stand jazz band is actually quite operational . Of course , if flavor are what you handle about , this is not the case for you .