OtterBox 7030 Rugged Laptop Case: Torture Test review

[Lord NorDeth]

"OtterBox 7030" Laptop Case Review

Over a year ago, CTCost posted a review of the OtterBox Rugged Laptop Case. As far as basic product reviews go, it was fairly thorough (see original review here: http://www.abfnet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24217), but as some of you know, a basic review just doesn't seem to cut it for me, so I got a hold of our Contact at OtterBox, and arranged for a sample for a torture test.

I have had this product for about 5 months now, and let me tell ya, I'm impressed, not only with the case (which I DID have some issues with) but with the company as well. To make a long story short, I have tested TWO cases. The first I had a Mechanical Failure on. (A one in a million fluke, the metal clasp on the shoulder strap snapped under normal weight load due to metal fatigue, I contacted OtterBox, told them what happened, and the offered to cover any damages, no questions asked, I just had to send them a receipt for the repairs, and the case for them to analyze. It never came to that, the case held up and protected my laptop, and what minor damage was caused (data loss due to the shock of the impact on the Hard Drive, and damage to the CD Drive), was covered by by my employer as I was working at the time. Now to put it in perspective, the case survived TWO drops to concrete from 3 1/2 feet in the air, and the second one (I didn't realize the clip had broken) was followed by a trip down 14 concrete stairs. Anyone who has EVER dropped their notebook knows that this USUALLY means a new laptop. I had to re-format my Hard Drive because I was stupid enough to have it running while it was in the case, had it been off, or in Standby, there would have been NO ISSUE. The CD Drive was another issue, it needed to be replace because the lens was beyond repair due to shock, but this level of impact would normally cause a cracked screen MINIMUM, as well as a cracked or damaged casing...Nothing of the sort.

So I got a hold of OtterBox, and as I said, they offered to cover it all. A few weeks later, I get a package from OtterBox. Inside is a new case...they had COMPLETELY re-designed the shoulder strap and clasp, and the thing is SOLID!

I have carried this thing is Snowstorms, Rainstorms, Ice storms, as well as normal weather, not a leak, not a problem with it. It resists dust and dirt due to the design of the air-tight "O-Ring" type seal which seals the case completely from the environment, has two VERY solid clasps on the front of the case, AND is key lockable with a durable "bar and bin" style locking mechanism that uses a 3 pin key tumbler (not pick proof, but it will resist the average attempt by a casual thief, and will make it VERY hard for them to get to your laptop with the device intact, if they want it, they are likely gonna have to break the laptop to get into the case).

So what did I do to torture test it (you ALL knew it was coming).
-Well, there are two unscheduled drops (one of which was accompanied by a trip down the stairs). On a scale of 10, I'd give it a drop rating of 8.5 just because I've dropped other laptops, in other cases, and in this one the device survived, and was still operable with a little work.
-I left it outside in the Rain, and Snow/Ice for 20 minutes (to simulate what the average person will be outside during the run of the average day during bad weather), no leaks, no issues. On a scale of 10, I give it a 10. No water penetration AT ALL.
-I have carried this thing with me every day for 5 months, including all of the normal bangs, bumps and scrapes involved in my normal day, and it is COMFORTABLE! The strap is not padded, it uses a neoprene section that expands and contracts as you move in relation to your movement, so the strap absorbs the shock and bounce by flexing as you move. Stress during movement is virtually non-existent. The hard sided case takes a bit of getting used to if you are used to a traditional soft or semi-soft case, but once you get used to it, you don't notice it, and the case is a bit heavier than you are probably used to, but for this level of protection, you will gladly accept the increase in weight (I know I have). On a scale of 10 for comfort, it gets a 9.5 (I smashed my elbow off the case a few times when I first got it, as I said, the hard case takes some getting used to!)

Overall, and average of 9.3 out of 10, but I have to say, the way this company stands behind it's product (not something I normally have to review) is a DEFINITE 10!
For around $190 bucks, this case is a MUST BUY for anyone who wants an Extreme level protection for their Laptop, it will fit most devices, but they have a web page to input the dimensions of your device before you order just to make sure ( http://www.otterbox.com/products/pc_...ittingTool.htm ). The case comes with a series of custom fit internal bumpers that you place to fit your device.

In summation, if you feel there is even the remotest chance you will ever drop your laptop, buy this case, you will NOT regret it!

Product Data Sheet PDF: http://www.otterbox.com/products/pc_...-case-data.pdf
Link to OtterBox Product Page: http://www.otterbox.com/products/pc_cases/laptop_case/

[buhduh]

Thanks for the report Nordie!

I also have the Otter box case, and like it a lot too. I don't need this much protection most of the time but when I need the bullet-proof case [I'm not in the same line of work as the original reviewer! ], this is the one I take.

The only reasons why I don't take it all the time are 2:

-It is a bit heavy, but that is the cost of the security I suppose.

-The laptop itself is just about all I can carry in it.

There is just barely enough room around it to get my power supply in and a few extra square inches for any other gear. This is partially my fault as I did not get the organizer pouch which was an optional accessory when I got my case; it now appears to be included with the purchase. Even with it though, there is very little extra room and obviously you can't overstuff it like a soft bag. The organizer does not add space, just keeps a few little things tidy.

I think the the neoprene strap is a great idea. It really does add significant comfort with the suspension effect as it stretches, making it easier to do those Casino Royale opening scene style chases...or just walking.

I also had a tiny issue with the carry strap retention thing though. It is held in place with a couple of small allen head screws, and they must have been loose at first so one did come off when I did not expect it. I was not at the top of any staircase when it happened and I did not even drop the case, so no damage ocurred. The allen key is provided, so let this be a lesson to you. Use the allen key, and make sure the bolts are tight. I think that this quality control issue has been addressed by Otterbox as mentioned above, so you may never need to be worried.

All in all though I love the case. I even confidently gave it my patented "stand on it" test to demonstrate it for my friends, though I drew the line at letting 300lb coworker also try it!