Review: Extreme protection without sacrificing functionality
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 18, 2014
The Otterbox Defender for the Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch tablet is a rugged case that turns your slim Fire HDX into a bulky beast.  If you're looking for something svelte or fashionable, this is not the case for you.  The 3-piece case consists of a shield stand, a silicone wrap, and a hard plastic core.  The core also has two pieces: a back half and a top half with built-in screen protector.  Installing the Defender requires a little patience and the instructions could've offered better tips on how to get everything removed and ready for installation.  For example, getting the silicone wrap off was confusing and difficult at first, but after I read the top Amazon review that suggested just running your finger nail down the side, the wrap peeled off easily.Once installed, the Fire HDX feels indestructible.  The port covers for the headphone jack and micro-USB port open and close very well, but the power and volume buttons -- which are covered -- are slightly harder to press than without the Defender installed.  The speakers aren't protected at all, but I don't think you'd want them covered anyways.  The Defender's built-in screen protector works surprisingly well on the Fire HDX.  I was skeptical about the screen protector, but it looks just as good and works just as well as any other screen protector I've ever used.  In a way, it's somewhat better because you don't have to install it, though, I recommend wiping  your screen and blowing lint/dust off of the inside of the screen protector before snapping the cover into place.Holding the Fire HDX with the Defender installed actually feels very good and comfortable.  I was surprised at how good and secure it felt in my hands.  Swiping off the edge of the screen is a little more challenging because of the bezel of the Defender, but you get used to it relatively quickly.The shield stand gives you four different positions for viewing or typing, though, I don't see myself using it a whole lot when I'm not traveling.  The added protection and functions might come in handy when traveling, however.The OtterBox Defender case is a terrific rugged case for your Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch.  It's very expensive, but if you need extreme protection without sacrificing functionality, I don't think you could do better than the OtterBox.