Review: Heavy & awkward to handle. Caused performance issues with my HDX.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 02 15, 2014
EDITED REVIEW 6/30/14:In 2012, I purchased the OtterBox Commuter Series Case for my cell phone and gave that case 4 stars. Other than a major issue with getting the thing ON my phone, that case has never gotten in the way of my use of my phone.Sadly, I cannot say the same about this OtterBox Defender case for the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9". Following are some of the issues I have had with it:1. COST. The case sells for 70 bucks and is not worth that much unless you are working or living in a constantly wet/dirty/accident prone environment. The average person doesn't need THAT much protection, IMO.2. INSTALLATION. Like the OtterBox Commuter on my phone, this Defender case is difficult to get apart so that you can get your HDX into it. It comes with basic instructions that weren't adequate for me. I found a YouTube video that allowed me to get my HDX installed in the case.3. SCREEN/STAND POSITIONS. The pamphlet says there are four working positions for the HDX to be used in this case: low/landscape, low/portrait, steep/portrait and steep/landscape. They call the low stand position "natural typing angle"; that may be, but it isn't good for much else. The only other option is the HDX standing straight up vertically in the case, which is also not a useful viewing/reading position and makes typing nearly impossible. Further, every time I use the stand, the piece you have to pull up to form the stand makes a cracking noise.4. WEIGHT. This case is HEAVY. The Defender with the HDX in it weighs 1 pound and 14 ounces. The HDX itself, according to the product page, weighs 13.2 ounces. Ergo, the Defender is adding a pound of weight to the HDX.5. EASE OF USE. On top of being heavy, I found this case awkward to use. Getting everything oriented correctly can be awkward. Also, the closed case is a good inch thick.6. PROTECTION. Where I really feel that the Commuter on my phone provides protection for my phone, I don't feel the Defender is as protective. Most of the back part that forms the cover and stand is plastic and is not rubberized (except for 4 little rubber-like feet. When the case is open and in the stand, the speakers appear to be completely open to the elements and dust, while every other feature of the HDX is wrapped in plastic or rubber. While the cover is closed, however, the speakers would be protected/covered.7. CONTROLS. As noted before, my OtterBox Commuter does not keep me from using my phone or make it harder to use my phone. I don't think that can be said of this Defender. While the headphone and charger ports are accessible through rubberized hatch openings, I find them more obtrusive and less easy to maneuver than the ones on my phone. Also, while the power and volume buttons are accessible (though covered by the case), they require much heavier pressure to use than on my origami case or with no case. I have to usually press the power button twice before the HDX will turn on or off. The volume buttons work a bit better but are still a bit clunky.8. SCREEN/PERFORMANCE INTERFERENCE.a. The Defender's clear plastic protective screen over the HDX's screen has actually caused performance problems with my Kindle Fire HDX. With my Origami case, I never had a problem with any of my apps opening; yet, upon installing the HDX into this Defender case, I had one game app that completely refused to open. I also have sporadic issues with my Facebook app in this case ("likes" would revert to "unlike" a second after clicking "like"). I read another review that said Amazon has identified this case as being a known performance issue.b. While scrolling through my HDX's menu across the plastic protective screen, I can feel under my fingertips some imperfections/waviness in certain parts of the protective screen.9. CAMERA PERFORMANCE. The HDX's camera operates on demand without having to adjust the case.I am perplexed how this case has received an overwhelming majority of 4- and 5-star reviews. I was barely able to keep my HDX in this case for a week or so in order to test it; I have since put my HDX back into the Origami case. Since then, I've noticed that both of the performance issues I noted in this review have continued. I truly hope this does not mean that the OtterBox has caused permanent damage to my HDX!In summary, if you're a construction worker or otherwise live or work in a constantly dirty/dusty/wet environment, this may be exactly what you need to keep your HDX clean and safe. Otherwise, I do not think this case is necessary and would not recommend it for the average person. In my opinion, this case hinders more than it helps, which is not the case with my phone's Otterbox Commuter case.