Otterbox Armor 3600
by Mitchell Levine

Almost anyone who’s become a serious handheld user has noted a number of wonderful things about those fascinating little digi-boxes: their convenience, versatility, and profound impact on their personal productivity. Unfortunately, one big liability is usually quickly evident—their delicacy. Making them fast, capacious, and flexible apparently doesn’t leave a lot of technical capital left over for making them rugged. One thoughtless drop, even from as little as four or five feet, will often just quickly convert your Palm or iPaq from a mobile warrior into a $600 paperweight. But how can a palmtop student or administrator possibly take advantage of the benefits of today’s handheld computing benefits and still ensure their continued existence and functioning without breaking down their capital?

A truly unique product, Otter Products’ Armor 3600 PDA case manages to do the impossible. It creates a superlatively ruggedized hard-shell case designed to absorb maximum impact, while still allowing the user complete access to their mobile device’s functions. Measuring approximately 8”x 6” x 4”, the 3600 provides a high resiliency, shock absorbing outer shell which, when opened holds virtually all major handhelds in Velcro restraints. The latter hold the unit centered on a plastic screen on which the PDA’s touch screen can be manipulated for in-case use. Just about anything you can do out of the case can be accomplished while secure fastened within a 3” layer of foam, especially with an optional through-box power pod accessory which allows an encased handheld to be powered with an AC adapter cord. Other accessories include a variety of lanyards and belt clips, and other helpful sundries.

Although the 3600 is a little on the bulky side, considering the fact that, according to industry statistics, over 80% of all accidents result in the purchase of a new PDA, $99.95 on this product can save not only money, but countless hours of replacing data and documents. For more information, log onto the manufacturer’s site at www.otter.com#