It would not surprise me if the name OtterBox would be synonymous with protection in future dictionaries. The Defender series has been around for quite some time, and the focus has always been protection first. With the new iPad 2 Defender some protection has been traded away, and instead we get a product with added functionality.
The core case consists of three pieces. One back piece in hard polycarbonate with soft foam that lies against the back of the iPad. A hard polycarbonate frame that starts at the upper back, and then follows all around the front edges clips into the back piece. 
Finally a soft silicone is fastened onto the outer shell giving grip, and excellent protection. If you are familiar with earlier Defender series cases you immediately note the lack of screen protection. This was built into the inner layers for both the iPhone 3G and iPhone 4 Defenders.
It is a real hassle getting the Defender on properly, as there are so many latches that have to connect. Pressing the silicone into the groves framing the iPad 2 also takes work. Finally the back piece that folds backwards to allow docking takes a lot of pushing to get into the proper indentations. Often I have had to restart completely to get everything in place. Still some aspect will be left feeling loose or imperfect. I have yet to get the silicone cover for the headphone socket to slide into the indentations as it is supposed to.
The fit of all the different latches, and silicone flaps is the main concern with the Defender for iPad 2, but once you nail it to 90% or above it feels secure. For protection this case grants complete back and side protection. All ports, and buttons are covered by silicone. In the case of the headphone socket, charge socket and mute/rotate switch these silicone covers fold out. In others such as the volume, and silent switch the buttons are covered by silicone. Still very easy to use through the silicone. The only thing that isn’t directly covered is the speaker on the back. However it is indirectly covered by the case from impact, and scratch damage. One thing that is covered that I am not fond of is the home button. It looks really neat having it covered, but the response of the button is not as instant.
The grip added by the rugged silicone is excellent, and enhances gameplay for driving and shooters. Having a rugged surface also means that it attracts a lot of dust and dirt. After just a couple of hours it needs to be wiped clean using a damp cloth. The case is quite heavy, but still not overbearing considering the amount of materials used. One thing I found is that using the case for 2-player games such as Shot Shot Shoot or Fruit Ninja also enhances the experience. The sloping frame around the iPad gives the iPad a larger feel, and some hand rest.
Defenders tend to look bulky, but somehow the iPad 2 one manages to retain the sense of shape from the core product. Much like the Defender for iPhone 4 this feels like a military or special ops product with a clear masculine touch. The Apple logo is seen through the clear plastic on the back, and this is a feature usually seen in Commuter series cases. I like to have the logo visible in the age of copies to show that I have the real deal. OtterBox has limited it’s own branding to a small brand name on the back indented in the silicone.
One thing that makes the product stand out as a complete package is the front cover/stand. This is a large slab of hard polycarbonate that grips onto four spots on the Defender case. It can either be used as a screen cover, or be fastened on the back when you are using the iPad 2. For transportation it gives all the screen protection you will ever need. Having it on the back when using the iPad 2 adds some extra weight, and bulk. I rather place it on a table next to me, but for those times when you don’t have that extra space it is great to be able to have it attached on the back. Inside the front piece you find a latch. This lets the front act as a stand in two different angles. Pure genius that is. And OtterBox has even added anti slip pads on the bottom making it great for slippery surfaces as well. When standing up in landscape mode for viewing movies the prongs used to attach the front to the Defender are instead used to hold the iPad 2 in place. This makes it usable as a video stand even on a train or in a car that jerks about.
The Defender series for iPad 2 is a mixed bag that in the end becomes great with the awesome front cover/stand. The actual case feels slightly over-engineered with too many latches, groves and hinges that all have to connect properly. Once they do however the case adds grip, massive protection and a cool masculine style to the iPad 2. I recommend it to anyone with kids that needs to have that extra level of protection, and to those who use their iPad 2 while commuting.
Final Rating
Defender Series for iPad 2 at OtterBox. com $89.95
