I’m out in Salt Lake City for a short conference and while passing some time I wandered over to the local Walmart and found that they had the Powermat for Droid X in stock for $49 (cheaper by $10 than Amazon).

I’ve used Powermat in the past on my iPhone. The concept is that you attach either a new case or back cover to your device. Then you use an included charging mat that when the device is placed on the mat will immediately start to charge your phone.

Powermat has introduced several new charging backs – including models for the HTC EVO 4g, BlackBerry Bold 9700, iPhone 4G and the Droid X. Unfortunately there’s an ugly secret that you won’t learn until you take your Powermat out of its packaging.

Unfortunately what the box won’t tell you — and even the online photos of the product aren’t terribly clear – is that you must replace your back battery cover for your Droid X with a cover that includes a protruding dongle which is ideally suited for snagging on your clothes as you put the Droid X into your pocket.

The promise of the Powermat is that once you’ve installed the custom cover – and use it in conjunction with the supplied charging base – you’ll never need to worry about plugging or unplugging a charging cable connector again.

I’m sure in theory this sounded like a great design. In practice it’s just awkward. Within a few minutes of using my Powermat for the Droid X I could tell the protruding connector would be uncomfortable to hold. I can’t imaging anyone wanting to risk snagging the connector on their pants pocket or jacket when they remove their Droid X to actually make a call or use the phone.

Instead of the awkward connector I’d much rather have seen Powermat produce a replacement battery as they were originally announcing about a year ago. As the Powermat exists now I can’t imagine using any of the replacement backs that also require an additional plug to deliver the charge. So far as I know all the new Powermat models require a protruding charging plug (dongle) with the exception of the iPhone 4 which uses more of a slide in case.
Before buying the Droid X Powermat give some thought to whether the protruding connection will be a problem.

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I’ll admit that when I first purchased my Droid I made a side trip to Best Buy to purchase a case. Unfortunately the selection that they had could be counted on one finger of one hand. There was one lonely case for $35 that was from some generic no-name outfit that private labels their cases for Best Buy. The case didn’t last even a day -  it was ill-fitting and, in my opinion,  a complete piece of plastic rubbish.

Enter OtterBox. They’re well known for their protective line of cases that range from super “I could take this phone in a case and pound nails with it” to the more ergonomical Commuter Line. They’ve just started to ship their Commuter Case for the Motorola Droid. I’ve yet to check it out but for $34.95 it’s priced about what most other quality cases are going for — and if the fit and finish match other OtterBox cases this will be a keeper.

OtterBox Case for Droid – Commuter Series – $34.95

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OtterBox has updated their line of protective cases for the BlackBerry Storm 2. The new cases are added to the Impact (thinnest and cheapest at $19.95), Commuter $34.95 and Defender $49.95. Of the three I’ve used the Impact series the most which provides a thinner and less bulky level of protection but still gives some padding from drops and rough handling. Full press release after the jump.

For All of Life’s Endeavors: OtterBox Cases for the BlackBerry Storm2 Smartphone

Fort Collins, COLO. – Announcing three recent additions to the line of OtterBox protection for BlackBerry® smartphones: Impact™, Commuter™ and Defender™ Series cases for the BlackBerry® Storm2™ smartphone.

Carefully crafted to dissipate impact away from your BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone, the OtterBox Impact Series case includes inner coring on the corners and back of the case for extra protection, ideal for any on-the-go lifestyle. It also includes a self-adhering clear protective film to safeguard the screen from scratches.*

The Commuter Series for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone offers a durable silicone mid-layer, a one piece custom molded polycarbonate shell and exposed silicone corners to dissipate impact away from your smartphone. An innovative self-adhering clear protective film safeguards against unexpected scratches and dings to keep your screen looking new. Designed with style in mind, this case offers a sleek look and feel to slide easily into your pocket, purse or briefcase.**

Offering more rugged protection for BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone users, the OtterBox Defender Series combines three layers of trusted protection:

Layer 1: Self-adhering clear protective screen cover

Layer 2: Hi-impact polycarbonate shell

Layer 3: Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock

Acoustic vents are included over the speakerphone and headset speaker, as well as isolation foam on the microphone to prevent dirt and dust intrusion while providing clear sound transmission. Silicone plugs protect all ports and allow for quick and easy access. Included with this OtterBox Defender Series case is a holster style swivel belt clip for easy carrying.***

“We have three customized case options for the new BlackBerry Storm2 and each speaks to a different customer,” Curt Richardson said, OtterBox CEO. “The Impact Series is for everyday casual use, the Commuter Series is for those always on the go and the Defender Series calls to those that live an active and extreme lifestyle.”

All OtterBox cases for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone provide open access to device features for full functionality of buttons and ports. Included with the Impact and Commuter Series cases is an installation card that allows for easy screen protector application and a microfiber cleaning cloth to keep your smartphone in pristine condition.

OtterBox’s line-up of cases for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone provides users with added protection against bump, drop and shock for all of life’s endeavors.

Additional Information:

OtterBox Impact Series for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone:

Environmental Protection:

· Added protection against bump and shock.

Colors:

· Black

Dimensions of Case Only:

· 4.61in [117.05mm] x 2.70in [68.58mm] x 0.73in [18.67mm]

Approximate Weight:

· 1.11oz [31.45g]

OtterBox Commuter Series for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone:

Environmental Protection:

· Added protection against bump and shock.

Colors:

· Black/Black

Dimensions of Case Only:

· 4.57in [116.1mm] x 2.61in [66.28mm] x 0.71in [18.1mm]

Approximate Weight:

· 0.90oz [25.51g]

OtterBox Defender Series for the BlackBerry Storm2 smartphone:

Environmental Protection:

· Drop and Shock- Protection against drop, bump & shock

· Water Protection- Not tested or recommended for water protection

· Dust Intrusion- Dust does not enter in a sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of equipment

Colors:

· Black

Dimensions of Case Only:

· 4.72in [119.95mm] x 2.90in [73.70mm] x 0.83in [21.15mm]

Approximate Weight:

· 1.82oz [51.80g]

About OtterBox:

Founded in 1996, OtterBox is highly respected in the design and production of rugged and semi-rugged cases to safeguard technology and other valuables.

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity and perseverance, OtterBox is the innovator of premier protective solutions for leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820. We’ve got technology covered.

-30-

Notes:

* Impact Series case does NOT protect against water. Will provide some added protection against bump and shock.

**Commuter Series case does NOT protect against water. Will provide some added protection against bump and shock.

***Defender Series case does NOT protect against water. Will provide some added protection against drop, bump and dust.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

Otterbox

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