A few days ago I took a look at the Otterbox Impact case for iPod nano 4th, today I’ve got the next in the series of cases from Otterbox, the Defender. The Otterbox Defender is an iPod case like no other really, it feature three levels of protection for you iPod. The first layer is the silicone covering over top of the second layer which is a plastic housing, in the housing you’ll find the third layer of protection, a clear membrane over the screen and click wheel. The Defender offers excellent protection for your iPod nano 4th, and easy access to the ports and controls.

Like the Impact I looked at a few days ago, the Defender comes in the same type of packaging, a plastic clamshell, that’s easy to open. The cardboard insert is also the instructions for using the Defender.

The only things inside the box is the case itself, nothing else.  The case is black in color and it’s rather bulky really, but there’s a reason for that which you’ll soon see.

On the back of the case is a small tab that pulls out, this can be used has a stand to make the iPod sit up so you can watch movies on it, or just see the screen sideways.

Specifications:

iPod Nano 4th Gen Defender Case

The OtterBox for iPod nano 4th Generation Defender Series has a slim-fit, 3-layer design that provides unmatched protection against bump, shock, drop and scratch. The PATENTED thin membrane covers your screen and Click Wheel, while still allowing for full usability. This design allows you to sync and charge your device right through the case via convenient silicone plugs. Also, as an added bonus, this case has a built-in STAND so you can watch movies and videos while on a plane, train, or just about anywhere.
Please note: This case ONLY works with the 4th Generation iPod nano.

Compatibility/Features: Fits the iPod Nano 4th Generation only (both 8GB and 16GB).

* THREE layers of protection!
* Layer 1: a clear, thin membrane to protect your screen and Click Wheel
* Layer 2: a hi-impact Polycarbonate skeleton
* Layer 3: a Silicone skin to absorb bump and shock
* Access to Sync/Charge, hold button, and headphone jack accessible via silicone plug
* Full use of Click Wheel through case
* Built in "kickstand" for movie viewing

Dimensions (case only): 4.05" x 1.83" x .55"
Weight (case only): 1.18 oz.

Getting you iPod in the Defender is a little bit of work, first you’ll need to remove the silicone cover:

Then you’ll need to pop the plastic housing apart, when it’s separated you can get a better look at the clear membrane inside the case that protects the screen and click wheel.

Then you can set your iPod inside the case, and snap it back together.

To finish it off you’ll need to put the silicone cover back on, this can get tricky, as you’ve got to work it over the bumps and humps of the case. There is a hole is the back of the case that allows the Apple logo to show through so everyone knows you’ve got an Apple product!

The silicone part of the case features two tabs on the top and bottom that can be flipped away to reveal the lock on top and the connections on the bottom.

Here’s a couple pictures of the stand in action… I guess you would call it action.

In all it does seem like it takes a lot of work to get your iPod in the Defender, but not really, it took about 5 minutes total, and I think it’s well worth it.

Overall the case is very nice, it’s well made, and it offers a great amount of protection for your iPod nano.

The membrane is clear and offer an unobscured view of the screen, and click wheel. One small problem I ran across is that the membrane made the click wheel less sensitive, but all you have to do is add a little pressure and it works fine again.

Conclusion:
The Otterbox Defender for iPod nano 4th offers probably the best protection for your iPod from dust, dirt, shocks and drops and of course it protects the screen and click wheel as well. The Defender is my choice for a case for my iPod, I like it quite a bit, it offers the protection I need for my iPod.

Yes it isn’t waterproof, but I don’t foresee dropping my iPod in a lake anytime soon, or any other body of water, so to me that’s not a problem, but if you’re looking for a waterproof case, stay tuned for the next Otterbox review coming soon.

Pros:
Well Made
Great protection for iPod
Protects screen and click wheel

Cons:
Makes click wheel less sensitive

Grades:
Overall
Design
Performance