Motorola Defy - "tactical" smartphone(?)

[Quiet Storm]

I currently use a Samsung B2700 and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a tough phone without all the fancy features. Resistant to water and dust, and you don't have to worry about dropping it, it's very sturdy. It's also not nearly as clunky as it appears on pictures. It does come with a serviceable camera and all that (as well as a compass, altimeter, a surprisingly bright LED etc.), but it's not a smartphone - and that's the crux of the matter.

I've always said that as soon as they make a similarly tough smartphone, I'd be all over it. I want fast and convenient mobile internet access without having to worry about damaging my phone when the going gets tough, so to speak.

Enter the Motorola Defy. From what I've read so far, it's basically the smartphone equivalent of the B2700 and seems to offer a lot of bang for the buck. Does anyone already own it?

On a side note: Otter Box offers a Commuter Case to further reinforce the Defy. Has anyone here used a Commuter Case on the Defy or a different model and can comment on whether they're worth it?

 

[untamed]

Thanks for the confirmation on the Samsung QS.

The thing is, coincidentally, I was supposed to get the 1st Gen. of that phone; the Samsung B2100 Xplorer I believe is the model when they released it here in my country sometime mid to late '09 I think?

 

[Quiet Storm]

One minor thing you should be aware of is the fact that the rubber lining occasionally makes it difficult to slide the B2700 in and out of tight pockets. Hasn't really bothered me much, but I can see how this might be a concern for some.

What I really like about the phone is its long battery life, coupled with the fact that it hasn't deteriorated much in the (nearly) two years that I've been using it.

 

[Quiet Storm]

Anyone?

 

[Planterz]

On a side note: Otter Box offers a Commuter Case to further reinforce the Defy. Has anyone here used a Commuter Case on the Defy or a different model and can comment on whether they're worth it?

I use a Commuter case on my SE Xperia X10 and it's great. It does add some bulk (more than regular, cheap cases), but on this phone it's not too bulky for me. The included screen protector is the best I've ever used. With the screen off you can see some faint scratching/swirling, but with the screen on you don't see any of it. The silicone sheath (on this model) wraps around the edges of the screen protector, so it doesn't get hung up on anything to start peeling away. I'm not abusive to my phone, but I don't really baby it either. I've dropped it several times, and even once tossed it down half a flight of stairs (accidentally), and the Otter Box case shrugged it all off with ease. But I would consider myself lucky that it's never landed face down on a pebble or something, which would crack the screen.

The Otter Box cases are definitely expensive as far as cases go, but the $35-40 you spend once will likely save you at least one or two $50 deductible payments for when you drop it (plus the PITA that that entails).

One minor thing you should be aware of is the fact that the rubber lining occasionally makes it difficult to slide the B2700 in and out of tight pockets. Hasn't really bothered me much, but I can see how this might be a concern for some.

Personally, I like this fact. I ride a bike everywhere, and the rubber against the pocket (facing my leg) keeps it in place and limits it from sliding around every which way.

 

[Quiet Storm]

Thanks for your input!