OtterBox Commuter Hands On - HTC EVO 3D

I figured I would post up some pics and info about the case for anyone that's interested.
Pics first, which also fuctions as a camera test. All pics taken by an Evo 3D(yes, I got two of them today) with default settings.
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I was a fan of the commuter case on my old Evo, and I knew I wanted to get one for the 3d right away. I had pre ordered one from an online vendor, but was delighted when Sprint had them in stock today, and surprised that nobody managed to share this info before hand.
The case is obviously high quality, as all OtterBox's usually are. The texture is different then the previous Evo's version. The upper half is mostly smooth, with only a hint of grip. The bottom, in contrast, is highly textured with a diamond plate like pattern that feels very nice while holding. It gives you a confident feeling while holding the phone with, something the previous version lacked.
The camera button is covered by the rubber skin, as are all the buttons, but it doesn't hinder the button feel at all. I actually think it makes it a little better. The volume and power buttons are also easy to use, and may even be improved with the case on, they are a bit squishy feeling on their own. The 2d/3d toggle is left uncovered, and is a little hard to operate with the case on. If you don't have any finger nails, it may be very difficult.
As always, a screen protector is included, and I think that they are the best in the business at this. Excellent scratch protection without loss of responsiveness or increase in friction.
As far as protection goes, I'd say it's medium duty at best. Much better than a TPU case, but not even close to the Ballistics HC or Defender. The vulnerable points will certainly be the wide open camera lenses and the exposed front speaker grill/ffc. Though I'm not sure what the alternatives would be here. Adding a layer over the camera and you're asking for trouble. Make it thicker, and you've lost your form factor and might as well have a Defender. I do wish they had molded something around the speaker grill and ffc though.
Overall, I'm very happy with the case, for now. I may have to step up to the Ballistics case if I want more protection later. I'm not a fan of the Defender at all. I had one on my old Evo for a month and it was all but useless at that point. The retention method for the rubber cover is just ridiculously lame and would come undone while in my pocket every time.

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Thanks for the info...hopefully my sprint store will have some tomorrow.
...is it Friday yet?

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Good post, food for thought. I bought 2 defenders to hold me over until Ballistic or Trident put something out. But you have given me pause, I may exchange the defenders for the commuter...it does seem like the defender skin will peel off easily in my pocket...

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It's actually the pulling out of the pocket that peeled the skin, it was extremely annoying. Plus crude gets in the lip and the rubber cover is to sticky. I like the smoothness if the Commuter cover.
Sent from my 3D rEvolution

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Just went and bought a Commuter for my E3D. I had used a Defender on my OG Evo for about an hour and then I took it off. The way that case is designed is horrible.
Commuter is the way to go until someone else comes out with a tougher case.