OtterBox 7030: The Most Durable Notebook Case

If you are looking for a fashionable notebook case, this isn't quite for you. From the outside, the OtterBox 7030 looks like a case you would find in a high-tech action-packed movie. This case is only available in black and coming in at about 6lbs it's on the heavy side of things. The OtterBox branding is minimal and just consists of a small logo in the corner of the case. At the front of the case are the two compound latches, an integrated locking system, and ergonomic carrying handle. These latches are very large but are well engineered and will ensure that your case doesn't accidentally open. The locking mechanism is also well designed and will ensure your notebook stays secure.

One future addition we wouldn't mind seeing would be a slot on this case that would be compatible with a Kensington security lock. While these locks aren't most secure, it would prevent someone from easily walking away with your OtterBox and notebook inside. The hinge pins on this polypropylene case are made of marine-grade 316 stainless steel. On both sides of the OtterBox Laptop Case are swivel shoulder strap mounts, for use with the included shoulder strap. At the bottom of the case are rubber feet to prevent the case from sliding around when on a desk or flat surface.

Inside of the OtterBox case, the top and bottom is lined with plush Velcro, which allows the bumpers to stay in place but remain adjustable, and for attaching any OtterBox accessories. For the OtterBox notebook case is an accessory kit that holds business cards, files, and pens/pencils, which attaches to the top of the case. Creating the waterproof bond for the notebook section is a foamed silicone cord on all four sides of the case. The front section of the case where there is the locking mechanism, it isn't waterproof, but there are drain holes in that area. The OtterBox 7030 also provides automatic pressure equalization via a WL Gore Vent.

To install a notebook inside of this rugged notebook case, it must be sized used the included bumpers. These bumpers are designed to prevent the notebook surface from being scratched by anything else in the case, are shock absorbing, and allow some airflow and heat to escape when the notebook is running inside of the OtterBox. These corner bumpers are made of rubber elastomer and raise up the notebook by a few millimeters.

With just two choices of either the standard or large notebook bumpers, the process of sizing a notebook for this case is pain-free, permitting of course the notebook has a screen size of 15" or 15" widescreen. For the Lenovo ThinkPad R52 that we had used for testing, which has a 15.4" widescreen, we ended up using two standard bumpers at the rear of the notebook and two large notebook bumpers in the front. This bumper combination had provided the best fit and allowed the remaining bumpers to attach to the top of the case. The two L-shaped bumpers would also fit on the backside of the ThinkPad notebook. Once the notebook is installed, there is a Velcro strap to secure it in place.

When the Lenovo R52 was running inside the OtterBox 7030 we hadn't run into any air circulation issues, but it was a very tight fit allowing the power connector to run between the notebook and rear of the case.