A favour from across the pond...

[+Blacklaw]

I'm a recent convert to the joys of GeoCaching, and use a Palm T|X palmtop with a Bluetooth GPSr. It works a treat. However, it's *not* waterproof, or even rainproof. My current solution involves a transparent plastic bag and lots of sellotape.

 

Yeah.

 

Anyway, I've seen a marvellous invention called the Otterbox 2600, which is a clamshell airtight case for sealing PDAs away from all that nasty weather. Unlike anything I could make from Tupperware, it has a special front through which you can use the touch-sensitive screen. Needless to say, I want one.

 

So here's the problem. The only places I can find that stock it over here in Old Blighty are charging a minimum of £40. This irritates me just a bit when the MSRP is $49.95, which works out at around £27.

 

So, we come to the favour. I was hoping that some kind soul here might see their way fit to purchasing a Otterbox 2600 (any colour, I don't care) from a USA supplier and shipping it to me here in England. I figure that even allowing for shipping charges (we'll just assume it's labelled as a 'gift' so customs charges don't apply here, nudge-nudge-wink-wink) I should be able to get change from £35 ($65).

 

So, is there anyone who wants to do a Brit GeoCacher a huge favour? I can pay by PayPal, bank transfer, personal cheque (check)... Of course, if you happen to have a second-hand Otterbox 2600 for sale in reasonable condition, even better!

 

Thanks for reading.

 

-Gareth "Blacklaw" Halfacree

[+rscotth]

I was looking to help you out and found one on e-bay that ships worldwide from California. The auction starts @ $39.99 and a "buy it now" for $44.00 (american currency). This may be an option- if not let me know and we'll get you hooked up.

RSH

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Otterbox-Armor-2600-PD...1QQcmdZViewItem

Edited September 11, 2006 by rscotth

[+Blacklaw]

I was looking to help you out and found one on e-bay that ships worldwide from California. The auction starts @ $39.99 and a "buy it now" for $44.00 (american currency). This may be an option- if not let me know and we'll get you hooked up.

Excellent! Just got it on 'buy-it-now' with international shipping for $58.75. That comes out at £32.34 at PayPal's exchange rate - over £10 less than I could have bought it for in this country.

 

Thanks for your help - let's hope it makes it through customs unscathed now...

 

Cheers!

 

-Gareth "Blacklaw" Halfacree

[+rscotth]

The more I look at those........... I think I am going to get one as well. Glad to help out a fellow "cacher". Regards.

RSH

[+bluoceann]

I was looking to help you out and found one on e-bay that ships worldwide from California. The auction starts @ $39.99 and a "buy it now" for $44.00 (american currency). This may be an option- if not let me know and we'll get you hooked up.

Excellent! Just got it on 'buy-it-now' with international shipping for $58.75. That comes out at £32.34 at PayPal's exchange rate - over £10 less than I could have bought it for in this country.

 

Thanks for your help - let's hope it makes it through customs unscathed now...

 

Cheers!

 

-Gareth "Blacklaw" Halfacree

 

Let me know if you have problems getting the Otterbox. They manufacture them just down the road from my office.

 

Best of luck,

 

Sean

 

blu

[+Pegasi]

I'm a recent convert to the joys of GeoCaching, and use a Palm T|X palmtop with a Bluetooth GPSr. It works a treat. However, it's *not* waterproof, or even rainproof. My current solution involves a transparent plastic bag and lots of sellotape.

 

Yeah.

 

Anyway, I've seen a marvellous invention called the Otterbox 2600, which is a clamshell airtight case for sealing PDAs away from all that nasty weather. Unlike anything I could make from Tupperware, it has a special front through which you can use the touch-sensitive screen. Needless to say, I want one.

 

So here's the problem. The only places I can find that stock it over here in Old Blighty are charging a minimum of £40. This irritates me just a bit when the MSRP is $49.95, which works out at around £27.

 

So, we come to the favour. I was hoping that some kind soul here might see their way fit to purchasing a Otterbox 2600 (any colour, I don't care) from a USA supplier and shipping it to me here in England. I figure that even allowing for shipping charges (we'll just assume it's labelled as a 'gift' so customs charges don't apply here, nudge-nudge-wink-wink) I should be able to get change from £35 ($65).

 

So, is there anyone who wants to do a Brit GeoCacher a huge favour? I can pay by PayPal, bank transfer, personal cheque (check)... Of course, if you happen to have a second-hand Otterbox 2600 for sale in reasonable condition, even better!

 

Thanks for reading.

 

-Gareth "Blacklaw" Halfacree

 

Let me know how you like the box Blacklaw - I am also interested - a bit nerve racking carrying the PDA around in the woods and I won't even consider it on the kayak until I get a case. I was all set to buy a bag for it then you came along and showed me the 2600. I have a bid out on one but I would love to hear how it really works.

[+bluoceann]

I bought an otterbox two years ago for my blackberry when I go out on the Jet Ski. The front compartment where I store the phone always gets flooded. The otterbox just floats on top with the phone dry inside. Keep in mind that it’s a rough ride too.

[+Blacklaw]

It arrived! Many thanks to everyone who posted.

 

It's great - although it *feels* a bit flimsy (only two plastic clips, and the two sides don't *quite* meet up) it's survived a soak test and a wander through quite heavy rain. My only slight concern was that while using Bluetooth and WiFi and with the screen brightness at maximum the PDA *did* get quite warm - but how many times am I going to be doing *that* in the woods, in the rain?

 

A highly recommended piece of kit - and it even got through customs without me having to pay any surcharges.

 

I'll see about posting some photos later tonight.

 

-Gareth