"Rugged-ized" S3? Is that possible via a case?

[pcguys]

I was considering the ATT Rugged-ized Samsung Rugby for my 79 year old mother:
Samsung Rugby Smart - Gray cell phone from AT&T

The rugged feature seems awesome: she could just toss it in her purse and not worry about breaking it.

However, the Rugby is only a 3.7" screen with OS 2.3 phone.

I'm concerned the screen is too small because she will use google maps to locate her shuttle bus along the route.

I'm also concerned about having 4 capacitive buttons instead of a physical home, and a back & menu.

The physical home button is like her iPad's home button and I think it would be much easier for her press and get back to the picture tiles on the home screen for her to dial.

QUESTION:

Is there any case solution which comes close to the "rugged-ized" Rugby in terms of durability, and just being able to toss it in her purse, or worse yet: sustain a drop?

If it will be just as durable, I might splurge and get the S3 for her.

Thanks for any thoughts,
Mike

 

[snork]

You could always go with an otterbox defender. should are pretty rugged cases..

 

[planoman]

You could always go with an otterbox defender. should are pretty rugged cases..

+1 on the otterbox defender.

 

[pcguys]

What's using the screen like with an otterobox? Does it affect touch responsiveness, brightness or have any other negative effect?

Thx
Mike

 

[jcp007]

The Defender case would be great. Try the review video thread posted in this thread. Every Defender case that I have had, the screen protector has had no affect on performance.