Review: Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum Case for BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Bold 9900

There Barely There series from Case-Mate still stands as one of my favorite cases for all my devices, and the Case-Mate Barely There Brushed Aluminum Case for the Bold 9930 and 9900 is no different. The case snaps right on to the device, holding firm and giving you a good sense of security. It sports a pretty sweet look that definitely adds that bit of flash to your device as well. The ports are all open so you'll have no problem accessing them with the case on, and removing it should you choose to do so isn't hard at all. The only gripe I have is the way it sticks up a bit on the bottom and can cause problems for some people when typing. Check out the video above for more.

 

Review: OtterBox Commuter Series Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and 9900 - Leave a comment to win one!

Being a first responder I encounter some of the most intense environments on a daily basis. I always expect the most elite equipment to help perform my job while keeping me as safe as possible. I expect the same for my device, as it's a vital tool in my line of work. The OtterBox Commuter Series case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 provides three layers of protection. The first layer is an outer polycarbonate shell to protect the Bold from drops.  The second layer is constructed of durable silicone adding bump and shock protection. Also an optional screen protector, add the third layer and the Bold is now encased in superior protection from anything it may encounter.

I have been carrying my Bold 9930 in this case for a little over a month and I must say it's awesome. I have dropped it countless times, tossed it in a gear bag for travel and it's even taken the trip inside some places where some phones should not be operational. Though the standard Commuter case does not come with a holster, (OtterBox, PLEASE make one!!!) we adapt and overcome. In the video you will see the device fits perfectly in a Bold 9000 holster -- the best combo! Now while keeping the sleekness of the Bold form factor, the Commuter adds no bulk at all, giving some of the best protection in cases out there. Though there are some minor drawbacks using the case, it should be sufficient for any consumer looking for ultimate protection. Be sure to watch the video above for a more in-depth look at this case.

Contest: To enter to win an OtterBox Commuter series case for your device, leave a single comment on this post. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST.

More information/Purchase of the OtterBox Commuter Case for the Bold 9900/9930

Review: Seidio CONVERT Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930

If you ever wanted more options with your selection in cases for your device, Seidio now gives you just that. With the recent release of their CONVERT case for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930, Seidio has now jumped into the rugged case world while also giving you two cases in one!

As I mentioned before, being involved in emergency services line of work I am always hard on my devices. I have to use something that can keep up with me and still perform like the case is not even there. Put on the first layer, the Seidio Surface case, when using your BlackBerry Bold 9930 everyday. When you're going to be in tough or rugged conditions, put on the Rugged Skin and Skeleton within seconds. When you don't need the extra protection, simply remove the Rugged Skin and Skeleton.

 

Seidio CONVERT case is made up of three parts:

Seidio SURFACE Case

Rugged Skin and Skeleton

Innocase CONVERT Holster

Pros:

Cons:

 

Final thoughts:

Whenever you add a rugged case to a device it may seem a little too extreme to some people, but when your device looks brand new after a crazy day on the job, that is a great outcome! Wipe it off and keep it keeps asking for more. I have always been a strong believer that rugged cases should provide the best protection so the consumer does not have to even think that their device may be damaged no matter what is thrown at it. Though there might be some issues with dirt and dust getting under the port covers, the Seidio CONVERT makes me feel confident that my device is secure and I can switch to the inner Seidio Surface case within seconds. If you're in some crazy environments for your job and lifestyle, the Seidio CONVERT case is something to definitely purchase.

Be sure to watch the video above for a more in-depth look at this case and leave a comment below to win one!

Contest: To enter to win this case, leave a single comment below. Contest ends this Sunday at Midnight PST.

More information on the Seidio CONVERT case at ShopCrackBerry.com

Review: Ballistic Endo Case for the BlackBerry Torch 9800/9810

To be honest, I'm brutal on my BlackBerrys. They've been dropped in the street and bounced off all kinds of floors. Needless to say I've gone through quite a few since owning the Torch 9800 probably because I am a chronic klutz and hate using pocketbooks. it's a horrible combination but I prefer having my device holstered on my hip then packed away in a bag. While it makes my load lighter it increases the chance of serious injury to my BB. So I went for the case/holster combo.

The Ballistic Endo Case for the Torch 9800/9810 is a tough, durable case that when paired with the holster offers maximum protection for your device. Unlike other cases that use small tabs to adhere to the Torch's slider, this case uses a unique glide rail system. What this means is that it connects to itself, not your device. It's sturdier than other cases whose top cover easily pops off during regular use.

Also, and this could just be me, but I'm always breaking off the tabs that secure the top piece in place. Even though this falls off too, there's nothing to break off and it hasn't cracked yet. I don't have to request a warranty replacement or purchase another case just to replace the broken part. The glide rails are a little stiff (gotta snap it open quick) but I see how this keeps the mechanism safe from wear and tear.

While on one hand the case itself is strong and protects against drops and scratches, the holster needs improvement. I've used other holsters before and none of them are as weak as this. It has nothing to do with the strength of the holster but with the hinge that locks in the device. It barely clears the top which causes even the slightest amount of pressure to knock the device out of the belt clip. I don't forsee it lasting after repeated use. 

It adds a bit of heft to the device which all heavy duty cases tend to do. Unlike the Otterbox Commuter Series Case, the back is not sticky or slippery so it stays in your hand with a firm grip. There are openings for all the ports which is great because it prevents it from being too tight but also lets in dust and dirt. I have small fingers and the right convenience key feels a little awkward being partially blocked by the side rails. 

The one thing I asbolutely adore is that there is NO FREEZING. I repeat, this case will not lock up, freeze, or otherwise jam up your device requiring multiple battery pulls to fix. While other cases, like the Seidio Innocase Active, can be too tight and press on the lock button or keyboard this is snug without the hassle. Definitely a huge plus in my book and one I'm sure you'll apprecicate.

Pros

Cons

Rating

Case 4/5 

Holster 3/5 

ShopCrackBerry average rating 3/5

Conclusion

All in all this is a pretty solid case. It has a polycarbonate internal skeleton and is not flimsy at all, so no worries about it shattering into a million pieces when dropped. After a few drop tests (more than what you see above), there was only minimal damage to one corner. Not bad if you ask me. It withstood repeated drops on the ground without cracking or breaking. While it's a little thick around the keyboad it's worth it just for the glide rails alone. This is a great case to add to your collection and one of the top heavy duty cases I've used so far. If they would just improve the holster this would be perfect. 

You can purchase the Ballistic Endo case for just $29.95 (regularly $34.99) at ShopCrackBerry.com.  

Contest: To win a Ballistic Endo case just leave a comment to this post and let us know why you need this case to protect your Torch 9800/9810. Contest ends tonight at midnight PST. Please only leave a single comment.

More information / purchase Ballistic Endo Case for Torch 9800/9810

More Photos of the Ballistic Endo Case for the BlackBerry Torch 9800/9810

 

 

 

 

BlackBerry Leather Pocket Pouch for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 Review

Depending where you live and what carrier you're on, the case that ships with your Bold 9900/9930 varies. For example, on Rogers in Canada my Bold 9900 came with the BlackBerry Leather Holster. But what I would have preferred is the BlackBerry Leather Pocket Pouch. Over the pond, pouches are inluded with the phones from alot of carriers, though the design of those is a little differen than the pocket pouch I take a look at in this review.

The leather pocket pouch protects your Bold when the device is inserted. It's a carrying pouch. Once it's out of the pouch, the phone is naked. Some of you are fine with that -- I know I typically prefer the feel of a naked phone -- while some of you will prefer an always-on case. And if that's your taste, I suggest checking out the hard shell and soft shell cases for the 9900/9930.

The BlackBerry Bold 9930/9900 Leather Pocket Pouch case has a list price of $34.99, but you can get it for less at ShopCrackBerry.com. With such high demand for Bold 9930/9900 cases it's been hard to keep inventory in stock, but we finally got caught up on our backorders for this one and have more available now. Keep reading for a video, more photos and details surrounding this tasteful yet luxurious case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall I'm really happy with the design and quality of all the new BlackBerry brand cases for the Bold 9930 and Bold 9900, and the Pocket Pouch is no exception. It's simple, but I think it looks nice. There is a nice to texture to the case, and the stitching seems like it should hold up to a decent amount of abuse. The Bold fits well within the case. Snug, but not too snug. 

As it is an official BlackBerry case, there is a built-in sleeper magnet which triggers the phone into standby mode when placed into the pouch (helping to save battery and prevent any sort of accidental dialing). The magnet also enacts "in holster" profile settings on the phone, which is a great feature to have and take advantage of. It's a simple case, but you can tell a lot of design effort went into this case to make it both simple yet functional. If you're looking for a leather pocket pouch for your new Bold, this one should more than do the trick.

Learn More / Purchase the BlackBerry Leather Pocket Pouch for the Bold 9930 / 9900

 

Want a chance to win a Leather Pocket Pouch for your BlackBerry Bold 9900 or 9930? All you need to do is leave a comment to this blog post with your review feedback or letting us know why you want one. Contest entry closes Sunday, October 9th at midnight PT. Please leave only one comment.

OtterBox Defender Series Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 Hands-On Video

When you think protection for your BlackBerry, you instantly think of OtterBox. Their cases are available for nearly all BlackBerry smartphones, and with plenty to choose from in their line of Impact, Commuter and Defender cases, there is something for everyone. The OtterBox Defender Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Bold 9900 is the latest for the new BlackBerry 7 device. The defender combines three layers of protection to keep your device save and sound from everything from daily bumps to drops on the pavement. 

There are plenty of case options available for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Bold 9900, but if you want to get the most protection for your device, the OtterBox defender is really a no brainer. It fully surrounds your device leaving access to all ports, and the included clip-on holster makes carrying a breeze. 

I have to say I'm a big fan of this case as I know my Bold 9900 won't get a scratch on it while I'm using it. The keyboard is left exposed, but the rest of the device is secured by multiple layers to give you peace of mind. If you work (or play) in a tough industry where you need to be sure your BlackBerry is protected, there is no better way to go than with the OtterBox Defender Series Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / Bold 9900.

You can purchase the OtterBox Defender Series Case for just $47.95 at ShopCrackBerry.com. Be sure to watch the video above for a more in-depth look at this case.

 

 

BlackBerry Leather Holster for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 Review

Depending where in the world you live and what carrier you're buying your new Bold from, the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 Leather Holster may come in the box along with your phone for free. That's not a bad deal, considering it has a list price of $39.99. And if you didn't get one in the box and want one, you can buy one separately.

In the year 2011 it seems people have pretty mixed feelings from a fashion standpoint about wearing your phone on your hip. I for one typically don't give a rats butt about what other people think, so if I'm looking for a carrying solution that provides the ultimate accessibility to my phone then the holster is the way to go. And as far as holsters go, this Leather Holster is well designed and well constructed.

There is a ton of attention to detail put into this holster. The LED notifier is still visible with a phone inserted, and the headset jack is also visible. The angular-styled flap flips down perfectly to magnetically latch the phone securely into the holster and the case (angle flaps are cooler than straigh cut flaps, don't you think?!). The holster includes a sleeper magnet to put your phone into standby mode automatically and trigger in-holster sound profile settings, and the stitching on this model seems better than on past BlackBerry holsters - it should stand up to some abuse. The fit of the phone is pretty snug, so if you want to use a skin on your Bold and holster it, you'll want to look into other solutions (see our tip about using a Hard Shell or Soft Shell case for the Bold 9930/9900 with a Bold 9000 holster). On the less positive side, we've been seeing many reports about faster battery drain when using this holster with the Bold 9930/9900, which is something to be aware of. 

The BlackBerry Bold 9930/9900 Leather Holster has a list price of $39.99, but you can get it for less at ShopCrackBerry.com. We're even giving away a chance for you to win one for free (details below). Keep reading for a video, more photos and more important details surrounding this case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've always been a big fan of holsters - while I like to mix up the cases I use I always find that a holstered BlackBerry feels like returning home. Considering the BlackBerry OS was designed to work with a holster in that it has separate sound/notification profiles triggered by being put into the holster, you get the impression that this is the BlackBerry carrying experience as RIM intended it to be from the birth of BlackBerry.

A note about battery life reports with this holster: With a downsized battery and a bigger display and faster processor than previous generation Bold devices, depending on conditions and usage the Bold 9930/Bold 9900's battery can get eaten up pretty quick (see this post for tips on getting the most life out of your Bold 9930/9900's battery life). One oddity that has been reported enough times that it's worth mentioning here is that some users have noticed the battery can appear to drain quicker than normal while using this holster. It's an odd thing to hear, as these holsters, with their sleeper functionality, should help improve battery life, but it does seem to be a frequently reported issue so is something to consider. Whether it's a software bug that will be addressed in an OS update or a hardware thing or is just a non-related weird observation at this point, we're not quite sure. I do have my own theory on it. With the Bold 9930/9900 being the first BlackBerry to feature a stainless steel metal band around the phone, I have the feeling that all things equal the radios in the 9930/9900 have to work a little bit harder in order to maintain signal strength (as compared to a BlackBerry with an all-plastic casing). It could be that if you holster the phone in a leather case like this and are in a lower coverage area, that in order to maintain enough signal strength for adequate network connectivity that the radio REALLY has to crank up its power which eats through the battery. Again, it's a theory, and not reported by all users, but it's one to keep in mind. We'll report more on this as we learn more. Luckily, there are a ton of case options available for the new Bold if you want to avoid this holster.

Overall though, the BlackBerry Leather Holster for the Bold 9930/9900 itself really is a well built, good looking holster.

Learn More / Purchase the BlackBerry Leather Holster for the Bold 9930 / 9900

 

Want a chance to win a Leather Holster for your BlackBerry Bold 9930 or 9900? All you need to do is leave a comment to this blog post with your review feedback or letting us know what color you'd like and why you want one. Contest entry closes Sunday, September 11th at midnight PT. Please leave only one comment.

BlackBerry Hard Shell Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 Review

Following up my BlackBerry Soft Shell Case Review, I switched it up to the BlackBerry Hard Shell Case for the Bold 9930 / 9900. It's available in two color options - black or white. In this review I take a look at the black version, but I'll be sure to do up another photoshoot for the white one when I get my hands on it as it's looking pretty hawt! 

Like the Soft Shell case, the Hard Shell case was designed with tight tolerances and fits the phone perfectly, making you almost forget that there's even a case on the phone. If not for the cut outs for the headset jack, microUSB port and camera, you might not even know there was a case on it. The Bold 9900/9930 is so thin to begin with, even with a case it doesn't feel big. On a few occassions now I've handed my 9900 over to friends to check out. After letting them play with it a for a few minutes with case on, they were actually shocked when I then grabbed the phone back, took the case off, and handed them the phone back naked. That says a lot.

Overall both the Hard Shell and Soft Shell cases deliver very similar experiences. The Hard Shell case features a hard plastic back, featuring a bit of a dotted grid pattern that looks nice, and it also gets the chromed BlackBerry logo like the actual phone has. It's definitely tougher than the Soft Shell case when protecting against bumps and drops. The soft touch rubber around the perimeter of the case is grippy and makes the buttons easy to use. Getting the phone in and out of the case isn't difficult, which is a good thing as if you also own a BlackBerry Charging Pod you'll have to remove the phone from the case. And if you're looking to use the incased Bold with a holster, while it will not fit the 9900 holster it will fit into the original leather holster from the Bold 9000 (see this post for more details).

The BlackBerry Bold 9930/9900 Hard Shell case has a list price of $29.99, but you can get it for less at ShopCrackBerry.com. With such high demand for Bold 9930/9900 cases it's been hard to keep inventory in stock, but you can still order now for first crack at the new shipments and we're even giving away a chance for you to win one for free (details below). Keep reading for a video, more photos and details surrounding this awesome case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall I'm really happy with the design and quality of all the new BlackBerry brand cases for the Bold 9930 and Bold 9900, and the Hard Shell case is no exception. It looks good, it feels good, it protects the device. With my Bold 9900 in the Hard Shell case, I don't panic about scratches when putting the phone down on the table. And with the case on, the phone is still thin and comfortable for slding into my front jeans pocket. Overall, I give the BlackBerry Hard Shell case TWO CrackBerry Thumbs Up! As for which I prefer more between the Hard Shell and Soft Shell cases... honestly, I'm not sure. You can't go wrong with either.

Learn More / Purchase the BlackBerry Hard Shell Case for the Bold 9930 / 9900

 

Want a chance to win a Hard Shell Case for your BlackBerry Bold 9900? All you need to do is leave a comment to this blog post with your review feedback or letting us know what color you'd like and why you want one. Contest entry closes Sunday, September 11th at midnight PT. Please leave only one comment.

OtterBox Commuter Series Case for BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Bold 9900

If you know OtterBox at all then you already know what to expect from the OtterBox Commuter Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 and Bold 9900. This case is just what you'd want from OtterBox and it doesn't disappoint. The OtterBox Commuter offers full coverage all around your device, leaving easy access to your charging and headphone ports. I really do like this case for my Bold 9900 as it gives you that extra sense of security that if you happen to drop the device or toss it down it will still stay safe. All in all if you're an OtterBox fan and using a Bold 9930 or Bold 9900 then this case is for you. Hit the store to pre-order yours and check out the video above for more.

Contest: To enter to win an OtterBox Commuter case for your Bold 9930 or Bold 9900, just leave a single comment on this post. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST.

 

 

BlackBerry Soft Shell Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9930 / 9900 Review

I'm absolutely LOVING my BlackBerry Bold 9900 and have been testing out and putting to use every case and accessory I can get my hands-on for this beauty of a BlackBerry. I've never been one to worry too much about my BlackBerry getting scuffed, but with its stainless steel band and iconic styling this is a BlackBerry I really want to take care, as will you.

For everyday basic protection without sacrificing usability, the BlackBerry Soft Shell Case for the Bold 9930 / 9900 is a great option. Available in Black, Translucent, Green, Brown and Indigio color options, it securely fits the new Bold while providing access to all ports, buttons and the camera. This isn't your typical rubbery BlackBerry skin. Rather, the Soft Shell case is made from a high-performance, flexible, plastic-like material, which gives the back and sides of the 9900 / 9930 a protective barrier against accidental bumps and scratches. The case is pretty minimal in thickness, keeping the overall size of the phone as close to original as possible. Overall I've found it to be a really nice case. It feels nice in the hand, doesn't mess with the usability, and you definitely feel better knowing you won't be scratching up that carbon fiber battery door when you put the phone down on a table or counter. It's a really nice, tight fitting design - unless you're looking at a cut out for a port, you almost wouldn't realize there is a case on the phone.

The BlackBerry Bold 9930/9900 Soft Shell case has a list price of $19.99, but you can get it for less at ShopCrackBerry.com. With such high demand for Bold 9930/9900 cases it's been hard to keep inventory stock, but you can still order now for first crack at the new shipments and we're even giving away a chance for you to win one for free (details below). Keep reading for more photos and details surrounding this awesome case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall I'm really happy with the design and quality of all the new BlackBerry brand cases for the Bold 9930 and Bold 9900. Just as the hardware quality on the Bold 9900 is really top notch, the same goes with these new cases. Compared to the cheaper rubber BlackBerry-brand skins we're more used to seeing on a Bold, the new Soft Shell Case (and Hard Case too) really live up to quality expectations set out by the device itself.  The two-textured materials in the Soft Shell case really give it a touch of class as opposed to if it were one material, the design tolerances are really tight - there's nothing sloppy here - the case feels like part of the phone. That said, it's still fairly easy to remove the case if you want to put into a BlackBerry Charging Pod. Overall, I give the BlackBerry Soft Shell case TWO CrackBerry Thumbs Up!

Learn More / Purchase the BlackBerry Soft Shell Case for the Bold 9930 / 9900

 

Want a chance to win a Soft Shell Case for your BlackBerry Bold 9900? All you need to do is leave a comment to this blog post with your review feedback or letting us know what color you'd like and why you want one. Contest entry closes Sunday, September 4th at midnight PT. Please leave only one comment.

Contest: Enter to win a BlackBerry Skin Case for your BlackBerry device

The BlackBerry skin case was the first accessory I ever bought when I switched to BlackBerry. They are reliable, durable, and soft to the touch. No matter what cases I've purchased, broken, or abused, the skin case is always the one I fall back on. While it does not offer the all around heavy duty protection like some other cases out there, it does protect your device from accidental bumps, falls, and scratches. Not to mention they come in an array of colors to match your style. Click on the jump for more images and contest rules.

The BlackBerry skin case is thin, lightweight, and offers a no-slip grip with its rubberized exterior. It covers the back and sides leaving openings for the mini-USB port, stereo jack, camera, audio ports, keyboard and screen. It's pretty good at staying put on most surfaces and I've never had it slip to the floor either on my desk at work or at home. I used to pair this with a BlackBerry leather holster for those times I placed my device in my pocketbook.

As you can see from the pictures below the cases tend to attract a lot of dust. However, they are extremely easy to clean by just wiping it away. Other than that its a pretty decent case for the little accidents that may befall your device day-to-day.

BlackBerry Skin cases by BlackBerry are available for the Bold 9000/9650/97xx, Tour 9630, Curve 3G/85xx, Storm/Storm2, Curve 83xx and Pearl 81xx devices. So why not head on over to ShopCrackBerry and take a look at what's available for your device?

Contest: To win a BlackBerry Skin Case just leave a comment to this post and let us know which device it's for and your preferred color. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST. Please only leave a single comment. 

More information / purchase a BlackBerry Skin Case

 

  

Quick Review: Seidio CONVERT Combo for the BlackBerry Curve 3G and Curve 8520/8530

Maybe it’s just me, but I find the BlackBerry Curve Series to be extremely lightweight in design. So much so that it can be effortlessly tossed around, but that doesn’t mean you should actually do it – without proper protection of course. The Seidio CONVERT combo which, like any good onion (or ogre), comes with many layers. Underneath it all is a 0.1 mm thick screen guard to protect your screen against scratches. On top of that is the Seidio Innocase II, followed by the thick, rugged skin and plastic “spine” to hold it all together. All of this is then put in an extremely tough holster with a top clip design (good for belts up to 2 inches thick) to keep your BlackBerry from being easily dislodged.

Once everything is put together, you cannot see the Curve at all; which is good, as you can see in the video above. The rugged skin is thick enough to create a barrier that protects the front surface of the Curve from flat surface damage. Yet, the skin moves out of the way just enough to allow you to use the keyboard comfortably. As I inspected the case after the captured carnage, I couldn’t believe how minimal the damage was to the case. Not to mention that the Curve itself walked away unscathed. Even with the ‘Hulkbuster armor’ equipped, it doesn’t take away from the functionality of the Curve. All buttons were easily accessible, while the ports and camera lens are covered until needed. Rather than buying multiple cases for varying circumstances, why not take the smart (and economical) choice and pick up the Seidio CONVERT case for your BlackBerry Curve 93xx or 85xx smartphone. And yep, you can grab it from ShopCrackBerry.com!

Quick Review: Case-Mate Barely There for BlackBerry Curve 8500 and 9300 series

Picking out the right case for your device always seems to be a struggle, there are so many options, and each of them have their very own advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a quick look at the Case-Mate Barely There Case for the BlackBerry Curve 8500 and 9300 series devices which is a slim, low profile case that fits the device very snug. If you are looking for maximum protection, this isn't the one for you, but if you want something to keep the device from being scratched and to give the device a great feel in your hands, your money is well spent on this case. Check out the video above for some more thoughts on the case, and to see the fit on the device.

Contest: To win a Case-Mate Barely There case for your device, just leave a single comment on this post. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST. 

More information / purchase of Case-Mate Barely There for BlackBerry Curve 8500 / 9300

Case-Mate Debuts Accessories For The BlackBerry Bold 9900 & 9930

If you’re getting a BlackBerry Bold 9900 or Bold 9930 and are already thinking about how you’ll be able to protect it, Case-Mate might have the accessories for you. They just let me know they’ve launched a bunch of new cases for this new BlackBerry 7 smartphone series, all pictured above. From left to right in the picture: Tough, Pop!, Barely There, Brushed Aluminum, Gelli, and Emerge. Each of these cases are unique in their design and range in price from $19.99 to $34.99. They also offer a two-pack of anti-fingerprint screen protectors for the Bold 9900 series that goes for $14.99.

Check out all the Bold 9900 and 9930 Case-Mate accessories here and let me know which you decide to go with in the comments!

OtterBox Introduces Ultimate Protection For New BlackBerry 7 Smartphones

It’s always nice to have options when it comes to…well, everything. This morning I let you know that Case-Mate is now offering accessories for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 series but if those didn’t piqué your interest, OtterBox is now also offering accessories for BlackBerry 7 smartphones. They recently announced their Impact, Commuter and Defender series cases are now available for the Bold 9900 and Bold 9930 with the Commuter series available for the Torch 9810. Pricing for these accessories ranges from $19.95 to $49.95.

Check out all the OtterBox BlackBerry cases here at their website!

Best BlackBerry Torch 9810 Cases

Contest: Enter to win an Incipio Ultra Light Feather case for your BlackBerry

Looking for a case for your BlackBerry that won't add any bulk? Check out Incipio's Ultra Light Feather case. Available in 5 different colors, this case is super lightweight and made out of a strong polymer that allows it to be durable yet still thin. The case snaps on easily and stays secure; it's not going to just fall off. If you're looking for a case that covers your device completely, this one probably isn't for you. You can see from the pictures it only covers the back and sides, leaving top and bottom exposed as well as the keyboard and screen. However, if you're in the market for a bit of protection in a low profile case you'll probably really like this Incipio case.

I have the Midnight Blue color, which is actually more of a dark purple than blue. The case also comes in Black, Magenta, Dark Purple, and Molina Red for the Bold 97xx, though the other devices have some variances in color choice. The Incipio Ultra Light Feather case is available in the CrackBerry store for $17.95 - $29.95 depending on device. A picture of the back of the case and a pretty close representation of the Midnight Blue color is after the break, as well as details on entering the contest.

For more information and to purchase an Incipio Ultra Light Feather Case

Contest: Want to get one of these for free from ShopCrackBerry.com? Just leave a comment to this review and tell us which device you want to cover with the Incipio case. Contest ends this Sunday at midnight PST. Please only leave a single comment. One lucky winner will have this device shipped directly from ShopCrackBerry.com.

BlackBerry Waterproof Cases Head-to-Head: Overboard vs Aquapac

I am quite lucky with my currently living situation in that I live by the coast. This means that during the summer I’ll be a regular at the beach. It’s not the most glamorous of beaches but it will do (it’s a small village after all). It does however, mean that I needed to get myself some waterproof accessories to keep my BlackBerry addiction intact as well as keep the device itself dry and sand free. In come the Overboard and Aquapac waterproof cases. Both cases do a great job at keeping your BlackBerry dry and my BlackBerry Torch was quite usable when in the case, scrolling was good, typing and selecting were responsive, the only thing I could not do was use the trackpad. It proved quite difficult to use. When I tried using a non-touchscreen BlackBerry things proved to be a little bit more difficult. I used an old favorite, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and the trackball was as unusable as the trackpad. I have Homescreen Dialing turned off so I could launch apps by using the different keys associated with the app and of course typing was not a problem but it became hard to use especially if I needed to scroll, though there are ways around that, it just takes a little longer.

As I already mentioned, both cases do a fine job at what they do. If I had to choose one it would be the Overboard case, only because my Torch fits in there quite snugly without too much movement, though sometimes the bottom part of the case hides the buttons along the bottom of the handset. If I got the BlackBerry Bold 9900 in the future then I’d probably use the Aquapac case.

If you haven’t already, check out the video above for device usability demonstration and video footage underwater.

More information or to purchase the Overboard Waterproof Case

More information or to purchase the Aquapac Waterproof Case

Smartphone Experts Pocket Pouch for the BlackBerry Torch 9800

I have not been exactly kind to my BlackBerry holsters. Over the short few years I've owned a BlackBerry, I've owned many; I even reviewed an excellent case and holster combo here on CrackBerry. And yet through one way or another, I've destroyed them all. "Normal Wear and Tear" has never met the likes of me. I've slammed holsters in car doors, rammed them into counter tops, dropped them from great height, and in general, abused the heck out of them. All of them protected my phone quite well, but no holster can withstand forever the barrage of abuse I can throw at it.

Not wanting to buy yet another holster, I began looking for other options. Then I found the Smartphone Experts Pocket Pouch for BlackBerry Torch 9800. It's a hard leather case designed to protect your ‘Berry from the dangers of life in a pocket or purse. Carrying my smartphone in my pocket means I'm not going to slam it into door or get my phone caught uncomfortably in a car's seat belt. Protected inside its case, I don't have to worry about keys, change, and whatever else is in my pockets destroying my Torch's screen.

The inside of the case is lined with felt to gently cushion your BlackBerry inside the case. Though the case holds very tightly to the phone, the felt helps it to slip out with just a little deliberate effort. That effort is helped by a small pull tab that helps bring your phone out of the case. I'll admit it; it took me a few tries to figure out how it worked. Once it I did though, that pull tab makes things a lot easier.

The best feature of any BlackBerry case, the Smartphone Experts Pocket Pouch features that all-important sleeper magnet. Using this magnet, Blackberry smartphones know when they're in a case and will actually change their behavior. Usually, this means the phone will vibrate more, but these settings can be easily customized in the sound profiles.

The Smartphone Experts Pocket Pouch for BlackBerry Torch is a great alternative to holstering your BlackBerry. Its hard leather case and soft felt inner lining give protection to your phone. It's a very stiff case, but that means your BlackBerry isn't going anywhere once it's inside. Finally, the sleeper magnet gives you all the benefits of a side holder without the almost inevitability of slamming it into a door.

Smarphone Experts Pocket Pouch for BlackBerry Torch 9800 at ShopCrackBerry.com 

Quick Review: Leather Sleeve for the BlackBerry PlayBook

The BlackBerry Leather Sleeve for the BlackBerry PlayBook is a pretty sweet case overall. I've become a fan of the "naked" PlayBook, so I like cases that I can just carry my tablet with that still allow me to use it in its natural form. The BlackBerry Leather Sleeve protects the device well and is super sturdy all around. It has that familiar leather design of the leather pocket pouch, so if you're a pouch user with your phone, now you can have a PlayBook case to match. Overall this is a no frills case that just gets the job done. Check out the video above for my quick review.

More information/purchase of the BlackBerry Leather Sleeve