Cingular Go Phone: OtterBox Defender Case for BlackBerry Bold 9700 (Black) Review

This case consists of a hard shell that the phone sits in, a flexible,transparent key pad wrap around, and a silicone cover that wraps around the hard shell. In detail: the key pad has side and bottom flaps that wrap around the Blackberry and cover the key pad completely. You can leave it off if desired. Next, the hard shell is a two piece assembly that snaps into place. It and the silicone cover that will surround it has holes and slit sections that fold back to expose MOST jacks, buttons, etc of the Blackberry. They do NOT allow you to use the Desk Charger because the two contacts at the bottom two sides of the Blackberry are covered and have no access port through the case. The upper mute and lock buttons do, however, work through the case. Everything else , microphone, headphone jack, mini USB jack, etc.is accessible.The hard case includes a built in window that covers the screen (it is not a traditional screen protector but rather a piece of glass or plastic that is part of the hard case ). The hard case also has exterior raised areas where the silicone fits over to help lock it in place. Finally the silicone is very flexible and you fit it over the hard shell, fitting over the hard cases' raised areas and aligning a few tabs in the silicone case that fit into the hard shell. The Blackberry is now completely enclosed save for access jacks.

The case is not too bulky for my tastes and should provide reasonable protection from drops, bumps, etc (I haven't had to test that out yet). It does slip into my pocket fairly easily and because of the silicone has some friction that will keep it from sliding around. The case includes a separate holster that you can use with the case if you want. Its hard plastic like the hard shell and covers half the phone (you put the screen side facing the ratchet belt clip and the silicone back forms the exposed other side of your holster. The holster has a small magnet so the Blackberry can turn off when fully placed in the holster. The Blackberry is held by two side round extrusions of the holster that fit into two round recesses in the hard shell. The flexibility of the plastic holster presses the two round "buttons" into the hard shell and keeps it in place somewhat likesnap buttons. The bottom of the holster completely surrounds the Blackberry by about half an inch to also help keep the Blackberry in place. My unit is fairly new, but I didn't experience any tendency of the Blackberry being easily knocked out, i.e. the holster seems to securely hold the phone.

I would say the whole thing looks pretty sharp, with or without the holster. If you could get to the charging contacts* and place this in a desk charger so as to make use of bedtime mode (a bed side clock while charging) I would give it five stars.

* You can also charge by the mini USB jack

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Product Description:
Offering exceptional protection for BlackBerry Bold 9700 series mobiles phones, this Otterbox Defender series case fully envelops your device while preserving its distinct qualities. An innovative three-layer design protects your smartphone from bumps, drops, scratches and dust while keeping your device pristine. However, the Defender case does not offer protection against water.

The Otterbox Defender case for the BlackBerry 9700.
The hard plastic shell offers protection against impact, while a thin, thermal-formed sheet covers your screen and keys. Next, a strong polycarbonate shell caresses your Bold and gives added protection against drops and bumps. Finally, a silicone skin wraps around it all to absorb shock.
The Defender series case provides the following environmental protection:

Included belt clip.

Drop and Shock:

Dust Protection:

Water Protection:

Features & Specifications

What's in the Box
Defender case, belt clip
Care and Maintenance
The case and silicone can both be cleaned with mild soap and water if necessary. Only the exterior of the screen membrane has been coated to prevent from scratching. To avoid scratching the inside of the screen membranes ensure the membrane is free of dust and dirt. Clean with a lint free soft cloth.