Cingular Go Phone: OtterBox Defender Case for BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series (Black) Review

I just received a replacement BB Curve from Verizon. I had carried my original in a standard-issue soft belt case that can be purchased just about anywhere. It's made for RIM, and has a little oval silver medallion on the security strap with "Blackberry" engraved on it. One day, sticking my BB back into the case, I inadvertently stuffed the strap in with it. In the next hour of walking, getting in an out of the car, etc., that little engraved medallion gouged a fugly deep pattern of scratches into the screen. Also, I found that the Curve's finish is extremely susceptible to scratches and dings, not from misuse, but from day-to-day handling. For instance, the rear of the case is, well...curved! Resting on my desk between calls had worn some fine scratches into the silver finish.

Anyway, I wanted to protect my replacement Curve, so I researched HD protective cases, and settled on the OtterBox in basic black (no Bumble-Bee look for me, thanks.) I bought one at a GREAT price on Amazon, and received it about a week later.

Let me tell you, this is the BEST case I have ever owned for any mobile device! I found a review on YouTube that demonstrated installation, and that decided me. Some of the comments posted there ridiculed the guy for buying a case that they perceived as being bulky, ugly, and industrial looking, complaining that it ruined the sleek fashion profile of the Curve. OK, well, I didn't buy the BB to improve my fashion image. It is a business tool to me and gets constant use all day every day. The OtterBox is all but bullet-proof, encasing the Curve in a hard shell which is then sealed and cushioned by an outer soft silicon skin, which is then further encased in the snap-in belt holster. I elected NOT to use the provided flexible transparent combination screen-keyboard-back membrane. I need the full tactile experience of the keyboard, and the membrane seemed better suited to use in a thunderstorm than to how I use my device. The remaining components of the case protect my BB to an extreme degree. I've had it and have been using it now for about three weeks, and I LOVE this thing! The outer silicon skin improves the grip in the hand and helps prevent the BB sliding off the console in the car. All BB buttons are usable through raised ribbed buttons in the silicon skin. The screen and keyboard are recessed enough into the hard shell and silicon skin to protect them against all but the most direct impact damage, and the holster carries the device screen-inward so that it's fully covered. The belt holster does contain the standby magnet the BB needs to conserve power.

This is a high-quality, beefy, no-nonsense, industrial-design case. If you want to make a fashion statement, buy ring or a Rolex. If you want maximum protection for your BB Curve, buy the OtterBox!

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Product Description:
Protect your technology investment when your budget is already tight with the ruggedized Otterbox Defender Case BlackBerry Curve 8300 mobile phones in black. The Defender series offers a fully interactive case that enables complete usability of the trackball, keyboard and camera. All surfaces of the BlackBerry Curve are fully covered at all times, yet you still have full access to all ports via convenient silicone plugs. And you can sync and charge your BlackBerry right through the case. This Otterbox Defender Case also comes with a holster style swivel belt clip.
Ideal for frequent travelers and business professionals as well as everyday users who want added protection, Otterbox Defender cases provide three layers of bump, scratch and drop protection:

The Otterbox Defender Case for BlackBerry Curve 8300 series in black.
Specifications