Milante Hydrofoam 8700 Case

Hands on review by lgreenberg

Price as reviewed: $29.95

It’s me, lgreenberg, the original case meister, back with another case review. Always first to bring you the products you want to see. A product you asked for the Milante Hydrofoam 8700 case. I stumbled upon this case while viewing the 8700 case page of Blackberry Stuff.

The material used in the case will be familiar to most of you. RIM uses Hydrofoam in some of their OEM Blackberry cases. Very compact but simple, premium hydrofoam material cases offer versatile durability and a fashionable look for your BlackBerry device.

This case comes in a plastic package to protect it during shipping.





The case is made in black Hydrofoam and has the Milante logo smack in the middle of the case. My least favorite spot for company logos.



Although the Blackberry Stuff web site says this case comes with a fixed clip it actually comes with one that swivels. The clip is too short for my taste. If you like to wear wide belts you probably won’t feel safe with this case on your hip.

You'll also notice Milante felt the need to add their logo to the clip as well. I guess once wasn't enough.





The clip ratchets into nine different locking positions.

While in the case the audio jack, track wheel and escape keys are left exposed. The profile button is covered.





You’ll notice the case has elastic sides allowing it to accommodate both the slim and extended battery of the 8700. However, for some reason the sleeper function does not appear to work with the extended battery installed. It looks to me like when the 8700 in inserted into the case with the extended battery the keypad is being pressed. This does not allow the device to lock.

This does also seem to occur with the regular battery but not a often. There clearly is a problem with the keypad being pressed which prevents the sleeper function from activating.

Slim Battery



Extended Battery



The case does appear to have a sleep magnet but I’ve yet to figure out if it’s working properly. When I insert the 8700 into the case the screen does not immediately turn off. It does however lock the device (which is how I have my device set (lock upon inserting in holster)) so it does seem to be seeing the magnet. The screen however stays on for what appears to be the time I have specified in settings (20 seconds).

My OEM RIM case on the other hand turns off the screen and locks the device the moment I insert it into the case.

The sleeper function works very inconsistently. The problem seems to be caused by the keypad being pressed by the case. I’d suggest utilizing the manual key lock function each time you put your 8700 into this case.



I would think this will have some effect on battery life.

The case does offer a very slim profile when worn on the hip.





This case is probably best for someone who plans on carrying his or her Blackberry in a purse, bag, pocket or briefcase. I’m not a fan of this style of belt clip and don’t trust that it somehow won’t come off one’s belt.

Also with the poor operation of the sleeper function due to the keys being pressed it’s also probably best for someone who doesn’t have to worry about battery life.

I give this case 2 out 5 Blackberries.



Pros: Slim design, durable material.
Cons: Sleeper magnet inconsistent, small belt clip.