8700c Accessories. A look at several of them.

[lgreenberg]

Those of you who know me from my other homes, Howard Forums & Treo Central, know that when I get a new device I usually end up purchasing every single accessory item available for the device.

Well why should my new 8700c be any different. I ordered a few items and they arrived today. So I thought I'd snap some photos and let the community have a look.

I ordered most of the items below from www.blackberrystuff.com They have an extensive area of 8700c accessory items (most of which seem to be items which are universal and just happen to work with the 8700c.)

Desktop Stand

This stand is definitely not designed specifically for the 8700 but it does seem to work. The device is propped up and rests in the cradle. However, there really isn't anything fully securing the 8700c on this cradle. A simple nudge from behind and the device could fall forward. This becomes increasingly more likely when you attach the USB cable since it's a bit rigid. I plan on using it and I prefer seeing my 8700c standing up. I'll just be careful around it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Cradle1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Cradle2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Cradle3.jpg

Rugged Blackberry Case

Again a universal pouch style case. This case is VERY durable. It's tough. The nylon is super strong. It has a belt clip (non-swivel) on the back which is large enough to work with most belts. This case has Velcro closure. The 8700c fits nicely inside. The downside to this case is the fact that there is no magnet to put the Blackberry to sleep when inserting it into this case. It's also a but large. But if you work somewhere where you need added protection on you hip this might be the case for you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Tough1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Tough2.jpg

Sport Foam Holster

I ordered the black version of this case. When I first received it I thought I had been shipped the wrong item. It looked like leather. But upon closer inspection I saw it was not. The 8700c fits into this case perfectly. It used a magnetic snap style closure and does have a magnet so the Blackberry shuts off when inserted (only with the screen facing out.) This case also has a swivel clip (the type that the clip is removable.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Pouch1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Pouch2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Pouch3.jpg

Mini Sync Cable

I'm sure by now everyone has seen this type of cable. It's available for most every device from Ipod to Palm to Pocket PC, cell phones and more through a variety of places like Seidio, Boxwave etc. Teamed up with either a standard charger or a Versa Charger it makes a small, very portable charging solution for the 8700c.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Cable1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Cable2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Cable3.jpg

Leather Pouch Case

I found this case at a kiosk at my local mall. It said Blackberry on the package, like it was designed for it and since it has a built in magnet (screen shuts off when inserted) I believe the package. It's all leather, including the clip, but the clip does swivel, which is nice. It has a large magnetic flap closure. I believe this case has been mentioned in other threads and is available on Ebay.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Mall1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Mall2.jpg

Screenpatronous Screen Protectors.

These were covered in the other thread but are worth mentioning here too. Available on Ebay they come in a three pack. The are cut to size and cover the 8700c entire front including the black plastic. There is a small cut out for the devices' ear piece. Installation was easy and left zero bubbles. Wonderful product.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/bb2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/bb1.jpg

-- I won't be keeping the rugged case. It's just too large and no magnet.
-- I will use the cradle even though it's a bit on the loose side. I'll just be careful.
-- I'll bring the mini sync cable along with my Versa Charger whenever I travel.
-- For now I'll move back and forth between the two pouch style cases and the OEM holster until I decide what I like best or I find something better.
-- The screen protectors are wonderful.

I hope you find this useful. If you have any questions about the items above please ask.

[KonTiki]

Those of you who know me from my other homes, Howard Forums & Treo Central, know that when I get a new device I usually end up purchasing every single accessory item available for the device.

Rugged Blackberry Case

Again a universal pouch style case. This case is VERY durable. It's tough. The nylon is super strong. It has a belt clip (non-swivel) on the back which is large enough to work with most belts. This case has Velcro closure. The 8700c fits nicely inside. The downside to this case is the fact that there is no magnet to put the Blackberry to sleep when inserting it into this case. It's also a but large. But if you work somewhere where you need added protection on you hip this might be the case for you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Tough1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/lgreenberg/Blackberry/Tough2.jpg



The clip in the back of this case will crack the screen no doubts about it, The action needed to remove from the belt puts pressure on the screen, The reason you dont seem to sense the magnet is because the magnet is to the inside where the clip is. I have the same case and it is extremely durable and very nice and soft on the inside. I however removed the clip thanks to someone pointing me to their situation of a cracked screen, and i use it horizontal rather than vertical.

I know you said you are not keeping it and it is a shame because in all honesty that is by far the best case I have found, and after all this time not even one scratch on my BB whatsoever.

[lgreenberg]

I've tried inserting the 8700c with the screen facing in and it still does not turn off the screen.

I'm also not sure I'd consider your point about the screen a deal breaker. Can't you just remember to remove the BB before taking the case off your belt? I know it's not a perfect solution but if you feel this is the best case out there I'd think it worth the sacrafice.

[KonTiki]

I've tried inserting the 8700c with the screen facing in and it still does not turn off the screen.

I'm also not sure I'd consider your point about the screen a deal breaker. Can't you just remember to remove the BB before taking the case off your belt? I know it's not a perfect solution but if you feel this is the best case out there I'd think it worth the sacrafice.

Maybe the magnet is placed in a position that the 8700 does not recognize but thats ok I understand, as far as the clip is concerned i dont always need to take the bb out before i remove the whole unit, so for me and for safesty reason I removed the clip and it has worked great for me.

[bperkins]

Great thread, nice pictures. What brand of retractable sync/power cables are you using? Where is the best place to purchase them? Would it matter if they are USB 2.0? I realize that 2.0 is backwards compatible with 1.1 just curious if there would be any issue.

[wangta01]

great post man, thanks!

[AlbertoM]

Hm. Did you check that the BB is being charged by the Versa Charger? It used to be that they did not work with BB unless I am thinking of something else....

[lgreenberg]

Hm. Did you check that the BB is being charged by teh Versa Charger? It used to be that they did not work with BB unless I am thinking of something else....

I'll check it out today.

[rattleme]

I'll check it out today.
Where did you find this rugged case?

[bruceweinstein]

>>>These were covered in the other thread but are worth mentioning here too. Available >>>on Ebay they come in a three pack. The are cut to size and cover the 8700c entire >>>front including the black plastic. There is a small cut out for the devices' ear piece. >>>Installation was easy and left zero bubbles. Wonderful product.

What is the brand of the screen protector? Can you describe how clear the screen is after applying this?

[AlbertoM]

Hm. Did you check that the BB is being charged by the Versa Charger? It used to be that they did not work with BB unless I am thinking of something else....
Found it. It applies to the 7100. In Boxwave, on the blurb for the mini-synch cable for the 7100G it states: "Not compatible with VersaCharger, Car Charger, Wall Charger, and Battery Adapter for miniSync". This meant, in effect, that the cable when used with the 7100 would not work with any of their chargers. That little caveat is not mentioned with the 8700C. Really don't see what should have changed for the 8700C, but I hope it works! Let us know....

[lgreenberg]

Where did you find this rugged case?

www.blackberrystuff.com

[lgreenberg]

>>>These were covered in the other thread but are worth mentioning here too. Available >>>on Ebay they come in a three pack. The are cut to size and cover the 8700c entire >>>front including the black plastic. There is a small cut out for the devices' ear piece. >>>Installation was easy and left zero bubbles. Wonderful product.

What is the brand of the screen protector? Can you describe how clear the screen is after applying this?

Here's the link to the Ebay auction:

Click Me (http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Screen-Protector-Blackberry-8700-8700r-8700c-7130_W0QQitemZ5844311212QQcategoryZ56167QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

The brand is "Screen Patronus" Here's the link to their web site:

Click Me (http://www.screenpatronus.com/).

[bdestephen]

TigerDirect.com often has those extractable/retractable mini USB cables for free after rebate quite often (don't know about this moment)... I would assume they would all be the same.

[MrKyoo]

Here's the link to the Ebay auction:

Click Me (http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Screen-Protector-Blackberry-8700-8700r-8700c-7130_W0QQitemZ5844311212QQcategoryZ56167QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

The brand is "Screen Patronus" Here's the link to their web site:

Click Me (http://www.screenpatronus.com/).
Did ScreenPatronus happen to mention how long their product would stay on the BB without it starting to peel away?

-MrKyoo

[lgreenberg]

Did ScreenPatronus happen to mention how long their product would stay on the BB without it starting to peel away?

-MrKyoo

Didn't see anything about that.

[BBmertz]

I just received Sport Foam Holster from www.blackberrystuff.com . The 8700c fits well, and I like the magnetic closure and removable belt clip. Not bad looking for a neoprene case. Unfortunately, the case I received was defective and will have to be exchanged, since it is missing the magnet which should have been sewn in the back of the case to activate the sleeper function.

I would prefer the look of the OEM leather swivel holster (which is soon to be released for the 8700 according to another thread), however it does not look like it will have a removable clip, which I prefer so that I can hang the case on my car holder. I may consider buying the Fortte vertical case (reviewed by Igreenberg in another thread) in the future.

[eykhong]

BBmertz, how much "bulk" does the sport foam holster add to the handheld? Is it a snug fit, or just fits by coincidence? Also, is the clip removable? I'm looking for a case with the shut off magnet and no clip to carry in my pocket.

I am cautious about this because I bought the leather holster that claimed to work with the 8700, but it was the same one sold for the older, wider BB's, so it didn't fit at all.

[spenserj87]

I just received Sport Foam Holster from www.blackberrystuff.com . The 8700c fits well, and I like the magnetic closure and removable belt clip. Not bad looking for a neoprene case. Unfortunately, the case I received was defective and will have to be exchanged, since it is missing the magnet which should have been sewn in the back of the case to activate the sleeper function.

I would prefer the look of the OEM leather swivel holster (which is soon to be released for the 8700 according to another thread), however it does not look like it will have a removable clip, which I prefer so that I can hang the case on my car holder. I may consider buying the Fortte vertical case (reviewed by Igreenberg in another thread) in the future.

Can you tell me how bulky this case is? You mention the belt clip is removable - how does it connect to the case? I was wondering if this case would work well when I want to carry my 8700 in my front pants or jacket pocket.

[BBmertz]

BBmertz, how much "bulk" does the sport foam holster add to the handheld? Is it a snug fit, or just fits by coincidence? Also, is the clip removable? I'm looking for a case with the shut off magnet and no clip to carry in my pocket.

I am cautious about this because I bought the leather holster that claimed to work with the 8700, but it was the same one sold for the older, wider BB's, so it didn't fit at all.
The sport foam holster adds very little bulk since it appears to have been designed to snugly fit the 8700c, as opposed to a generic case.

In response to spencerj87's question, the case attaches to the belt clip via a serrated, ratchet type knob which extends only about 1/4" from the back of the case. The case would fit in a pocket, although it would be bulkier than an OEM leather pouch (with no belt clip knob), which is likely to be eventually released by RIM.

Advantages of this case:
- Price - only $19.99 + shipping
- One of the few vertical cases currently available with a small flap and removable belt clip, aside from the Fortte case (even the vertical OEM case reported to be released "soon" does not appear to have a removable clip)
- Specifically designed to snugly fit the 8700c
- Intended to support the sleeper function (although my case was defective and did not have the magnet sewn into the area which was clearly designed to have a magnet)

Disadvantages:
- The flap is a bit too long and flimsy (see Igreenberg's picture above), so the magnetic closure does not always correctly align when closing the flap.
- When insert/removing the 8700c from the case, the front convenience key is occasionally pressed.
- Not quite as professional looking as OEM leather cases (but pretty close)

Given these disadvantages and since I need to exchange my defective case anyway, I may order the Fortte vertical pouch PDA case to see if I like it better. The Fortte case is leather and looks slightly more professional (albeit $13 more expensive), and got a solid review from Igreenberg.