Hands on review: RIM 8700c Leather Holster with belt clip - Page 2 - BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community

Fireproof · 03-07-2006, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgreenberg

It's a tough call.

You can't go wrong with either.

I've been using the OEM RIM exclusively since I got it. Perhaps that says something.

That's the one I was leaning towards. Thanks for the detailed review.

eykhong · 03-07-2006, 11:56 AM

Thanks lgreenberg. I like the way the flap closes on the OEM case. Also, I didn't want the belt clip, so I had to dremel off the button on the back of my Fortte case.

pyro451 · **OS:** 4.6.0.297

Quote:

Originally Posted by eykhong

Thanks lgreenberg. I like the way the flap closes on the OEM case. Also, I didn't want the belt clip, so I had to dremel off the button on the back of my Fortte case.

Fortte does make a case w/o the button on the back.

Fireproof · 03-07-2006, 02:14 PM

Okay, all this case talk got the best of my. I just ordered the RIM OEM case from rcg (smartphonedepot)!! I opted for the slow-boat shipping, since I'm waiting for the TMO 8700g. Can't wait to get rockin'.

eykhong · 03-08-2006, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyro451

Fortte does make a case w/o the button on the back.

Are you sure about this? You can remove the belt clip, but the button that the clip "clips" to is still there. I do not see that sort of option available.

pyro451 · **OS:** 4.6.0.297

Quote:

Originally Posted by eykhong

Are you sure about this? You can remove the belt clip, but the button that the clip "clips" to is still there. I do not see that sort of option available.

Here are links to the pages where you choose clip vs no clip. I just ordered a custom case from them, so I remembered seeing it.

http://www.fortte.com/scr/showproduc...pe=0&language=

http://www.fortte.com/scr/showproduc...pe=0&language=

However, this does not appear to be an option on the vertical or horizonal case.

lgreenberg · 03-08-2006, 06:57 AM

But it doesn't look like the vertical pouch is available with the no clip option.

takeshi · 03-08-2006, 09:12 AM

I think I'd like the Fortte with a fixed slim clip. Instead, I'm going for the OEM leather holster as I think it's closest to what I'm looking for. I was considering the cases with the front flap but they seem a bit awkward. Guess I'll see as there's Vaja classic without a clip on its way for the better half...

likefre · 03-09-2006, 09:41 PM

i just received the case..but i have a stupid q, it seems that the bb can be positioned inside the case facing the inside as well as the outside. Is there any "right" way that it's supposed to be?
The "sleep" function works both ways

Fireproof · 03-09-2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefre

i just received the case..but i have a stupid q, it seems that the bb can be positioned inside the case facing the inside as well as the outside. Is there any "right" way that it's supposed to be?

Yes there is!! Be sure not to put it in backwards!!

pyro451 · **OS:** 4.6.0.297

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgreenberg

But it doesn't look like the vertical pouch is available with the no clip option.

Update...I think the new Fortte Vertical STi will be available sans clip in a few weeks. Better to confirm directly with Fortte though.

lgreenberg · 03-10-2006, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyro451

Update...I think the new Fortte Vertical STi will be available sans clip in a few weeks. Better to confirm directly with Fortte though.

We weren't talking about Fortte..................

lgreenberg · 03-10-2006, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefre

i just received the case..but i have a stupid q, it seems that the bb can be positioned inside the case facing the inside as well as the outside. Is there any "right" way that it's supposed to be?
The "sleep" function works both ways

Either way is fine.

I prefer, as most do, to place it in screen facing in so that when you pull it out you're looking directly at the screen without having to turn it around.

likefre · 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgreenberg

Either way is fine.

I prefer, as most do, to place it in screen facing in so that when you pull it out you're looking directly at the screen without having to turn it around.

thanks, that's what I thought..

dbetman · 03-10-2006, 07:29 AM

I just got mine and like it but it needs to have a cutout for the speaker. I could barely hear the phone ring before and the vibrating and short time frame to answer from Cingular are deterrents to being productive.

pyro451 · **OS:** 4.6.0.297

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgreenberg

We weren't talking about Fortte..................

Sorry, too quick on the keys this morning.

pyro451 · **OS:** 4.6.0.297

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbetman

I just got mine and like it but it needs to have a cutout for the speaker. I could barely hear the phone ring before and the vibrating and short time frame to answer from Cingular are deterrents to being productive.

There is a tip around here somewhere about how to change the ring time on Cingular. I think you can set it to ring up to 30 seconds.

lgreenberg · 03-10-2006, 07:55 AM

I beleive if you call Cingular customer service they can change the amount of time your phone rings before it goes onto voicemail.

Also have you done the Zen upgrade to your 8700x? This greatly increases the volume of the phone's ringer.

likefre · 03-10-2006, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbetman

I just got mine and like it but it needs to have a cutout for the speaker. I could barely hear the phone ring before and the vibrating and short time frame to answer from Cingular are deterrents to being productive.

If you don't want to call cingular cs and be on hold 30 minutes or so, there's a way you can increase the number of rings before it goes to voicemail....
http://blackberryforums.com/showthre...t=number+rings

just my 2 cents

SilverSurfer95 · 03-10-2006, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgreenberg

RIM Blackberry 8700c Leather Holster with Belt Clip

Hands on review by lgreenberg
March 3rd, 2006

Price as reviewed: $21.96

Has any one accessory been more anticipated than the OEM leather case from RIM? I think not. In all seriousness my case arrived today, overnight, from Smart Phone Depot. I wanted to get the pictures and comments up as quickly as possible so forgive the shortness of this review. I'll add more to it as I use the case.

This case is a vertical pouch style case with belt clip. The belt clip is the exact same thing that's on the back the OEM plastic holster (the one that comes with the device.) As most of you are aware it does ratchet.

The case is made of black, soft leather. It does have elastic sides. One thing I'm disappointed about is the sides. Much of the sides of the device are left exposed. There is no leather at all on the sides of the case. Only the elastic pieces.

The case uses a magnetic closure but the magnets are sewn inside the leather so they are not visible. It's very easy to close the case. Unlike the Fortee, where you have to check to make sure the flap's magnet has hit and locked into the sweet spot on the case the OEM case's magnet catches every time. The case is lined with velour.

The case has a sleeper magnet built in and the device can be placed into the case screen in or out. The magnet works either way.

Once on your belt the case does stick out a bit.

I'm actually a little disappointed in that. Here's a comparison to the Fortte vertical pouch. They stick out about the same.

The case seems very heavy to me. It's definitely heavier and longer than the Fortte case. Must be because of the thicker leather the RIM case uses. The RIM case feels larger to me as well. The device does go in and out of the case a little easier.

All in all it's a very nice case. The belt clip is great. It's good that it has the sleeper magnet. The device fits in perfectly.

My only real complaints are the exposed sides, and the overall weight/bulkiness. The way the device fits in the case, how securely it both closes and stays on the belt make it an excellent choice.

Pros: OEM, sleeper magnet, ratcheting belt clip.

Cons: Bulky, Not 100% protection.

I'm liking it. I would suggest putting a skin on the Blackberry (I order some on eBay and may end up selling them). I am ticked though, that the store will not sell to Canada (considered International) - so much for good neighbors

Does anyone know of a reseller who will sell in Canada or is based here? Thanks folks.

justin.culp · 03-10-2006, 10:01 AM

Got mine!! Lovin' it.

rcg · 03-10-2006, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverSurfer95

I'm liking it. I would suggest putting a skin on the Blackberry (I order some on eBay and may end up selling them). I am ticked though, that the store will not sell to Canada (considered International) - so much for good neighbors

Does anyone know of a reseller who will sell in Canada or is based here? Thanks folks.

I'm certain you can't be talking about SmartPhoneDepot becasue I know you read this thread from start to finish right?

dbetman · 03-10-2006, 11:52 AM

Did the Zen upgrade! Much louder! Love the Theme and flexibility. Now I am really glad I got the clip! It's 70 degrees in NJ. All is well with the world! Well, except Iraq.

993Turbo · 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by likefre

If you don't want to call cingular cs and be on hold 30 minutes or so, there's a way you can increase the number of rings before it goes to voicemail....
http://blackberryforums.com/showthre...t=number+rings

just my 2 cents

Just called Cingular and had the ringtime changed on both my BB and RAZR. On hold for 1 minute, customer service rep handled both to 30 seconds in under 3 minutes.

My BB 8700 case is in the hands of FedEx now. Looking forward to receiving it. Thanks to this thread and excellent review.

yustonuser · **So you can't see the status light for new messages? -** 03-17-2006, 09:26 PM

Great review all - I am trying to decide between the Gizmoskin and the OEM leather and have had the Gizmoskin for my old 7100 for a year with no issue. I like the fact that I can leave it in the case on my desk overnight and see when I have new messages, missed a call, etc. It looks like the OWM case completely covers the BB, prohibiting that. Is this true or did I see something wrong? I wouldn;t think I am the only one that likes this feature. Any thoughts?

lgreenberg · 03-18-2006, 07:01 AM

The LED is covered while in the OEM case.

SeattleSE · 03-18-2006, 11:25 AM

While it is true that the 8700 OEM leather case covers the message LED, I'm much happier with it than with the 7100 Gizmoskin that I've been carrying for over a year.

This is mainly due to the solid construction of the OEM case. I didn't have any desire to replace the Gizmoskin before. However, I wouldn't convert to one now. The OEM case is kind of bulky but only because it is so solid and the leather is such good quality.

But the main issue that I have with the 7100 Gizmoskin is the rivet that connects the belt clip to the case. The OEM case has a solid "base plate" that the clip is connected to. The older Gizmoskin doesn't seem to have this solid underpinning. As a result, the belt clip not only spins around the rivet's axis as it is supposed to do but it can be flexed or "jiggled" along the rivet's axis. I'm always wondering when I'm going to get total mechanical failure. But more importantly, the fact that the case isn't tightly coupled to the clip means that vibrations from the ringer are attenuated as they are passed from the phone through the case to your body. With the Gizmoskin I missed so many calls that I had to change from "vibrate" to "vibrate + ring".

I don't know if the current Gizmoskins suffer from this same problem but I'm very happy with the OEM case and I have no desire to find out. In addition, the service from SmartPhoneDepot has been excellent. They got my shipping upgraded in the middle of the order process so that I'd have my new case in time for an overseas business trip. They're first on my list for BB accessories.

Finally, the stock case, as mentioned elsewhere, it a total piece of s*!t. When the retention tabs are not causing you to launch the BB as you extract it from the case, they're failing to hold it in when you bump against something. I almost lost the phone the first day that I had it. I consider a replacement case an essential upgrade. I would get it with or before the phone itself.

Cheers.

Quote:

Originally Posted by yustonuser

Great review all - I am trying to decide between the Gizmoskin and the OEM leather and have had the Gizmoskin for my old 7100 for a year with no issue. I like the fact that I can leave it in the case on my desk overnight and see when I have new messages, missed a call, etc. It looks like the OWM case completely covers the BB, prohibiting that. Is this true or did I see something wrong? I wouldn;t think I am the only one that likes this feature. Any thoughts?

joaquin654 · **just got mine .... love it . -** 03-18-2006, 11:31 AM

i just got my OEM BB case and its great . i do however wish that when i open the upper flap it wouldn't snap back so quick as sometimes it closes b4 i can get the phone out ...lol . otherwise pretty good case and quality . i can definitely see the bright ass led blinking through letting me know about all messages ... works great .

MMB916 · **Thanks, Larry! -** 07-07-2006, 08:52 PM

Very helpful review. Great detailed pictures.

pft · 03:52 PM

I purchased one of these for my 8700 at $19.99 which is a bargain for such a well made and designed case.

- Case is not at all heavy and bulky (especially compared to a Fortte lateral case I returned this week). I actually find it to be rather light in weight!

- Leather is strong with solid/ good padding and overall looks great, fit is superb, interior protection excellent.

- RIM racheting belt clip is the best out there (the one to judge all others by) and sits very close to hip because of its low profile. There is absolutely no way this will come off your belt on its own!

- Top flap with hidden magnetic closure is very strong and will not mar your screen as others with an exposed closure might when removing/ inserting the device. There is no way the 8700 will slide out of this case on its own!

- Its as easy to remove/ insert the device as using the plastic holster RIM includes with the 8700.

- USB port is accessible when 8700 is in the case and the sleeper magnet works perfect.

- Vibrate is felt well through the case and ringer is only minimally muffled.

- There is minimal exposure to the top and bottom ends of the 8700 while in the case...if dropped or hit in a very specific manner those areas could get dinged. But as mentioned above, this case is not coming off of your belt on its own. However this is the one area I might suggest for improvement.

UPDATE: When inserting and removing the 8700 (face-in) from the case the front convenence button engages. I am not sure why this happens as my fingers never come into contact with it. I also cannot feel anything on the inside back of the case that might be coming into contact with it. Odd for sure.

dkf747 · 09-20-2006, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pft

-
- Top flap with hidden magnetic closure is very strong and will not mar your screen as others with an exposed closure might when removing/ inserting the device. There is no way the 8700 will slide out of this case on its own!

That is true when it is new. I have had mine since May, and it is sort of like the Launcher (plastic holster that comes with the BB) when dropped now. Twice last week, when it hit the ground the BB flew out. It wasn't as bad as the Launcher but I was shocked that it popped out on both occasions.
-
I have been thinking of cutting or punching a hole in the case so I can see the LED wothout having to open the flap all of the time.

whsbuss · **OS:** 4.6.0.297

Got this case for my 8703e. It fits a BIT loosely but it does provide good protection when exposed on your belt compared to the plastic clip. Sounds are very muffled.

Waiting for the new RIM OEM lamb-skin leather case.

Jack T. Chance · 03:48 PM

lgreenberg, thanks for the review! I have a feeling this is the first pouch I'll buy for my 8700 when I get one (hopefully) this month!

But I do have a couple questions not yet answered in this thread:

Has anyone tried this pouch with a BB 8700g or 8703e yet to verify that the alternate body sculpt fits with no problem?
Have you or your wife tried this with the extended battery & door in place to verify that it fits with no problem?
How would you rate this case on your scale of 1-5 blackberries?
How did you get the case for such a low price with overnight shipping? The current price before shipping is only $1 or 2 less.

Thanks in advance for any additional info.

Jack T. Chance · **OS:** 4.6.1.231

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgreenberg

RIM Blackberry 8700c Leather Holster with Belt Clip

Hands on review by lgreenberg
March 3rd, 2006

Price as reviewed: $21.96

Has any one accessory been more anticipated than the OEM leather case from RIM? I think not. In all seriousness my case arrived today, overnight, from Smart Phone Depot. I wanted to get the pictures and comments up as quickly as possible so forgive the shortness of this review. I'll add more to it as I use the case.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_0361.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...y/IMG_0362.jpg

-=SNIP!=-

lgreenberg, I'm not sure what's wrong with your links to PhotoBucket, but now your pics aren't showing up.

Jack T. Chance · **OS:** 4.6.1.231

-=BUMP!=-

lgreenberg, I know we just finished the holiday period when a lot of people take vacations. But I posted my questions, and PMed them to you, days ago. I want to buy this case, but I'd like to know how you got such a low price from SPD. I'd appreciate it if you'd shed a little light on this. Thanks!