Can I post a review here even though I'm not BBF staff?
Lets steal Seattle18's format, since I like it the best.

Product: OEM RIM BlackBerry holster (for 8700g)
Price: varies (not available directly from RIM yet, but probably will be $26.99 like all the other OEM carrying cases)
URL: None yet...

Review:
This is the OEM case provided to every other market except North America. We get the "launchers", which are both insecure and harmful to the device. I took everyone's advice and decided against using the OEM clip-in holster when I first got the device and avoided the initial abuse of the 8700g. I purchased this holster on eBay from a user in the UK that had replaced his holster with an aftermarket product.

I've avoided the barrage of aftermarket holsters and pouches made available for the 8700 series for the sole reason of usability. After using the 7100t for a year, I had grown accustomed to easy access to the device, and worry-free usage of the holster, knowing the BB wouldn't accidentally jump out of my pocket. Fortte has produced a similar holster called the STiL holster, but the one designed for standard batteries lacks an elastic. Also, leather isn't really my "style".

The belt clip is ratcheting, and in incredibly strong. Its very similar to the 7100 series clip in terms of strength and width, but it does ratchet, and its covered in leather. The clip itself is very low profile, and might be slightly uncomfortable for those who do wear it on their belt (depending on where they clip it...whether it be the pants or actually the belt), since the device will hug your skin pretty closely.

Unlike the 7100 holsters, the inside of the holster is covered in felt. This is a HUGE improvement, since the screen won't scratch after repeated use as did my 7100t.

The stitching is first rate, and looks like it will easily outlast the device.

The elastics on the holster are decently strong, and hold the device securely. There's almost zero chance that the device will pop out on its own, as it requires some force to remove the device. Although there is a possibility of UV damage to the elastics, slowly destroying the elasticity of the bands, its held solid so far for the month that I've used it. The elastics on the side cover the escape and convenience button, so silencing an incoming call or other alert may require feeling around a bit initially, but its easy to remember. The mini-USB is exposed, so it can be charged while being in the holster.

The case features a cutout for the speaker so you'll get your ringtone in full glory. Its shaped to match the shield shape of the 8700g. It may work on 8700c's as well, but the external speaker won't fit as intended with its trapezoidal shape.

Rating: I give this cases 5 out of 5 Berries.




Conclusion: The case is of OEM quality and is deserving of the BlackBerry/RIM badge. This is easily the best case I've seen for the 8700g, in construction and durability for those who desire a standard holster without a locking strap/clasp. The hydrofoam doesn't scratch or show scratches. The belt clip is absolutely solid, and will not unintentionally ratchet on you since it requires a significant amount of force to rotate the clip. The sleeper magnet works as expected.

Initially, I had purchased a Milante hydrofoam case, which had the promise of being a decent case, but being not specifically designed for the 8700 series, it was slightly loose and the sleeper magnet failed to function correctly. The Milante case also relied on a slight lip on the top edge of the case to keep the device from falling out, making it difficult to remove the device. This OEM case relies on the elastics to keep the device secure, making it much easier to use. The belt clip, while ratcheting, was not nearly as strong as it should have been, and as a result escaped from my pocket multiple times. However, this OEM case fits the bill perfectly.

Pros: OEM quality, bulletproof design and materials, easy access to device.

Cons: None! Perhaps its not as stylish as other leather offerings out there, but the hydrofoam has a more "hip" feel to it.

I've looked around and haven't seen this holster for sale in the US yet. I saw a hydrofoam type holster for Cingular in one of their retail stores last week but wasn't sure if it was a RIM product or not. Anyone know if I can find this in the US? If not I'm going to have one brought over from the UK next month when the wife's family comes for a visit.

Where can one find this holster? I've looked everywhere and I couldn't find it, even on European sites. Anyone?

I also want to try one out, where can we find this?

When will RIM put this out on its website!!!!

any updates? I'm looking for one !!!!

any updates on where to get one in the US?

Some of the accessories should be available on blackberry.com website around Oct 6.

*link- BlackBerry Accessories Store - BlackBerry 8700g

I have the BB leather OEM case and I like that quite well. No fallouts and the felt lining is very nice. The ratcheting clip moves more easily than the OEM holster, but that has actually worked out OK for me, (driving in the car, moving it to a more accessible angle when sitting, etc). A nice, strong magnet holds the lid closed and it's easy in and out.

I would, however, like to have something less "fancy" for the weekend and I haven't found a nylon case that works for me. I especially like the cutout for the speaker on this hydrofoam case. I won't have to crank up the ringer just to hear it from being muffled by the leather case.

are there any updates on where and when this new OEM Holster will be out in North America? i am FINALLY picking up an 8700r and i am looking for a holster simular to my 6280s leather RIM holster, at the moment the best one i have found is the BlackBerry 6200/BlackBerry 7200 Series Active Holster that fits the 8700 perfect and two of my managers use it and love it. The leather and the cut out for the speaker makes me really excited and i would love to know when they are comming out!

check out: fommy(dot)co(dot)uk/index(dot)html

Has anyone heard anything else regarding this case? It is exactly what I am looking for.

Thanks

Bought one from fommy.co.uk for about $36 (including shipping). Ordered Saturday, delivered on Tuesday. Alittle expensive but loving it so far.

BlackberryDen.com has this on their site :
Blackberry Cases - OEM 8700 Soft Sided Holster
I'm not sure it's gonna be that great though by looking at the close up pictures

Thanks for the info. Looking at it a bit closer now, I don't believe it will fit my needs. Also fommy has a US site, fommy.com

Bought this case Monday night, 30 October around 11pm Eastern time with regular shipping from the US site. I received it Thursday afternoon. I live in Miami.

It was fast delivery that exceeded my expectations, but I didn't get a confirmation email...

Quick review:

Likes:
> Slim profile, doesn't add much bulk.
> Good racheting swivel clip.
> Blackberry embossed logo on outside (no chrome badge to stick out).
> Clip is positioned near the top of the case when in the vertical position (doesn't stick up in my gut).
> Dual magnets allow BB to be put in facing in or out.

Dislikes:
> Top is open, with no curves holding the top of the unit. In the horizontal position, my BB slipped out last week.
> Clip is kind of tight. It's easy to get on something like a belt -- the belt is tough enough -- but to clip it to my pocket is hard. I have to pry the clip open a bit to slide it on.

I like this case. Definitely more secure than the holster that came with my 8700g.

PG

I went to fommy.com, but can't find this case to save my life.

Can you help me out with the link please?

Thanks.

I cant post links yet, but the SKU is 8239

Thanks. I felt like a dumba%$ for asking, but couldn't find it!

I can 't blame you. The fommy.com site is really not very pleasing to the eye, is it?

No, it's not. Glad to see it wasn't just me!!

Anyone have another link to purchase? I've scanned the web and blackberryden.com has it on backorder. I want this case! Help!

Can someone tell me if you can see the status light when your device is in the case?No one seems to cover this...