I really like the small size of my curve and hate the idea of making it bulkier by wrapping it in a leather case. I also feel like paying $24 for a screen protector is a bit of a waste, I can't imagine how it can stay on securely, a few times of putting it in my pocket is sure to peel it off!

How about this, don't they sell the OEM shell itself? I'm sure they can be found on EBay, if not now, in the near future. If I get a whole shell (front cover and battery door), then if the curve gets too scratched up, I can just replace the shell...right?

Right! Look at the cost of older model shells (8700 and 8100) and you'll think your $24 is a steal.

And, I don't know who is charging you $24 for a screen protector--but ScreenPatronus about as good as any out there (I think the best) and cost about $6-7 for 3.
eBay: 3 Screen Protector RIM Blackberry Curve 8300 7210 7230 (item 110141216340 end time Jun-23-07 18:06:35 PDT)

I use this. I love it!

BlackBerry Curve 8300 Screen Protector Shield

From what I hear, "Best Skins Ever" is the same quality as sheildzone for much cheaper.

Best Skins Ever RIM Blackberry 8300 Curve Total Body Skin

I like my Screen Patronus, its $8.50 for 2 and I almost never have to change them, no bubbles ever to worry about and you do not have to use water to put them on. best bet in my book, I use them on my iPod, Digital Camera and for the last3 BB's I have had.

ScreenPatronus, Screen protector - the difference is amazing.

i dont like skins because they catch in your pocket, im going for the hardcase, anyone have any recommendations on hardcases?

thanks.. 6.50 for 3 via ebay!..

Sam

Screen patronus protectors are the best. i use them and have them in my pocket and they never peel off. you hardly even know theyre there

Therefore... don't put the phone in your pocket! My ScreenPatronus don't "catch" and peel off without a dang good reason to--like my fingernail.

A good hardcase? Get this, a good price and the owner of this site is a respected member of this Forum.
eSHOPlimited.com - Your one place to buy authentic BRAND NEW OEM accessories
Look at the leather holster without clip.

I'm a big fan of the Shieldzone stuff. Have it on my iPod, Motorola Q, and have two waiting for the two Curves I'll be picking up later today. Basically anything that doesn't have a touchscreen.

Shieldzone also has a great warranty, and even offered to send me a free one when I thought I had to swap my Q out with Verizon because it was giving me trouble. I ended up fixing the problem, but it was nice to know I wouldn't have to buy a new one.

i like to put the curve in my pocket because its so small. I think after business hours, putting my blackberry on my belt is a bit nerdy. A thin hardcase is good for me i think.

That link doesnt have any hardcases, but i'll keep looking, thanks!

lol, you just want to impress the chics "after hours" with how happy you are to see them.

You want a "hard" case, not leather? Look at the sponsors on this Forum, as well as this.. first choice from a simple Google search:
Cases - Hard Cases - CrackBerry.com - Software and Accessories

hahah more like "im not attached to work...sorta..still"

I've also never had an issue with the Invisible Shield on my Q while in my pocket.

After getting numerous requests, we finally got our ClearTouch Crystal screen protectors for the BlackBerry Curve! Check it out at BoxWave.

Chris-
BoxWave Accessories

I highly recommend getting a screen protector and a skin case for the phone. If you decided to sell it on Ebay in the future, you actually increase the value of the phone.

I recommend getting Best Skins Ever which someone already mention. If you install it correctly, you don't have to worry about it coming off.

I will also recommend getting Seidio skin case BUT they don't make one for the 8300 yet. Those are easy to take in and out of your pockets.

I just ordered the "total body skin" from Best Skins Ever. I will let you guys know how it is once it arrives.

I've installed my BSE full body Curve skin and it's awesome. The sides are difficult to put on, however - but worth the patience.

I have both the shieldzone and best skins ever protectors for 2 different devices.

Over time BOTH will peel around the edges depending on your device's curves on the edge.
They seem to be the exact same material, but the Shieldzone site has a better guarantee and is willing to replace the skin for free if you have any problems. (they should for what they are charging)

The material they both use are made by 3M and you can also get these skins for the hood of your car (I have seen them applied on cars at the dealers)

Shieldzone gives you an application solution and a convenient spray bottle as well as a soft plastic squeegee to apply the skin. (I ended up using their squeegee and solution to apply a portion of my BSE skin to my curve.

BestSkins ever gives you just the shield, but, you get what you pay for. I made some solution according to their instructions and am happy so far with the results.
I will note that around the corner of my BSE skin is beginning to lift from the constant rubbing of my 8300 when i put it in and out of the holster.

Hope this helps

I just received my Best Skins Ever skin today. I'm pretty pleased with it, the screen clarity does look a bit worse, but that may just be a tag extra moisture that hasn't evaporated. Application was easy enough, for me at least. I did a piece and waited around and then another... over the course of the evening. This, so that I could still use the device instead of fearing something would slip or move.

The front screen piece went on the best and smoothest, hopefully it will clear up a little. If not, no big deal very few plastics/polymers are near 100% transparent, though close. I'd best the average person wouldn't/couldn't notice it.

Fitment of the pieces is pretty nice, though I could see the bottom pieces being better suited as one piece, instead of two. I am very pleased with the cut of the material. As a graphic designer and print shop manager I deal with plotters/vinyl cutters daily and the shape of the material and strength of it is very nice to work with.

I'll suggest using very little water/solution when applying, as there isn't much needed. Clean the surfaces with a dab of alcohol on a lent free cloth for a nice application.

For 8.99 shipped, I expected a lot less. I liked the idea that it came with the back cover, the side pieces aren't that big of a deal, but I put them on anyway. I'd bet they would be the first to peel, if anything. I'm completely happy with it and hope it lasts a good while, if not, its only a few bucks to help protect a couple hundred dollar item.

If anyone is trying to impress a girl with their phone . . . .

Well you got some other problems, too.

of course! didnt the curve get you laid?

I have my Curve now for almost three weeks and has scratch all over and I'm very careful and only put it in my pocket once in a while. If I had known this phone scratches so easily I would have think twice about getting one. Now I know there are some covers out there to protect it but is too late already. Might as well wait out until scratches more and get a new replacement screen if there is such a product. But to be honest this phone scratches too easy!

Puma

I have never been one to immediately slap a screen protector on a phone, simply because I am so anal about keeping mine in a belt-pouch and never in a pocket with change, keys, etc. But after having my 8300 for a couple of weeks...I noticed two small scratches on the screen, and had no idea how they got there!!

I freaked out and quickly applied the ShieldZone protector I had bought before I even got the phone in anticipation, but had never been used. I wish I had not procrastinated so long. Had I known the screen was so easily scratched, I probably would not have waited.

Puma, a screen protector is a good idea regardless, and honestly, putting the BB in your pocket is not a good idea. If I were you I would get the screen protectors now--they are much cheaper and less hassle than any replacement screen you will find.

Which screen protector you recommend for the 8300. I already have a black skin around it but that doesn't protect the screen. Will I have to get rid of the rubberized skin in order to put a screen protector?

No, you won't have to another skin.

Google or Ebay, ScreenPatronus. There are good and inexpensive.
Shieldzone is another good one. There are lots of other threads on here (look under the Hardware section) with reviews and recs on such.

I just ordered Shieldzone for $11.50 or so. It seems it will do the job. Hopefully from now on no more scratches but I should have known better. Eve my car mechanic has a Curve and has the original plastic over the screen until he gets the Shieldzone. Who said mechanic were grease monkeys. Not this one.

I use Best Skin Ever A++++

Shieldzone..... it's iron. Good customer service.

Anyone ever use Clear Armor?

eBay Store - Clear Armor: Screen Protector, Clear Protector

I had to pop on here again and sing the praises of the ShieldZone screen protector. Ever since I put it on (the easiest installation ever...even for a total klutz like me!) I have marveled at how tough it is. I have accidentally put my Curve in a pants pocket with keys and coins a time or two, and it has yet to show a scuff or scratch...although I am sure the easily-scratched screen would have if it had not been there.

The only thing that bothers me even a little about the ShieldZone protector is that it is "textured" slightly instead of being crystal clear. It doesn't interfere with the screens brightness much if at all...but I would just prefer it be crystal clear without the "orangepeel" effect. Oh well...perhaps it's that way to bolster the protective quality.

All in all...great product!!

I use BSE and its by far the best that I've ever seen.