Hey folks. I started off with a BB7250 about 2 or 2.5 years ago, switched to a Treo700p in July of 2006, and couldn't stand it anymore, so, tonight, I just bit the bullet and paid retail for the 8703e (Not as bad as it sounds, my company is reimbursing me 50%, so I paid 230$ out of pocket), well worth it to be able to have another Blackberry.

The only problem I'm having with it, is it is very difficult to remove the BB from it's holster.

Will this loosen up? I don't remember my 7250 being this tight in its holster (I also remember the plastic holster scuffing the front of my phone to all hell).

So, any ideas? By-the-way, this phone is a HUGE improvement over the 7250, and has all the features the Treo needs, and none of the features I did not use from the Treo. Perfect fit! Kudos RIM.

Are you asking about the *launcher* holster? The one that came with it?

It's junk if that the Q.... Spend a few smackers and get a good one as the *launcher* holster is garbage...

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

It's all personal preference, but I don't care one bit for the hard plastuc holster, either. There all kinds of reports on here of the BB launching out of the plastic holsters.

You'd very likely prefer one of the leather holsters, just make sure it has the sleeper magnet. Look at the forum below on hardware etc for ideas.

Ah. I didn't really understand the "Launcher" reference until your post.

Thanks for the tip, I'm gonna get rid of this ASAP. My 7250s exec leather holster doesn't seem to put the 8703e to sleep. I guess the magnet is in a different spot :(

The only way to make the factory hard plastic holster work well is to get the extended battery from Sedio. You can hook your middle finger on the bottom of the battery, and your thumb on the belt clip, and just pop it out. I bought the Forte leather case and abandoned it after getting the extended battery and went back to the factory holster.

Sorry, I should have explained the *launcher* better.... It's what many called it after the 8700's release because it *launched* the BB out of the junk plastic holster and cause damage to many....

Sounds like a well-planned accessory release (excuse the pun).

I just bought a holster at spd, so hopefully it works out nicely.

Thanks

Using one hand, I put my thumb on one side of the bb and my index on the other then pull up while my middle finger is pushing down on the top of the holster. It comes out one handed.

It really is a matter of personal preference. It seems like the 87XX plastic holsters were redesigned at some point because of complaints of devices slipping out. I've never had a problem with any of the plastic holsters on any of my BB's.

My newer 8700c came with the newer holster design. The older design is actually much easier to use and the one I'm currently using... Given the prospect of being stuck with the new design I'd probably just get RIM's leather holster instead.

Personally, I don't use the holster that came with 8703 because it leaves little dents/scratches on the BB. I use a leather case from Monaco with a belt clip. It's really up to personal preference.

Agreed, I just purchased the 8703e and the holster is definitely snug to say the least...looks like they went from one extreme to the other from the 8700 holster.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/107)

The initial "launcher" holster decribed was released first, so early 8700 users got that and therefore have the "launcher" experience.

As takeshi mentioned, RIM released an updated version of the plastic holster, which is likely what you have. I got the "launcher" when I bought my 8700, and received the newer version when I got my replacement unit.

They included the soft platform at the top to help prevent scratches and also got rid of the tabs on the side which kept breaking off, therefore rendering the holster useless due to the extreme lack of grip (another small change was the absence of the tiny plastic ridge on the inside of the swivel clip which some users reported indenting their screen). Since they got rid of the tabs, the solid grip at the bottom is much stronger. But like scooter 2 said, the trick about it is grabbing both sides of the BB on the black textured portion (where the USB port and trackwheel are located) and placing one finger on the holster itself.

Once you know the trick, removing the BB from the revised plastic holster is very simple.

i have never had a problem with any of the bb holsters and my bb falling out.. infact i ride a motorcycle and a few times i have forgot to put the bb inside my pocket and have made several trips home 1 hour commute going in and out of traffic and hitting speeds up to 75 or so going with the flow and it has not fallen out... everytime i got off the bike i was amazed i forgot to put the bb insinde my pocket and the fact that even though it was facing outside it did not fall out...

i have not had any problems with the 8700c oem holster and the bb falling out however i have noticed it does rub on the edges compared to my 7290 holster... not a big deal b/c it doesnt scratch the bb just the holster... and i have not yet accidently put it to the bike test...