I know somebody was asking about replacements for the entire case, but is it possible to just replace the framing around the screen (the silver painted frame)? Mine is worn to hell and I'd really like to replace it with a new on.

I don't know why RIM put a crappy painted frame that they knew would get worn off quickly by the holster....I'd have been willing to pay a little extra for a metallic frame.

Yeah, they realized this themselves, and have actually started to put a metal frame around the screen on the newer devices -- at least on the newer 7230's. As a matter of fact, I think this may be the only real difference between the 7230 and 7280 being sold on the T-Mobile web site. And note that there is a significant price difference between the two

It has to do with the awful plastic holster supplied by RIM with a BB purchase. Terrible design from the get go and are good for really nothing more then marking and scaring the device. I think this is part of the reason for the metal frame around the screen on the newer BB. Would be much easier to do as they did way back with the BB 957 just provide a leather case with the product.

finch, I think you nailed it for most readers. However, there is a small minority of us that really like that cheap little plastic holster. If it happens to fit well ergonomically, and if you have a penchant for such things, the little plastic holster offers two huge advantages:

First, it is VERY easy to manupulate it very quickly and securely with one hand -- that *CLICK" in and out adds an auditory element to it, as well

Second, as a result of point "first" above, when you receive an incoming call, and you want to shut it up FAST, you can, using one hand -- very unobtrussively, *CLICK* the BB out 1/8th of an inch, and *CLICK* it right back in, and the phone shuts up -- and doesn't ring again! This is huge...at least for me

Just my $0.02

I love the plastic holder, and don't really care that it scratched the crap out of my poor Berry...

The magnet in the case is the best invention since sliced bread.

ScOObydoo -- I agree -- I think the scratches add character :D

But, just to be fair, most of the leather cases also have that magnet embedded in them...they also shut off the screen, it's just harder to confirm this. If you want to test it, hold the case over the BB, back to front, so to speak, and align the spot the magnet has to find (based on the magnet on the plastic holster) with the spot on the case that usually covers that spot -- the screen will go blank...very cool :D

I apologize for the above being in techno-greak --> too much olympic coverage here...

I do like the crappy plastic case that came with the BB, but the fact they have scratched the hell out of my device is a real pain in the ass. Not sure advertising my berry as having "character marks" on ebay will really fetch a permium when it comes time to get rid of it an upgrade (which is hopefully soon!).

I actually like the plastic holder also.

My first 7230 had to go back in April (under warranty) because the track wheel felt like it was going to fall off. It had scatches on the silver ring around the screen on both sides of the BLACKBERRY logo. It killed me and kept getting worse over time.

Before I got the new one in the mail, I purchased some of those little felt circles that you can put under small shelf items to keep them from scratching the shelf. The have adhesive on the back of them. I think I paid like $3 for a package of about 100 at WalMart.

I attached two of them to the inside of the holster right where the indents are near the top. I have had my replacement BB for 5 months now and not a scratch on it.

I was going to attach a picture, but I guess you can't do that here. Oh well, hopefully you understand. Even with the felt dots, it still clicks into place.

Jeff

i bought a sheet of adhesive felt and cut out two 1/2" x 3" strips and stuck them on the inside of the plastic case...my gray frame had started to show signs of wear but this has stopped it dead in its tracks....

Ok, I finally figured out how to upload a picture:

http://www.blackberryclub.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=11

Not sure if there was a cleaner way to do this or not.

Jeff

we sell blackberry replacements parts:

http://www.promobility.net/html/blackberryparts.shtml

I tried the leather case and it was too tight, even after prolonged usage. The metal case looked cool, but lacked a magnet and therefore BB Light would degrade my battery. It also has the swivel near the top of the case, so the whole thing sits down lower off the belt, which caused issues when sitting down.

I really actually like the original plastic case. It originally seemed hard to extract my BB, but by placing two fingers down near the bottom of the device, where the case has two indentations and pulling up, it comes right out. The plastic case used to scratch my 7750, but the 7250 has that new silver metal around the screen vs. the old painted one and now I get no scratches. So am happy with the original case.

I have to agree with everyone about the platic case and its super functionality. I loved how securely it fit, could change the direction of the unit, would not come off your belt loop, etc..
But I also hated what it was doing to that cheap plastic framing on the device...
wish they had something like it for the 7100g... Id buy one in a heartbeat

R'gds

Dave

"I really actually like the original plastic case. It originally seemed hard to extract my BB, but by placing two fingers down near the bottom of the device, where the case has two indentations and pulling up, it comes right out."

The problem I have with the plastic case, Way Cool, is that I found that my Berry easily slips out of my hand as I pull it out of the case. It is especially easy for me to fumble it when I'm rushing to answer a call. A few bouncing Berrys and near heart attacks caused me to ditch the plastic case. I use the metal case now without the clip, because it protects my Berry so well, and I can use it while in the case. Never have had issues with low-battery life on my 7290, despite the lack of a magnet on the case, BTW, and it's a lot easier on my ticker when I drop the unit.