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If you’re an avid BlackBerry user, then you know of and have most likely already experienced one particular issue that plagues many of us: battery life on the stock devices that come from the manufacturer. Whether your battery drains due to heavy call volume, a high number of SMS/MMS messages being sent and received, subscribing to BlackBerry Messenger groups, or any of the numerous other functions your device provides, it usually drains too quick for comfort. Not anymore! Seidio has come out with an extended battery that not only allows your device to function for much longer than the stock 1500mAh battery, but also limits the extra form factor added by most extended batteries into an easy to hold and comfortable solution.

Seidio Extended Battery (2700 mAh)

Seidio offers two versions of their extended battery for the BlackBerry Bold II 9700, 1750mAh and 2700mAh. The 1750mAh battery offers a decent increase of battery life over the stock 1500mAh, providing the average or power user a nice extension to the time they can operate the device without recharging. The 2700mAh battery, however, is a completely different product. It’s intended for those of us who use and abuse our BlackBerry devices on a consistent basis, who recharge our smartphones at least twice per day, or who need to keep our devices plugged into the cigarette power adapter of our vehicles because we simply talk too dang much! There are of course other uses, such as traveling or not being near a power source for a couple days, so don’t feel left out if you fall into that category.

Based on my personal experience with the Seidio 2700mAh extended battery, I found that I was able to operate as normal for a considerably longer period of time (without needing to recharge) than I ever could with my stock 1500mAh battery. Starting on Friday just after work, I changed out my stock battery with the Seidio 2700mAh battery and continued usage as usual. Friday night I handled a couple hours of talking with family and business acquantances , Saturday I played around with BlackBerry Messenger groups continually throughout the day in addition to downloading apps, playing music, making personal calls, etc. Sunday was a repeat of Saturday, and come 8pm the battery still had 40% life left. That means that in a 48 hour period, with moderate usage, and after only one charge (battery life increases after 8 charges, according to Seidio) I had only used 60% of the battery. The real test, however, would come the next day. I charged up the battery overnight and set out to work Monday morning. I typically will talk between 4 and 5 hours every workday, play with BlackBerry Messenger, receive and send about 50 emails, and use my device as a media player while driving in the car (roughly 3 hours of every day). Surely the extended battery would be nearing empty by 10pm, since my stock battery needs a recharge at around 2pm usually, right? Wrong! By the time I went to bed, there was still 50% remaining on the extended battery, which is something I have never seen after a full workday of usage before. Absolutely amazing!

The only aspect that one may conclude from the extended battery that may be negative, however, would be the added form factor. While the Seidio 2700mAh extended battery adds incredible usage and utility, it also increases the size of the device in your hand. This increase in size is not that bad though, as it actually adds a more solid, “proper” feel to the device that in no way interferes with operation. Those of us with big hands (myself included) will actually find the size increase quite nice. If you are one who, however, cannot handle any added bulk to the sleek-ness of your device, the 1750mAh extended battery is the same size as your stock battery and should be considered if you need or would like added life to your BlackBerry.

Seidio Spring-Clip Holster (compatible with 2700mAh extended battery)

Those of us who have purchased and used Seidio’s holsters in the past know how well designed and how highly durable they are. The spring-clip holster that I received with my 2700mAh extended battery (sold separately) is no exception to this! It’s just like the rest of their incredible products, and allows you to use the 2700mAh extended battery while having your device safely and securely clipped to your side. One quick release of the spring-clip is all it takes to remove the device from the holster, and a simple push of the device back into the holster is all it takes to re secure it. The felt lining on the inside ensures no damage to your device, and the swivel clip allows you to orient the device horizontally, vertically, or in between. This holster is also compatible with the stock (naked) BlackBerry, whether you’re using the extended battery or not.

Overall, I could not be happier with these two products. They do exactly as promised, and do so in an elegant and stylish way. Kudos to you, Seidio!