SkinTight Case for the Blackberry 7290
Rating: Three out of four berries
Pros: Superior protection; rubberized grip; functions with or without screen protector; attaches easily and securely to belt clip
Cons: Bulges slightly on both sides of the 7290 screen; makes it more difficult to pull out the battery; can interfere with thumb access to the space key
The Bottom Line: If you don’t mind the added bulk, this case provides superior protection and a better grip than competing Blackberry cases.
Who would have thought that my Blackberry 7290 needed an overcoat? By now you’ve seen the pictures on the forum. The SkinTight case is a rubberized overcoat for your Blackberry. The case fits like the set of goulashes your Mom made you wear when you were a kid. Like those goulashes, it takes some effort to slip the case on and off, so prepare to be irked whenever you need to pull out the battery.
I’ve used RIM’s leather case and have been happy with its fit and convenience. This case doesn’t add much weight, but it does add some bulk. The rubberized material is strong and should protect your Blackberry against most knocks and tumbles. The case is especially easy to grip, and it won’t slip out of your hand.
Unfortunately, the fit isn’t as exact as I had hoped. There’s a slight bulge on either side of the screen. The bulge was there whether on not I inserted the plastic screen protector. I assume the bulge is related to the larger size of the 7290 compared with the 7230. The 7290 is 0.9 inches deep, while the 7230 is 0.8 inches deep. That 0.1-inch difference may not sound like a lot, but it’s more than a 10 percent increase in size. The bulge is less pronounced with my 7230, which has eGrips installed on the back and sides. I wasn’t willing to peel off the eGrips, so I can only assume the bulge would disappear on a 7230 without the eGrips.
I also found the lower lip of the case sometimes interfered with my typing. With the Magmic games, you can use the space key to initiate actions or select items on the screen. I kept hitting the edge of the case whenever I reached for the space key, which felt awkward, though I could probably become used it over time. Speck Products should consider dropping the lower lip of the case just a bit, so the space key isn’t so close.
The case connects easily and securely to the belt clip, which is included in the package. The belt clip has a built-in magnet, which is necessary for the Blackberry to automatically switch off the screen.
Will I keep using the case? In airports and other crowded venues, it’s pretty much ideal for my needs. That’s where the protection and grip are more important than any inconveniences. In meetings and less-hurried tradeshows, I may revert back to the leather case, which has a more professional appearance.
DavidE
www.davidenglish.com