OtterBox Defender Case for BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series (Black)

I just received a replacement BB Curve from Verizon. I had carried my original in a standard-issue soft belt case that can be purchased just about anywhere. It's made for RIM, and has a little oval silver medallion on the security strap with "Blackberry" engraved on it. One day, sticking my BB back into the case, I inadvertently stuffed the strap in with it. In the next hour of walking, getting in an out of the car, etc., that little engraved medallion gouged a fugly deep pattern of scratches into the screen. Also, I found that the Curve's finish is extremely susceptible to scratches and dings, not from misuse, but from day-to-day handling. For instance, the rear of the case is, well...curved! Resting on my desk between calls had worn some fine scratches into the silver finish.Anyway, I wanted to protect my replacement Curve, so I researched HD protective cases, and settled on the OtterBox in basic black (no Bumble-Bee look for me, thanks.) I bought one at a GREAT price on Amazon, and received it about a week later.Let me tell you, this is the BEST case I have ever owned for any mobile device! I found a review on YouTube that demonstrated installation, and that decided me. Some of the comments posted there ridiculed the guy for buying a case that they perceived as being bulky, ugly, and industrial looking, complaining that it ruined the sleek fashion profile of the Curve. OK, well, I didn't buy the BB to improve my fashion image. It is a business tool to me and gets constant use all day every day. The OtterBox is all but bullet-proof, encasing the Curve in a hard shell which is then sealed and cushioned by an outer soft silicon skin, which is then further encased in the snap-in belt holster. I elected NOT to use the provided flexible transparent combination screen-keyboard-back membrane. I need the full tactile experience of the keyboard, and the membrane seemed better suited to use in a thunderstorm than to how I use my device. The remaining components of the case protect my BB to an extreme degree. I've had it and have been using it now for about three weeks, and I LOVE this thing! The outer silicon skin improves the grip in the hand and helps prevent the BB sliding off the console in the car. All BB buttons are usable through raised ribbed buttons in the silicon skin. The screen and keyboard are recessed enough into the hard shell and silicon skin to protect them against all but the most direct impact damage, and the holster carries the device screen-inward so that it's fully covered. The belt holster does contain the standby magnet the BB needs to conserve power.This is a high-quality, beefy, no-nonsense, industrial-design case. If you want to make a fashion statement, buy ring or a Rolex. If you want maximum protection for your BB Curve, buy the OtterBox!

After getting the Blackberry Curve 8330 for my son and myself, I looked for a case that would protect beyond anything I saw offered at the Sprint store. I started to search the web.What I found was the Otterbox Defender Case. This has to be the best protection second to none for this type of device. Not only does it protect it from bumps and possible drops, it feels great in your hand. It gives you a real sense of protection you cannot get from just holding the device in its native state.The clear membrane that covers the front screen and keyboard as well as the backside fits like a glove allowing complete use of the trackball with a positive feel to the keyboard. The hard inner case along with the rubberized outer case in addition to the earpiece and speaker protection allow for a positive user experience.The 3.5mm earphone jack and usb port are easily available when needed but protected when not in use by a robust cover. All the side controls are easily useable through the case yet are fully protected. The holster holds the device with the screen facing towards the user very securely on your belt. In regards to removing the device from the holster, I find that you need to use two hands to accomplish this as the holster really holds it in place. The belt clip is designed so it cannot fall off your belt as the clip as a upward lip as well that catches on the bottom edge of your belt. (I like that feature).The backside of the case allows use of the camera and flash however, not the self portrait mirror. I don't feel loosing the use of the self portait mirror is a negative as why would one waste time taking pictures of ones self.The idea behind this case is protection with full functionality. I believe that has been accomplished without any doubt. Whether you paid money for your device or not through your cell phone provider, if you damage it by accident or otherwise, the cost to replace the device will be greater than the price of the Otterbox case. Otterbox Defender Case for BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series (Black)

I love the Otterbox holster for the protection it provides my phone. However, the spring will wear out after nine months or so of use. I had to take the spring out and adjust it so it would work. But it only lasted for a few weeks before the clip was loose again. This model (for the Black Berry Curve 8330) has the ability to swivel (which apparently all of their holsters do, I am told). Again, after nine months or so of use the holster will swivel much too easily. I don't like the ability of the holster to swivel so I fixed that with some screws. I used a screw to fix the clip as well.Customer service from Otter Box is certainly lacking. I contacted them with the following message:Hi.I purchased my Otter Box Defender on May 24, 2009 from Amazon.com LLC. Recently, the belt clip that rotates on the holster is so loose that it rotates on my belt too easily. The spring on the clip itself is so weak that I have had my phone drop off of my belt and land on the floor. Is there any way to replace the rotating belt clip? I love my Otter Box and the protection it gives my phone. I don't want to give it up for something with less protection but has better components.Thank you.The following was the only response received:Update for Case #93443 - "Holster clip"If you send me your name address and phone type that we are carrying.Thanks,[name of customer service rep]I don't know what they were going to do to resolve this. I thought that by asking for my name and address they would have sent me another holster. I never heard from them after that. It was (and is) within the one year warranty period.Get the Otterbox if you want the protection it provides but be prepared to make some fixes yourself. Don't get it for the lack of customer service or the components that will eventually fail.