It’s not the first time we see cases that charge your BlackBerry on the go.  In the past we reviewed the Case-Mate Fuel Case which was was hard shell case with a built in battery to charge your BlackBerry a full charge and a half.  This time around we are reviewing the PowerSkin for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and 9780 which provides a silicon case solution with a built in battery that will charge your BlackBerry.

One of the most convenient features I found in the PowerSkin is the way it connects to your BlackBerry smartphone.  In the Fuel Case by Case-Mate, we saw the connection that was made between the phone and the case was through the charging contacts used for charging docks on the very bottom.  For some reason it would flicker sometimes or dirt/lint would get in which interrupted the contact.  In the PowerSkin, it’s a built in micro USB cord that plugs into your BlackBerry from the inside of the case so you don’t have to worry about ever being disconnected. 

As for the charge it gives off, I was able to get a whole full battery charge and change, I’d say about 1.25 worth of battery which is great for being on the go.  On the back of the case, you’ll see four lights which show you how much charge is left in the external battery.  There’s a button on the back you can push at anytime which will show you the battery’s status and also activates the charging once pushed for about two seconds.

My next favorite feature is that you can technically use this for any other BlackBerry smartphone.  Say you’re out with some friends who also have BlackBerry devices, you can lend it to them, and the micro USB wire can stretch out enough to plug into another device whether or not it’s a Bold.  So now you have a universal micro USB phone charger.

The case doesn’t block you from using your camera either.  The backside contains an opening for both your flash and camera so you can still snap pictures at ease.  With that said, your convenience keys, volume buttons, and mute/screen lock button are accessible through the case.

When it comes to needing to charge your BlackBerry, there’s no need to take the PowerSkin off.  Once you plug your BlackBerry with the PowerSkin on it, your BlackBerry will charge first, and then the case which is the priority you’d most likely prefer.  You can charge the case separately via micro USB of course as it comes with a super short cable to do that.

Here’s a good video demonstration showing how the PowerSkin works:

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

Features include:

• One piece tough case
• Soft silicone rubber
• Provides up to twice the power
• 100% recycled case
• Rechargeable
• Lightweight
• Smart battery technology
• On/Off button
• LED battery status lights
• Patented XPAL Power^® battery technology

• Power Capacity: 1150mAh
• Input Spec: 5V, 0.7A
• Output Spec: 5V, 0.7A
• Talk Time: 230 Mins^*
• Standby: 265 Hours^*
• Product Dimensions:
  4.45L X 2.75W X 0.9H inches
  11.3L X 7W X 2.3H cm
• Weight: 0.17lbs / 77.1g

The PowerSkin for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and 9780 is currently on sale for $49.99.  Not the cheapest price for a BlackBerry case, but keep in mind you get great protection for your BlackBerry along with a mobile wireless charger built into it.  If you’re constantly on the go, I would definitely recommend this as a great accessory.

PowerSkin for BlackBerry >>

Related posts:

1. Case-Mate Fuel Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9780/9700
2. Review: Case-Mate Fuel Lite Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9700
3. Case-Mate Fuel now available for BlackBerry Bold 9700
4. T-Mobile BlackBerry Bold 9700 Review
5. Review: iSkin Vibe for the BlackBerry Bold 9700
6. BlackBerry Bold 9780 gets a quick video review
7. Review: BlackBerry Bold 9700 OtterBox Defender Series
8. Official OS 6.0.0.448 released for Torch 9800, Curve 9300, Bold 9700, & Bold 9780 from Three UK
9. A quick glance at battery life on the BlackBerry Bold 9700
10. BlackBerry Bold 9700 to use same battery as Bold 9000