PocketBerry » Accessories

Review: PowerSkin for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 & 9780

Kal Chebli — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0000

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 >>

Review: Ballistic Tough Jacket Series Case for BlackBerry PlayBook

Mac Jadalhack — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0000

There’s a wide variety of cases and covers for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Ballistic has provided cases for BlackBerry smartphones in the past and of course support the PlayBook too. For a few weeks I’ve been using the Tough Jacket case by Ballistic on my PlayBook. One thing you need to know about the Tough Jacket, is that it provides maximum protection for the PlayBook and does bulk it up quite a bit. Similar to OtterBox products, the Tough Jacket provides a three layer solution:

Layer 1 – Inner silicone layer absorbs shock
Layer 2 – Impact resistant hard plastic protects the BlackBerry PlayBook
Layer 3 – Shock Absorbent polymer layer

Since I started using my PlayBook, I’ve been using it raw dog (no covers or protection on it). Going to the Tough Jacket was a huge change since it’s a lot bulkier as seen in the images. After a while you get used to the size and accept that it really is protecting your tablet. The corners are equipped with extra rubber cushion which helps in the event of tragic incident when you drop it.

What I like most about it is that the outside layer is plastic. I have a problem using rubberized cases as they’re just not comfortable in hand. Some disagree and like rubber on the outside of their devices, but the plastic feels more natural.

Standing your PlayBook up on a table has never been easier. The kickstand is built into the front cover which comes off and gets clipped on the back of the PlayBook. I’ll admit that the kickstand is a bit of a pain to open up, but I guess that feature is there to avoid it from deploying on its own.

Charging your PlayBook tablet and accessing the media keys up top is still possible. For the charging ports on the bottom, you just have to flip open the rubber layer and plug your wires in that way. You can press the media keys up top right as you would without a case. No need to pop off any panels there. The touchscreen remains raw with no screen cover as some of these cases get a built in film to go over the screen. Some may like it because it gives you more protection, but it’s too much of a different feeling when you’re swiping around on the tablet.

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

Here’s a nice video showing the whole layer system for those looking for more of a virtual tour.

Overall if you’re looking for a case that will give you lots of protection for your BlackBerry PlayBook, you should definitely check out the Tough Jacket by Ballistic. It’s $69.99 to buy, and the price might drive away from it, but protection has its price tag.

Review: SoundID 510 Bluetooth Wireless Headset

Kal Chebli — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:00:26 +0000

With hundreds of Bluetooth headsets on the market, picking the wrong headset is a common mistake. It is not an easy choice cyphering through all the options to find the right headset for you. As far as Bluetooth headsets go, there is a newer and better solution day in and day out but one headset offers a feature another may not. One headset that seems to pack all the right punches without compromise is the Sound-ID 510. Sound-ID is one of those companies that are less heard of but have been around since the turn of the century. The company has developed headsets in the past but all with the dedication to their mission statement “combining deep knowledge of the human ear with cutting-edge Bluetooth technology and patented adaptive noise compensation techniques.” The company was founded by an Otologist which proves they have a dedicated to pursuit to delivering perfection in sound via Bluetooth. One of their latest products which we will deeply cover in this review is the Sound-ID 510.

This Bluetooth 2.0 headset has a sleek basic mainstream design with only one push button but that’s where the similarities end in comparison to other headsets. This headset is developed on the core idea of super sound quality which is customizable to each users taste. The headset comes packed with 3 sensitive microphones to eliminate wind and background noise from all ends of the call. With A2DP, you can stream music or navigation directions all without having to buy Bluetooth headphones. Comfort is important with a headset especially for those who wear it all day and this headset is designed for just that with multiple earplug and over ear options. High techies, this is what you’ve waited for; connect 2 devices simultaneously with Multipoint. Now you can steam music of you tablet and answer calls as they come in without switching Bluetooth devices. Keep your hands off your phone; voice prompts have never been more convenient. Aside from its amazing battery, 135 hour standby time and the 5 hour talk time, the key features are its USB connectivity and EarPrint Application which allows you to upgrade your firmware to keep current with the times and stay up to date with the latest add on features. Why buy a new headset when you can update your current one. This headset has so many features that there are some I don’t ever see myself using such as its Pass Thru Mode; this mode allows you to boost sounds passing thru working almost as an amplifier. Those with hearing difficulties or who indulge in eavesdropping may find it more useful than others.

With only one button you may ask yourself how it can be packed with numerous features and options but that’s where the touch sensitive panel comes in handy to pull the load. In a call or while streaming music, you can raise and lower volume by simply sliding your finger in the favored direction against the touch pad. The headset also allows you to mute or unmute a call by simply placing your finger on the touch sensor for 2 seconds. This feature is definitely convenient for those that take calls and step away from their phones. To reject a call without touching your phone, just hold the main button down for 2 seconds. Want to redial, hit the main button twice. The headset itself allows you to adjust and play with more features directly from the headset but a number of more advanced features can be controlled by the Sound ID application for the headset which you can download OTA to your BlackBerry.

Sound-ID’s EarPrint application is designed solely to integrate with your headset so the user can customize every feature they’d like. The application allows you to adjust the in call status indicator weather you prefer it on or off. Same goes as well for noise reduction. If you’d like to turn off noise reduction and use the headset natively, this lets you do that. That feature I don’t use that I spoke about before, Pass thru mode, can be enabled or disabled through this app. When enabled, you can decide whether you want the sound streaming in focused or full 360 degree surround sound amplification. Never worry about misplacing your headset again; with the Find My Headset feature, you can locate your headset if it is turned on and within range. Once activated, the headset LED will blink and the headset will start emitting multiple loud beeping sounds for 20 seconds at a time. The application has a built in sound level meter which will display the decibel level from a safe to dangerously loud range. The visual battery meter will come in handy when you’ve gone a day or two without charging it. When you do charge it, it will go from empty to full in less than 2.5 hours. The applications greatest user controlled option is the personal sound adjustment. While in a call or listing to music, you can drag the slider bar up down or left to right to adjust the sound quality you hear to your personalized comfort. You can have preferences saved for music as well as calls and if clarity is ever an issue, you can always readjust mid call. If you get too boggled down with all the settings options, you can always reset your headset and app to factory settings through the application. The application’s biggest flaw is load time and response time but I’m confident as more release’s come out, that issue will be resolved.

I made sure I used this headset for a substantial amount of time before putting up the review and one thing I can vouch for is call clarity and comfort. You know my type as soon as you see the headset in my ear all day every day. Believe it or not, this headset made a cameo in my driver license picture and it’s mainly because I find it so comfortable that it’s more convenient to keep it on than to reach in my pocket multiple times thought the day to answer calls. I’ve experimented with more headsets than I can count or try to remember but what’s important about this one is that is has the call clarity of the jawbone family and the comfort of the Plantronics ear gels. I couldn’t stand how uncomfortable the jawbone’s line was but loved the clarity and as for the other main contender in the market, it was the opposite for my Plantronics headsets. I loved their comfort but saw room for improvement in their noise canceling. This might be a brand name less heard of but for sure offers a cutting edge product for a slightly lower price than the top dogs on the market. You can pick this up for $129.99 but comes with a one year warranty and outstanding support. If you have one, please drop us a line and let us know what you think of the headset. If you are in the market for a different headset, let us know and well try to get a review up for it so you know your options before you buy.

Impressions on the BlackBerry Torch 9800 OtterBox Commuter Case

Mac Jadalhack — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:30:23 +0000

OtterBox has been my favorite line of BlackBerry cases for years now. I was excited to see them roll out a Commuter case for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 from the very beginning. Impressively, the design was sleek, fitting the Torch well and still maintaining the whole OtterBox look even though this was a slider BlackBerry unlike any other device we’ve seen before from RIM. Hit the jump for some quick impressions on the BlackBerry Torch 9800 Commuter case.

Design:

I’m not much of a case guy, but I have been known to throw on an OtterBox or Case-Mate cover every so often. What I really like about the OtterBox Commuter on the Torch is the really sleek design as I had just mentioned. The bottom part consists of a thin rubber shield that’s inserted into a hard shell which fits perfectly on to the backside of the Torch. As for the front cover, a plastic frame easily snaps right around the screen. Cosmetically, it all goes together very well, making it quite obvious that it is an OtterBox from a distance and not just any cover.

Feel:

It really isn’t much of a bulky feel in the hand, but it is different. if you’re used to having your Torch nudey and snap one of these on, you’ll see that there is a difference in the size of the device obviously, but nothing you can’t get used to. The main key here is protection from drops where your Torch could tragically get scratches or even destroyed. Something to note here that not a lot of case reviews have is how the keyboard feels with it on. For me the keys are all accessible without anything in the way as other cases tend to cause interruptions in the way you type.

Convenience:

Silicon cases for mobiles tend to be quite annoying only because they’re tough to take out of your pockets and vice versa. Also silicon cases build a lot of lint and dust really easy. If you’re a BlackBerry user, there are times where you have to do a battery pull, neglecting the the hot keys on the keyboard that perform the same operation. Silicon cases stretch out over time from applying the case on and taking it off frequently.

With that said, the Commuter, not just for the Torch but across the board for all devices eliminates that inconvenience faced with silicon covers. With the Commuter, the silicon shield is the very first layer which is thin and wraps around the Torch really tight. The outer layer is a hard shell case and that’s what makes it so easy slide in and out of your pocket.

Complaints:

The plastic frame that goes around the screen is a little annoying. Surely you can say that you’ll do without it and just keep the bottom on, but then the Torch looks rather odd.

As many of you Torch owners know by know, the screen can be really wobbly when closed down and the Commuter case makes that shake and instability stand out even more. If your Torch doesn’t face these issues, then maybe it’s no big deal but from the few units I tried it on myself, it faces that same problem. You can even see the gap between the bottom cover and the top screen frame and that’s where it’ll keep going up and down as your typing or just click via touchscreen. If you’re all QWERTY and trackpad like most, then this might not be an issue for you.

Conclusion:

We’ve reviewed Commuter series cases before and they are definitely highly favored over the Defender and Impact or even against other cases by other manufacturers because of the sleek look and premium protection provided. If you’re looking for those two things then then Commuter is perfect.

Quick Review: Wicked Empire Lucky Earbuds

Mac Jadalhack — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:30:56 +0000

I don’t know about all of you but I use my BlackBerry for my mobile MP3-age. Maybe not all the time, but when I am on the road, or traveling somewhere, I do go about it. Certainly many of you own iPods on the side to handle all your music but in the end everybody uses headphones or earbuds. Over the past month, I’ve been testing out the Wicked Empire Lucky earbuds to see how well they worked on the go in crowded areas, or even in quiet spots zoned out. So we decided to do a quick review here walking through some general specifics on them. Keep in mind we are BlackBerry people, so if there’s anything in the review you’d like to know or want us to add in, kindly drop us a line.

Design:

Wicked Empire has quite a few different styles out, ones with crosses, skulls, and 8-balls like this one here. Fashionably they look good, but we’re not all about the fashion and more into how well they work.

Comfort:

Comfort is important. No one would really appreciate earbuds with thorns sticking out prying at the skin inside your ear while hearing music. That’s a bit dramatic, but you get the idea. The earbuds are really comfortable. Included in the box is spare rubbers that go over in case the originals go bad for you. At first I put them in wrong and was disappointed with the sound, but realized i had them on reversed. Yes it makes a difference.

Quality:

I tried the Wicked Empire Lucky Earbuds with different kinds of music including rock, hip-hop, and techno just to see how the sound would come out. Overall, the treble seems really on point and can get a bit flakey when reaching higher volumes but for the average ears who don’t want the club effect in the ear, it’s no big deal. The bass was good as well, although it doesn’t seem to be so smooth with some tracks that consisted of a lot of back to back base such as techno music.

Overall:

The Wicket Empire Lucky Earbuds give you a really good bang for your buck. Since they retail at only $35, it doesn’t make it all that bad. For those seeking everyday headphones to use on your BlackBerry, laptop, or even iPod, you can’t really go wrong here. Surely there are lots of other earbuds to purchase out there for cheaper, but this is definitely a good consumer product to get at a low premium.

Check out Wicked Empire Audio Gear >>

-by Mac Jadalhack

Review: BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-700

Mac Jadalhack — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:57:49 +0000

Just yesterday we received the all new BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-700 in to check out. We had all day to play around with it and try it out. So with that said, a review was more than ready to be in play. The HS-700 is one of the most unique Bluetooth headsets I have ever used. I have a lot of friends that have trouble using these wireless headsets due to trouble pairing, lack of battery life, and all other sorts of nonsense. The HS-700 takes Bluetooth wireless headsets to a whole new level with amazing options, features, and of course a very sleek design.

Design:

I wouldn’t want it any other way. Being a huge BlackBerry Bold fan with the leather back, I saw that the HS-700 also rocked a leather finish with chrome around making it really classy looking and keeping it all BlackBerry branded. Typical headsets you see around throw a huge logo on the side, making you a walking advertisement but this BlackBerry HS-700 gives you an elegant look without branding yourself to the public. The charger input is all the way in the back built in to the chrome keeping it out of your way and definitely far from the microphone which seemed to be an issue on my former Sound ID Bluetooth headset.

Key Features:

Voice commands: When a call comes in, just say “answer” or “ignore”. You can also dial, mute, swap calls, redial and more.
Voice prompts: Once you’re connected, voice prompts alert you with battery status updates, mute status and more.
Built for your BlackBerry smartphone: Listen to audio files saved on your smartphone and get turn-by-turn directions from third-party GPS mapping apps.¹
Advanced noise-cancellation technology: Get clear conversations with noise-cancellation technology and dual microphones.
Automatic volume control: The headset adjusts the volume of your call as you accelerate onto a highway or in other noisy environments.
Sleek design: Get fit, comfort and style with metallic finishes, a leather face and carefully crafted ear gels and ear hooks.

Comfort:

There are seven different ear pieces that are easily changeable and are most definitely included in the box. It took me through about three of them to see which one fit best, but believe me when I say this – everyone will find their fit with these. Not only are they ear bud pieces, but also around the ear hooks for those who prefer not to shove anything inside the ear. I personally use the smallest ear bud since it clips right into my ear, making me forget it’s even there.

Clarity:

So I tried the headset in various places between yesterday and today. Places included the mall, my car (windows up and down) home, and office. I think the biggest thing people are looking for these days is the freedom of speaking clearly with the windows down or in a crowded area. So using it with the windows down worked a charm, according to the party I was speaking with on the phone. There were a few moments where I had to speak louder but nothing I had to do to go out of my way as I have with other Bluetooth headsets.

Battery Life:

I’m not much of a phone talker but the headset gave me a good solid two hours of phone conversation with still more than 50% battery life. I’m still using it here and there today without having to charge it.

Power:

The HS-700 comes with the new and improved mini BlackBerry charger as we see with the BlackBerry Pearl 3G and BlackBerry Torch 9800. The USB wire is short though which was a bit inconvenient, but I do have other longer ones laying around.

Multimedia:

Here’s some confusion for some of you. Multimedia options on a Bluetooth headset? Of course. You can listen to music through the headset at anytime. Using voice commands, you can go to the next or previous track, increase or decrease the volume, and play, pause, or stop the track as well.

Cool Features:

So what’s so different in the HS-700 that other Bluetooth headsets don’t have? Firstly, upon turning it on and placing it in your ear. The headset speaks to you and walks you through pairing it with your BlackBerry. That’s something you don’t get spending this kind of money any where else. Also, there are voice commands you can say in your headset that allows you perform certain tasks or check up on statuses such as your battery life of your headset. That’s key because there’s a lot of folks out there who do not know how much battery life they have until it blinks red and demands a charge. Stay on top of things and know how much battery life you have left at any time. Speaking wirelessly is important after all (especially if you’re in a state where talking on cellphones without one is prohibited).

So here’s a quick walkthrough on voice commands:

If you don’t know what the commands are, simply say “What can I say?”
To open the options menu say “Options”
To check the battery level say “Battery”
To answer a call you can say “Answer”
To ignore a call you can say “Ignore”

These are just a few examples of what you can say through the headset. In my opinion, if you’re going to use a wireless Bluetooth headset, stay wireless all the way. The HS-700 gives your hands freedom allowing you to dictate what you want to do with your voice, without having to take your eyes off the road so much and be easily distracted.

Stock Specifications:

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth® 2.1 for simplified pairing
Bluetooth® HFP and A2DP Bluetooth profile
Range: 10m/33 feet

Power:

Dedicated on/off switch
200 hours standby time
4.5 hours talk time
BlackBerry® USB Power Plug included
BlackBerry® Micro-USB Charger included

Voice Commands:

For status info and call tasks:
- What can I say?
- Options
- Battery
- Redial
- Call last
- Call
- Call
- Answer
- Ignore
- Mute
- Unmute
English language support only

For music tasks:
- What can I say?
- Play
- Next track
- Previous track
- Pause
- Stop
- Volume up
- Volume down

Other features:

Caller name announcement
Audible voice prompts
Advanced noise-cancellation technology
Audio streaming¹

Overall:

It’s a winner for me. I can safely say that I am putting away my former Bluetooth headset for this BlackBerry HS-700. Not only is the call quality great on it, but the voice commands system sells itself better than any other ones I have seen on the market. Of course it works with other mobile phones but if you own a BlackBerry, this is your perfect match.

-by Mac Jadalhack

Quick Review: AGF GRT Case for the BlackBerry Torch 9800

Mac Jadalhack — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:48:40 +0000

AGF first displayed these cases at the BlackBerry Torch 9800 launch event in NYC along with others. I had never tried their cases out in the past and definitely had to give it a shot on this one. We’re not going to go so deep into this case, but we’ll show you quite a few pictures and give you our insight on it. So AGF was one of the first to announce cases available for the BlackBerry Torch 9800 along with Case-Mate and OtterBox. We have never tried anything from AGF in the past, so I figured this would make for a good first run.

Firstly, this case is really nice. I was really surprised to see how it all fit together. Upon receiving it, I figured that the top cover would slap on along with the bottom and that’s it. It turns out that the top cover that goes around the screen has railings on the sides which hook right into the bottom cover allowing you to slide your Torch back and forth. The sliding action is really awesome but does take some time to get used to as it is a bit more “stiff” with the cover on.

The case is very comfortable to use in hand. It appears a bit bulky, but any cover out there will add extra junk to your Berry any way. The one thing I don’t like is the huge indents on the sides for the charger ports, convenience key buttons and 3.5mm jack because it doesn’t always feel right when holding it in your hand.

Complaints? The charger. I don’t feel so confident plugging my BlackBerry charger inside my Torch with the case on. I felt like I had to jam it in there sort of and it wasn’t going straight on in but bent a bit. If so, overtime the plug inside the Torch can very well break leaving you with a dead BlackBerry. Then again it could mean nothing at all and that’s just how the charger fits in.

Overall satisfaction? Yes, as mentioned before the case is great. Other than the fear of breaking my charger port inside, I’m pretty confident using it, and it does add really nice protection.

Check out more at AGF >>

-by Mac Jadalhack

Review: iSkin Vibe for the BlackBerry Bold 9700

Zain Haq — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:33:38 +0000

From the BlackBerry’s first smartphone in release in 2002, cases have always been available for those interested in giving their device an extra layer of security. From OtterBox to Case-Mate and even RIM itself, the list of vendors for BlackBerry covers has never seemed to short. Into this busy market comes iSkin, a company started in 2006 that initially focused on Apple products like the iPod and iPhone but is now seeking to extend its range over a variety of BlackBerry devices through a line called iSkin Vibes.

Vibe covers make their striking first impressions before the covers are even opened: the loud colors- including purple, pink, and turquoise- help give many BlackBerries the je ne sais quos that many feel RIM’s straight-laced smartphones lack. For the more conservative BlackBerry user, the cases come in straight black and red as well. The camera cover on the back seems at first to be a simple piece of plastic, but that too has a flair: designs in the transparent piece maintain the loose, charmingly eccentric design of the cover.

The liberal designs and audacious colors of the case belie the firmness and uncompromising protection it provides the phone. Slightly difficult to initially get around the phone, the Vibe grips tightly and lets very little in the way of dirt or dust to settle into the cover. The stiff polymer material around the phone also absorbs a great deal of impact before reaching the phone, which becomes doubly impressive when one considers the relative lightness of the case itself. With the anti-glare clear film that also comes with the case, the iSkin Vibe provides security for both the phone and the screen at a level far beyond other cases of the same weight.

In addition to the relative lightness of the cases, Vibes also benefit from a slippery characteristic that makes the cased phone easier to pull out of a holster or pocket than phones with rubber cases, which can sometimes hold on and make access cumbersome. The buttons, while not excellent, do the intended job of reaching the buttons on the phone relatively well, though their indentations do take away from the overall smoothness of the case. While iSkin’s lack of experience with the BlackBerry line does not hurt the button placing much, it does make accessing both the power wire and headphone jack difficult. The jack is covered by a piece that often proves difficult to open, and the case also covers a small portion of the charging wire- leaving the wire loose and liable to fall out repeatedly.

These problems, while not inconsequential, do not significantly detract from the positives of the Vibe. Neither does the $35 price: cases of similar quality cost about the same, and the iSkin Vibe is likely even better than its competitors. While iSkin will certainly get better as they refine their BlackBerry cases, this initial effort proves that the company is indeed up to muster. Perhaps the largest barrier to entry, however, will be the sheer number of competitors in the market; iSkin may find creating and maintaining a market share in such a stuffed industry difficult, as many people do not regularly update their cases. For a new buyer, though, or someone finding a new case, the iSkin Vibe works about as well as any case can- it is eye-catching, strong, light, smooth to the touch, and available at a reasonable price. Whether the virtues of the design produce a significant market response has yet to be seen and may serve as a harbinger to future companies looking to enter the smartphone case market.

Check out iSkin Vibes at the PocketBerry Store >>

-by Zain Haq

Review: Scosche flipSYNC – Mini & Micro USB Wire in a Keychain

Mac Jadalhack — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:30:26 +0000

This is the best. When I received this in the mail yesterday for review, I was just so amazed by it. Yes, it’s a simple as a USB wire, but its useful purpose and small design into a keychain, how could you not love it? The Scosche flipSYNC has both mini and micro USB adapters (as seen in the image after the jump), with a USB end on the other side to plug into any desktop computer or laptop. It hangs right on your keychain and has definitely become my new best friend. So how much are one of these bad boys? For 20 bucks, you can grab flipSYNC for BlackBerry or Apple products.

If you think it’s expensive, then you’re still not thinking outside the box. Your mind is stuck in “20 dollars for a USB wire” mode. Leave that thought, and think of the convenience of having it in this small keychain form and there you have the value. Of course some of you still may not take my word for it after this and call me crazy for it, but I do sync/charge via USB a lot and this will do wonders for me.

As seen in the picture above, there isn’t much to it. Use it like any other data cable. One improvement I would like to see is if they could add a retractable wire to it instead of having it so short as you see. Perhaps this will call for making the flipSYNC larger, resulting into a not so convenient gadget. Other than that, there’s not much you can say about a simple accessory like the Scosche flipSYNC

Gadgets it goes well with? I’ll go ahead and say the ZAGGsparq. Instead of carrying around a USB cable, ill just use my flipSYNC right off my keychain for it.

For more info and to purchase click the link below!

Scosche flipSYNC >>

-by Mac Jadalhack

Review: Case-Mate Fuel Lite Case for the BlackBerry Bold 9700

Mac Jadalhack — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:38:59 +0000

I was fond of the Case-Mate Fuel Case for a while and always thought they ought to make a housing for the BlackBerry that charges your phone without the belt clip portion. So Case-Mate did indeed do so with the Fuel Lite series here. I started testing over the last few days finding both pros and cons in the device. I used a white BlackBerry Bold 9700 for pictures just so you can actually see the case and its thickness. When it’s all black, it meshes very well together and it isn’t even really noticed when glancing at it. So white Bold users – prepare to be noticed with one of these bad boys on. Hit the jump for more pictures and our full review on the Case-Mate Fuel Lite case for the BlackBerry Bold 9700.

Features:

Slim design and profile
Weighs only 2.1 oz.
Battery capacity up to 1020 mA
Power on/off button and LED lights to indicate charge levels make for optimal efficiency
Completely encases and protects the BlackBerry Bold 9700, including corners
Access to all ports and controls
Screen protection kit included

Additional Features

Talk Time: Up to 2 additional hours beyond standard BlackBerry Bold 9700 battery life
Internet Use: Up to 2 additional hours beyond standard BlackBerry Bold 9700 battery life
Video Playback: Up to 2.5 additional hours beyond standard BlackBerry Bold 9700 battery life
Audio Playback: Up to 5 additional hours beyond standard BlackBerry Bold 9700 battery life
Standby Time: Up to 150 additional hours beyond standard BlackBerry Bold 9700 battery life

Specifications:

battery capacity: up to 1020mA
battery charging current: up to 450mA
battery max discharging current: 2A
power consumption: 5v/2.5w
battery operational temperature range: 5°F to 122°F or -15°C to 50°C

Convenience:

I have a ZAGGsparq which I love having around to charge my portables (BlackBerry, iPad, camera). With that said I’m a fan of the whole capability of charging electronics wireless. As this Fuel Lite case is for the Bold 9700 only, I can’t charge my other gadgets with it (obviously) but the fact that it is designed in a hard-shell case that wraps around it, it’s a winner for me. There was a day this weekend where I did not charge my BlackBerry and was going to be on the road with a friend for a couple of hours. What to do? Bring in the ZAGGsparq or car charger? I figured the Fuel-Lite case would be the easiest, giving me less to carry and to forget in other people’s cars. On top of everything else, it charges via micro USB, just like your BlackBerry. So is it convenient? I think so.

Design/Size/Weight:

It’s pretty much an extended battery built in the the cover. Your phone will not be light as it was before, so don’t expect it. The Fuel Lite case is a 1020mA battery, so keep that in mind. As for the size, it’s pretty big. With the added thickness in the back, your BlackBerry will be noticed in your pocket a mile away. Good luck finding a holster to put your Berry with a Fuel Lite in. The design I was slightly disappointed with. As I’ve seen the iPhone Fuel Lite case, it seemed to be better designed. On the iPhone Fuel Lite case, there’s a little button in the back that clicks together when putting both pieces on to the device. As for the Bold 9700, it just slides right on, and is not stable at all. Eight out of ten times, I’m able to slide the top portion of the case right off at ease which worries me about drops or taking it out of my pocket or carrying it around. That’s something I would definitely like to see addressed in future models.

Performance:

The Fuel Lite case promises talk time, standby time and internet usage by 1.5 times the normal amount. I must say that information is factual and I have had my fair share of battery with this bad boy. Most of my BlackBerry usage goes out to emailing, BBM, and web browsing and as I do keep it in my hand for most of the day (sadly), the battery gets obviously consumed quickly. Keeping my BlackBerry on the go charging wirelessly while still being productive is just awesome.

So is the Case-Mate Fuel Lite case good for you? For me, I will continue using it — not full time though. I’ll keep it charged and have it on standby for those rainy days where I forget to charge my BlackBerry and need to be running around for a few hours. the Case-Mate Fuel Lite for BlackBerry goes for $47.95, which is about the same price you’ll pay for a lot of heavy duty cases such as the OtterBox Defender series. Hit the link below to check out a Fuel Lite case for you!

Check out Case-Mate Fuel Lite Cases >>

-by Mac Jadalhack

PocketBerry » Accessories

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