[IOH154]

After owning cases for a bit (over 3 months,) I thought I would give my two cents on which ones I like and don't. (From a police officer's point of view)

Upon purchasing my 7290, I immediately bought a Piel Frama case (cowhide black leather.) The best thing about the case is the quality of the leather and it looks sharp. What I didn't like is that one has to snap and secure the phone if one wishes to view the screen for whatever reason. The belt clip that came with the case felt very cheap. The first day I used it, I was out on a call and BAM! the clip broke, and this really agitated me. I did go into a local Radio Shack to pick up a new clip, but the detachable button that holds the clip into place broke off, so I had to deal with it. Now that case is sitting on my shelf collecting dust, and only comes out when I go somewhere nice and want to "dress up" my BlackBerry. Don't get me wrong, the case is very nice, but for my line of work, I would not recommend it.

I recently purchsed a "Skin-Tight" case and I love it. Like I wrote before, I do go on calls and I have been in foot chases, hopped fences, and engaged in a few physical altercations,, but now I have stopped worrying about banging up my phone. I would recommend this case to people who use their BlackBerry in a profession where they, or the phone, might get banged up every now and then. Another plus, for those that do a lot of driving (if there's other officers in here, I'm sure you can relate) it's always nice to secure one's phone somewhere in one's vehicle and not have to worry about having it fall, or something fall on it. Also, it's very convenient when one pulls it out of it's little holster and then has to resecure it (comes in handy when working different radios inside the vehicle or doing something with the vehicle's computer.)

To close things, I have nothing to gain or lose with these products. Each has their pros and cons, and I just wanted to give an insight for those out there who are in a profession where their phones might go through some rough times. Hopefully this insight helps someone out there.

[Lifestyles]

My 7290 has been to hell and back, and had wished I had something to save its face. Received a warranty replacement, (not picking up networks, dropping calls), and this time want to ensure device is kept relatively blemish free. have considered this one a long time. think i will get it...
thanks