[kennyschiff]

I have a 7290 with the OEM Leather case. I'm happy with the case, and won't buy the 8700 until I can find an equivalent. I've been watching all these threads, and I've yet to feel comfortable with what I'm hearing.

I just went to: http://www.blackberrystuff.com/blackberry-8700c.htm

and the first item in the list is the "RIM BlackBerry Leather Holster with Belt Clip." It looks very much like the 7290 case I have now.

Can anyone comment on this?

[mortgageguy]

Originally Posted by kennyschiff

I have a 7290 with the OEM Leather case. I'm happy with the case, and won't buy the 8700 until I can find an equivalent. I've been watching all these threads, and I've yet to feel comfortable with what I'm hearing.

I just went to: http://www.blackberrystuff.com/blackberry-8700c.htm

and the first item in the list is the "RIM BlackBerry Leather Holster with Belt Clip." It looks very much like the 7290 case I have now.

Can anyone comment on this?

I would say yes but I would not buy it from Blackberrystuff.com. SmartPhoneDepot.com is also carrying it. I have not had a good buying experience from Blackberrystuff.com in the past.

[dave3000]

It looks very much like the 7290 case I have now.

I think it is the 7290 case you have now.

dave

[stevew]

Originally Posted by dave3000

I think it is the 7290 case you have now.

dave

That's cuz it IS the 72XX case and it will not work wih the 8700...I feel sorry for anyone who has had the misfortune of buying one for the 8700, as the magnet placement is wrong and it fits the 8700 very poorly. I already tried this using my old 7290 case...no go. Notice the hydrofoam cases for the 8700 on the same page...which as well, do not work with the 8700.

[Nelsonj]

Sorry Steve, my experiences with this case cause me to disagree. I have been using this case for 2 months and am very happy with it. The GOOD: The 8700 is a tight fit, and that keeps it from dropping (zero drops so far). The design permits one hand removal (like drawing a side arm). The ratchet clip works 360 degrees and is low profile. The charging port is exposed when the 8700 is inserted. The speaker is exposed when inserted "face in". The BAD: The top of the 8700 is exposed (no protection if dropped). No magnet function (if that is an essential feature). Tight fit, I have to lock the keyboard before insertion. The UGLY: The leather material of this case is thin and offers little protection if dropped (the back is very rigid however). There is nothing fancy about it, but the quality is very good. Even with the tight fit, it isn't coming unstitched, isn't wearing out, and isn't rubbing or scratching the 8700 itself. There are small elastic wedge inserts on the sides that get stretched to their limit, but they are still holding their elasticity and the stitching is not pulling apart at all. Ok, so maybe there really isn't any UGLY.

Regards

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Nelsonj

Sorry Steve, my experiences with this case cause me to disagree. I have been using this case for 2 months and am very happy with it. The GOOD: The 8700 is a tight fit, and that keeps it from dropping (zero drops so far). The design permits one hand removal (like drawing a side arm). The ratchet clip works 360 degrees and is low profile. The charging port is exposed when the 8700 is inserted. The speaker is exposed when inserted "face in". The BAD: The top of the 8700 is exposed (no protection if dropped). No magnet function (if that is an essential feature). Tight fit, I have to lock the keyboard before insertion. The UGLY: The leather material of this case is thin and offers little protection if dropped (the back is very rigid however). There is nothing fancy about it, but the quality is very good. Even with the tight fit, it isn't coming unstitched, isn't wearing out, and isn't rubbing or scratching the 8700 itself. There are small elastic wedge inserts on the sides that get stretched to their limit, but they are still holding their elasticity and the stitching is not pulling apart at all. Ok, so maybe there really isn't any UGLY.
Regards

The RIM 77xx leather case is a perfect fit...all I had to do was add a small flat magnet on the backside. It works much better than that case and the phone fits in perfectly...I tried to use the 72xx case that you are talking about, but the RIM 77xx case works prefectly with none of the issues you described in this post. For me, the magnet (holster profile was very important) as it does many things including saving battery...I agree with you on the quality however...it is way better than the rest at less money. If you see a 77XX case, try that one, you will be much happier with it. It is identical to yours, but larger.

[rtcsi]

Steve: where did you place the magnet on the 77XX holster?

[stevew]

Originally Posted by rtcsi

Steve: where did you place the magnet on the 77XX holster?

I used the 1/4" washer magnet that came from the RIM 72XX Hydrofoam case and the center of the magnet is placed exactly 7/8" up from the bottom of the case on the backside. It works perfectly there for the 8700. I also made the front convinience key a "keyboard lock" button, in case it hits on the way down while sliding the phone into the case. Any slim, strong magnet would work though -- and I glued it on using Lepage contact cement. I have been using it this way for a month and all is solid and perfect.

Edit: Sorry -- should have also indicated that it was placed dead center from side to side of the case at 7/8" up from the bottom outside edge

[yumif]

Originally Posted by stevew

I used the 1/4" washer magnet that came from the RIM 72XX Hydrofoam case and the center of the magnet is placed exactly 7/8" up from the bottom of the case on the backside. It works perfectly there for the 8700. I also made the front convinience key a "keyboard lock" button, in case it hits on the way down while sliding the phone into the case. Any slim, strong magnet would work though -- and I glued it on using Lepage contact cement. I have been using it this way for a month and all is solid and perfect.

Edit: Sorry -- should have also indicated that it was placed dead center from side to side of the case at 7/8" up from the bottom outside edge

you can find it on e-bay i have it ,its great.