I recently acquired a Bold 9700 and while I like the included holster, I wanted something that could protect my phone on those days I didn't want something clipped to my side.
I originally purchased one of the RIM branded soft rubber cases at retail price (around 10 or 12 dollars I believe) at a local cellular store. This case wasn't bad but I felt didn't offer the level of protection I wanted. For the price, it also didn't come with a clear screen protector which I had to pay extra for.
Being the type of person that isn't satisfied until it's right, I started doing some research online. I came across the Otterbox product line on Amazon and saw that there were three cases made for the 9700. The first one I looked at was the Commuter. It was nice, no doubt about that but I didn't like the two piece design. The Defender on the other hand was definitely rugged, but overkill for my needs. I work in an office, not a construction site. Having ruled out both Commuter and Defender cases, the last I looked at was this one, the Impact.
From the description and photos, it looked like just the product I wanted. It wasn't too bulky but had cushioning in all the right places. It also came with clear screen protector. The price was also very reasonable compared to its more expensive counterparts. I ordered one and Amazon had it shipped to me in a couple of days.
Upon receiving the case, I looked at it closely and it's certainly well made. The quality is by far superior to the more expensive RIM branded case, plus offered better protection. The Impact case also fit the 9700 extremely well. The speaker and microphone holes were cut perfectly, as well as the access ports for the 3.5mm headphone jack and charging socket.
One thing that I didn't like about the RIM case was that it felt loose when it was on the phone. The Otterbox Impact on the other hand enveloped my Blackberry like a well-formed glove with very little play. Inserting and removing the phone was easy, but the case was also reassuringly snug. This phone won't slip out of the case during a fall, that's for sure.
I normally don't review the products I purchase on Amazon, but I felt compelled to write something good about this case. For around 10 dollars before tax and shipping, I don't think there's a better product out there. The included screen protector is a nice addition as well.
If I could only say one negative thing about the Otterbox Impact, it's that the screen isn't protected should the phone hit something hard at an angle. However, that problem is inherent to all case designs like this, regardless of whether or not it's made by Otterbox or another company. The screen protector that's included in the box will help prevent scratches on the LCDs surface, but will not protect it from impact. If you're looking for something that does, then the Defender or any other case that features a hard screen protector is what you need.
In conclusion, the OtterBox Impact is a fantastic case for your Bold 9700. It's relatively inexpensive and very well made. I highly recommend this product. OtterBox Impact Case for Bold 9700
PROs: 1. Snug fit
2. Great material and built quality
3. Comes w/ screen protection film
4. Does not interfere with typing
5. Covers most of the phone while keep all connectors and camera accessible
6. Great price
CONs: 1. Add some bulk to the phone (I actually prefer it because I have big hands)
2. Attracts dust and lint
I bought this case because I have a tendency of dropping my phone and needed a case that would protect it while at the same time not be too thick to prevent me from carrying it in my pocket. This case defintely offers more protection than the ones I've seen in the AT&T store. Also, it is thin enough to not make the phone too bulky (a little bit is to be expected). The outlets on the phone are also easily accessible with this case as are the buttons for volume, camera, mute and lock. However, you cannot use the charging cradle with this case on.
The bad part about this phone is that it is a magnet for dust, lint, dog hair and anything else that might be in your pocket or surface where you place the phone. I have to clean it once a day with a moist cloth so it won't look too bad.
I may not buy this product again because of how dirty it gets. I may try a hard shell case next time.
I normally don't buy silicon protective cover for Cell and PDA. But after dropping my Blackberry a few times, I bought this Otterbox Impact for my new Bold 9700, I am amazed at the quality of this product as compared to those I saw at chain retail stores. Installing the protective screen shield that came with the package was easy. I love it.
I'll basically just echo what others have said....
PROs:
-Very Durable
-The textured back keeps the phone form sliding around on the car console.
-Feels better in my big, "Bear Paw" hands
-Does not muffle the sound, or block the camera, screen or the keyboard
-Looks great on the phone
CON's
-A little hard to get on and off if you have to do a battery pull.
-The Added bulk keeps it from fitting in the stock belt case (I've yet to find one that it does fit.)
-Lint/Pet hair?Dust magnet. Put it's nothing a quick wipedown with a damp cloth, or a "Wet nap"/baby wipe won't fix.
-The side buttons are a little bit harder to press. This is good and bad as it does help prevent the accidental pressing of them.
This is the only skin that I have for my 9700 and I love it. Not too bulky, but provides protection against minor mishaps. My only problem is that it attracts pocket lint, pet hair, human hair etc. And it's difficult sometimes to get the fuzzy gunk off. Other than that, I highly recommend the Impact Case. All of my Otterbox products have been excellent. - Blackberry - 9700 - Otterbox - Bold 9700'
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