Thursday 5 May 2011

Ballistic HC Case for BlackBerry Curve 8500/9300 Series Reviewed

The Ballistic HC case offers protection for virtually every part of the BlackBerry Curve 8500/9300 Series. The HC is compatible with the Curve 8520/8530 as well as the Curve 9300/9330 models being that these devices share the exact same dimensions and feature placement.

Ballistic Hard Core Features

The Ballistic HC goes on in a snap-on fashion. First, install the two hard-shell pieces over your Curve by simply snapping them together. A soft, silicone outer layer is also included (but optional to install) that provides an additional layer of impact protection as well as a "grippy" feel. A screen protector is built-in to the hard-shell layer and covers the Curve display like a hood. The HC also includes a keyboard cover that is custom-etched to fit the Curve keypad while protecting it from dust and grime. The final layer is represented by the innovative holster/belt clip combo that houses the Curve 8500/9300 with the face-in for protection while in transit on your hip.

The buttons of the Curve are accessible and protected via push-through tabs built into the hard-shell layer. The ports are protected as well with attached, pull-out tabs on the silicone layer that act as plugs to keep dirt build-up from forming in the port openings. As stated above, the screen protector is attached to the hard layer, so no additional installation is required. The keyboard cover rests between the hard layer and the device itself and is held into place by the snug fit of the case.

The included holster has a "sleeper" magnet installed and will automatically put your Curve to sleep when it is placed in the holster (depending on your device settings). The holster also features a quick-release tab that allows for easy removal of the Curve from the holster. The belt-clip rotates 180 degrees for comfort and manages to stay put on your hip due to the special design of the clip itself.

Hands-On With the Ballistic HC

I installed the Ballistic HC on a BlackBerry Curve 9300 in a matter of seconds and the installation routine was relatively intuitive (no instructions required). The button tabs and port flaps lined up as they should and the case fit snugly around the Curve. The HC provided a very sleek and precise look to the Curve. The keyboard cover, however, didn't seem to line up with the keys precisely and the cover itself tended to shift around under the case. Some users may opt out of using the keyboard cover for this reason.

The screen protector does its job and doesn't protrude too much above the display to cause any distortion. Actually, you can't even tell the screen protector is there. I love the holster. The quick-release mechanism works perfectly and doesn't allow the Curve to hop out of the holster prematurely. The belt-clip was relatively easy to remove from my hip and the Curve stayed put. Ballistic claims that the HC can protect your Curve from drops as high as 20 feet. The case provides a thick, secure barrier around the Curve and feels solid in your hands.

The Ballistic HC earns it's name as a hard core protective system for the Curve 8500/9300 and is well worth the premium price tag, IMHO. One caveat of such an advanced protective case is the inevitable addition of bulk and weight to the Curve's native, low-profile design. If your looking for a low-bulk solution then the HC is not for you. The Ballistic HC was designed to provide heavy-duty protection from the elements and accomplishes that goal nicely.

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See our website for more details on the Ballistic HC for the Curve 8500/9300.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Starkey

William Starkey - EzineArticles Expert Author

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