[TLD1]

I have always been a fan of the great OEM leather in-box belt-clip pouches that RIM has packaged almost always with its BlackBerry smartphones. They have always been high quality, and have a tendency to last almost forever. The only problem I have had with these cases is, that with my business, a vertical-type case has a tendency to get knocked sideways, or even off my belt by my being in and out of cars all day…and the fact that, probably I’m just not as slim as I used to be as a teenager! For that reason, I have always tried to find a high-quality horizontal-mount belt-clip case/pouch for almost every phone I’ve ever used.

Seidio, a company that manufacturers a myriad of accessories for todays massive smartphone market, has just the kind of case I’ve been looking for…and it’s a perfect fit for the new BlackBerry 9000 Bold.

Seidioonline - Your Leading Manufacturer of Smartphone Accessories

After several days of use, both while my phone was “naked” and uncovered…and also with the Innocase Surface case from Seidio installed…I have been very satisfied with the functionality and construction of the case.

It is well built of a thick, soft leather…and the belt-clip is strong and wide so it’s virtually impossible to knock the case off of your belt with even a hard bump. The wide closing flap is held down in place by a magnetic button, that is thankfully hidden by a covering of leather so as not to scratch your precious BlackBerry when it’s being removed from the case. I am also impressed that it has plenty of room for either the “naked” or cased phone due to the elastic bands on the sides of the case. I imagine that it would even be generous enough to hold the BlackBerry Bold fitted with Seidios huge 3600mAh extended-life battery and thicker rear battery cover…although I never tried that personally. This case clearly has been designed to be compatible with a large variety of smartphones, not just the BlackBerry Bold.

That position of being a case-for-everyphone is both a help, and a hinderance for BlackBerry users who are concerned with battery life…as the Seidio Premium Leather case does not come equipped with a magnet that will put the BlackBerry in “sleep mode” a la the OEM cases (and Seidios plastic BB-specific holsters), so the BlackBerry user will probably notice a little less battery life at the end of the day than if he/she had been using a case that had a “sleep-magnet” built in.

This issue doesn’t keep the Seidio Premium Leather case from being on of the nicest leather cases I’ve ever come across for the BlackBerry Bold. Seidio is a great company, produces a huge line of quality smartphone accessories, and is always ready to help customers if there’s a problem. I recommend this case highly. It’s a well-built product that is clearly well worth the money.

[catbertz]

I was just ready to order when I noticed they didn't mention sleep mode, so I started searching to confirm it's absence. I'm really bummed that their "premium case" doesn't have the magnet to engage hibernation.