hahaha, thanks for the comments on the pictures. yes in the "before" state, the phone was a little bit abused. Ill try my best to keep the new cover as fresh and mint as possible.
also, to answer the question about the g1 trackball: No, it does not glow but it does feel much smoother than the OEM ball. maybe TOO smooth? to the point that it kinda slips. I just ordered an "atomic" trackball from the 8900 so ill keep the CB community posted about the feel of that vs. aftermarket blue trackball vs g1 vs oem.
