BlackBerry Forums at CrackBerry.com - Accessory Reviews http://forums.crackberry.com/ Reviews of BlackBerry Accessories written by members of CrackBerry Nation! en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:13:53 GMT vBulletin 60 http://images.crackberry.com/forum_images/misc/rss.jpg BlackBerry Forums at CrackBerry.com - Accessory Reviews http://forums.crackberry.com/ Review: Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=363884&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:25:11 GMT *Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger* Manufacturer: Talismoon Site: Buy from Divineo US... Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo Italy / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from Divineo Spain
Price: $30.99

Universal Travel Charger (for non-EU users)
USB Power Travel Charger with Plug Converters / Travel All-in-One Universal AC Adapter with USB Power / Universal Travel AC Adapter Plug


Overview : More than a universal all in one charger, the Overlife will store energy to reload any devices independently. It is your ideal nomad companion. Overlife is a small, black shiny design nomad battery.

Just plug it to any USB port or wall plug, and you can directly charge any Motorola - Samsung - Nokia - Sony Ericsson - Samsung - iPhone - iPod - Mini USB - NDSL - NDSi and all PSP models. You can also store energy in, so you can charge any of your devices on the go.

A blue LED indicator shows you the level of charge and the charging status.

This perfect nomad companion will avoid you traveling with numerous bulky chargers, and provide emergency power in any situation.

Features:
  • High capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack style
  • Charge anywhere, recharge anything - standard USB input and output
  • Inter-changeable connector heads charging different mobile phones, MP3/MP4 player, iPod, iPhone, PSP, NDS, etc.
  • Power indicator LED shows battery capacity level.
  • Impressive 2500mAh storage (recharge your devices and gadgets several times)
  • None memory effect, short circuit protection
  • Powerful power supply is enough for even the most power-hungry mobile devices.
Specifications:
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery
  • Capacity: 2500mAh
  • Input Voltage: AC 100V-240V/50Hz-60Hz DC 5V / 1A
  • Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
  • Output Volts: 5.4V (+/-0.2V)
  • Output Current: 1000mA (Max)
  • Charging time: 3 ~ 3.5 Hours.
  • Cycle Life: At least 500 times
  • Operating Temperature: -10°C / 40°C
  • Storage and Transportation Temperature: -20°C / 50°C
  • Dimension: 92.5 * 57.3 * 13.8 mm
  • Weight: 80g
Quality/Usability : Sometimes I forget to charge my PSP, DS, iPod and most importantly, my Blackberry cellphone. Its worse when you're not near a wall outlet, computer or have your charger on you. These days, majority of portable devices can be charged via USB. Talismoon has developed a product to help give you enough power to beat that boss on the last level or to help you get through you long commute with your music/movie or even that last minute call to your wife/mother.

The Talismoon Overlife Charger has a nice piano black gloss casing but can be a potential to be a fingerprint magnet and scratches. The front has a "CHECK" button. Around this button are 4 LEDs. When you press the "CHECK" button, blue LEDs will light up that will display whether the battery is LOW, HALF or FULL. If Overlife is fully charged, all three blue LEDs will be lit up. As the charge slowly dissipates from charging other products, the LED next to FULL will get dimmer and dimmer. As more charge is drained from Overlife, the LED will get dimmer until it is fully discharged. The fourth LED is when the Overlife is in use (USE) and lights up blue as well.

I personally dont know why Talismoon choose this method of display when you check the status of battery. I would of preferred a single LED to tell me if its full, half or low. Having the LEDs dim can get a little confusing considering its a little hard to tell by the brightness of the LEDs. Or even a single LED that changes color to let me know how much power is left.

The charge time on this is a little disappointing. It takes about 3 hours from a drained Overlife to a fully charge Overlife. I can live with 1.5-2 hour charge but 3 hours is a very long time. To charge the Overlife, you can use the included USB cable. However, this USB cable has two purposes...one is to charge the Overlife and one is to charge other devices. Simply connect the USB cord into the USB out port at the top of Overlife, attach one of the heads to the other end of the USB cable and start charging! The USB out port has a rubber cover to protect it. Unfortunately, this cover doesnt come out or pull out. You will have to pull it back. Sometimes, this can get in the way. Would have been nice if it came out further.

I've tried charging a completely dead Sony PSP using the interchangeable head and Overlife, the charging indicator on both the PSP and Overlife constantly blinked on and off. I charged the PSP and at 10%, the Overlife still blinked and the power status light on the PSP didnt change orange but stayed green but you can slightly see orange blink. Despite the LED indicators, the PSP's power source now stated "external" but was not charging (when PSP is turned on). So it seems that Overlife is not powerful enough to charge a completely dead PSP since it probably requires more power in the beginning. You only get a steady orange light is if the PSP is on, you connect the charging cable and you put the PSP to sleep. If you turn on the PSP, it turns on and than turns off. You'll have to unplug the charging cable in order to turn the PSP on.

I was able to charge my Moixa USBCell AA Battery's, DS Lite, iPod Touch 2G and Blackberry Tour. With the output of 1000mAh, charge time didnt take long. I was able to charge my Blackberry Tour within an hour and a half. This came in handy when I was watching a movie on my Blackberry Tour which drained all my battery and my wife called discussing important wedding plans. I wasnt near a computer or outlet but I had my USB cable on me, so I connected the Overlife to my Blackberry and was able to finish our conversation.

Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon Overlife Universal Charger works wonders...if you're not charging a device that requires a lot of power. Its portable and can charge any USB device on the fly. The piano black gloss look will make fingerprints stand out like a sore thumb...even scratches. The CHECK status can be a little confusing as the LED may look like the same brightness and can be a little bit deceiving. The Overlife lacks a carry case to store the Overlife, USB cable and interchangeable heads. It could be a carry case or even a pouch to store everything. If you live in a country other than Europe, you will need to purchase a universal power plug since the Overlife Charger only comes with a EU plug. Be sure to charge this early if you plan to take it with you because you'll need about 3 hours to charge fully.

Images via comments ]]> Accessory Reviews y2bandit http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=363884 Review: XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=362323&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:17:31 GMT *XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger* Manufacturer: XCM Site: Buy from Play-Asia... XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France / Buy from Extreme-Mods / Buy from ConsoleShop
Price: $69.99



Overview : Finally a way to charge all your valuable electronics with one device!

Introducing the Multi-Charger from XCM. This unit will charge your iPhone, PSP (all PSP series from 1000-3000 series), Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, PS3 Wireless Controller, NDS (all NDS series, including NDS, NDSL and NDSi) and more.... (all devices using USB 5v input will be supported, such as the Nokia mobile phone series etc) with ease. No more lugging around multiple chargers, this one does it all. Made with the high quality craftsmanship you've grown to expect from the XCM brand, this charger will surely provide the power you need for many years to come!

Features:
  • 4 USB ports
  • Supports any USB 5v input
Compatible with:
  • PSP (1000-2000-3000)
  • NDS, NDS Lite, NDSi
  • iPhone
  • Nokia mobile phones and many more
Includes:
  • PSP USB cable
  • DS Lite USB cable
  • DSi USB Cable
  • iPod/iPhone USB Cable
  • US AC plug
  • EU AC Plug
  • Australia AC Plug
  • BS AC Plug
Quality/Usability : I must admit, I'm a gadget freak. I have surge protectors daisy chained to each other. There just isnt enough outlets! I'm surprised my house hasnt burned down with all these wires. If I find an open slot in my surge protector, I'll charge my DS, PSP, camera battery, cellphone..thats if I'm lucky to find 1 spot. If I cant, I use my USB port on my computer. Now, my USB ports are starting to become scarce as more portable devices start to use them. Yes, you can purchase a USB hub but majority of the time, they arent powerful enough to charge the device and you get an error message on your computer. Even the ones that come with power plugs gives me an error.

XCM has released a stand alone Universal USB Multi-Charger. No need to plug this charger into a computer or USB port. Choose your AC plug and connect plug it into a socket (AC 100-240V) and the other end into the Multi-Charger. The Multi-Charger has a square glossy white casing with a small LED light that lights up when plugged into outlet and the logo on top. The logo uses a Walt Disney type font. On the front of the Multi-Charger are 4 USB ports. Since it draws its power from the socket, you wont have to worry about overdrawing power or having to wait 5 hours to fully charge a device when it should only take 1 hour or so.

The Multi-Charger measures 5 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1.5 inches thick and comes with four (4) AC plugs (US, EU, UK and Asia). The plugs are short in length so you will not be able to place it on a table or next to your computer. Wires measure about 16 inches long from tip of plug that inserts into XCM Multi-Charger to the base of AC plug (not the prongs). Also included are four (4) USB plugs (PSP, DSL, DSi, iPhone/iPod). You're not limited to using only these devices. I was able to charge my Blackberry device, Bluetooth headset, PS3 controller, Xbox controller, USB battery, pretty much anything I can think of that uses a USB to charge the device. The charge time is about the same time it would take if you use the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) chargers that came with the device.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Universal USB Multi-Charger is a great product. I do not have to use all my USB ports nor do I have to leave my PS3, Xbox 360 or computer on just to charge my USB devices. Since some wall chargers are huge and can cover up an empty socket, this also eliminates the amount of wall chargers and bulk. I was able to charge all my devices without a problem. My only complaint is the lack of cord length on the AC plug for the Multi-Charger. I was not able to place the Multi-Charger on a desk. I had to place it on the floor. This is also a drawback for those who need to plug this in the back of a shelf or entertainment center. You can use an extension cord but do you want to go out and buy one or even find one in the house? I guess it was done to cut down on the size and package and more cost effective even though it costs $70. A bit steep in price for a USB charger that plugs into wall socket but the ability to charge 4 devices at the same time using one outlet is priceless.







]]> Accessory Reviews y2bandit http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=362323 Review: WaterField Designs Suede Jacket Cell Phone Case http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=356889&goto=newpost Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:42:10 GMT Having reviewed so many games (http://games-reviews.dcemu.co.uk/) and gaming accessories (http://reviews.dcemu.co.uk/), I thought it was time to do... Having reviewed so many games and gaming accessories, I thought it was time to do something different and give back to the Blackberry Community...

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WaterField Designs Suede Jacket Cell Phone Case
Manufacturer: WaterField Designs
Site: Buy from WaterField Designs
Price: $9.00 (no pocket) / $13 (with pocket)

Overview : Keep 'em Together. It doesn't get any thinner than this! This Ultrasuede® slipcase prevents scratches on your cell phone. The elasticity of the pocket keeps it flat when empty and stretchy enough to hold your bluetooth or earbuds safely. Low profile slides easily into your shirt or jeans pocket. Comes in three sizes for a perfect fit on your Apple iPhone 3G/3GS, Samsung Instinct, HTC Touch Diamond, HTC Touch Pro, LG Dare, Blackberry Bold 9000, Blackberry Tour 9630, Blackberry Storm 9530/9550/9520, Blackberry Curve 8310/8320/8330, Palm Pre, Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, Nokia E71 or the Google Android G1. Available with or without the new pocket.


Suede Jacket Cell Phone Cases
  • Available in multiple sizes:
  • Apple iPhone 3G or 3GS / 2.5" x 4.6" / Size 30
  • BlackBerry Bold / 4.5" x 2.6" x 0.6" / Size 51
  • Blackberry Curve / 4.2" x 2.4" x 0.6" / Size 50
  • Blackberry Storm / 4.4" x 2.5" x 0.6" / Size 52
  • Google Android G1 / custom fit / Size 80
  • HTC Touch Diamond / 4" x 2.0" x 0.6" / Size 65
  • HTC Touch Pro / 4.1" x 2.2" x 0.5" / Size 70
  • LG Dare / 4.1" x 2.2" x 0.5" / Size 70
  • LG Dare Extended Battery / 4.1" x 2.2" x 0.5" / Size 71
  • Nokia E71 / 4.49" x 2.24" x 0.39" / Size 60
  • Palm Pre / 3.9" x 2.3" x 0.67" / Size 71
  • Samsung Instinct / 4.6" x 2.2" x 0.5" / Size 60
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 / 4.4" x 2.1" x 0.7" / Size 80
Quality/Usability : Having purchased a SEIDIO Innocase II and Innocase Holster for my Blackberry Tour, there may be times where I didnt feel like carrying my holster but wanted the slight protection for my screen. Even though I have a Clarivue Screen Protector on my screen since day one, I just don't like any screens on any of my phones to be exposed. I purchased a cheap soft drawstring pouch on eBay but it was a tight fit and I was barely able to close the pouch. I happened to stumble upon the WaterField Designs Suede Jacket Cell Phone case. The cell phone case is made out of a soft, scratch-free microfiber: Ultrasuede™. Ultrasuede is a completely synthetic material. The suede is smooth as you expect and would not damage or scratch your phone/screen.

The suede jacket I received was size 51 for the Blackberry Bold 9000. A naked Blackberry Bold will fit perfectly inside the suede jacket (sorry no pics). However, if you have a Blackberry Bold with SEIDIO Innocase, it won't fit. A Blackberry Tour 9630 with SEIDIO Innocase is a perfect fit (just a wee bit snug). A naked Tour would be slightly loose inside the case. Of course, a naked Blackberry Curve 8330 would be a little loose inside the jacket as well.




For an additional charge of $4, you can add a pocket. The pocket is sewed onto the suede and is made of neoprene/spandex type material. This pocket stretches and allows you to insert your credit card, drivers license, money, business cards and other items. I was able to fit 11 cards with the ability to add more if I needed but who really has 11+ credit cards? Of course, adding this much will definitely add bulk. You can even use this pocket to store your stereo headset, handsfree headset, spare battery...pretty much anything you can think of that is small enough to fit.


Conclusion : Overall, the WaterField Designs Suede Jacket Cell Phone Case is a wonderful case. It protects your phone from scratches and minor bumps. Not only does it protect your phone, but you can also use it to clean your screen. Unlike the suede made from animals, this suede is 100% spot and machine washable. It would be nice if WaterField Designs included a drawstring on the opening and can be used as a universal case for other cellphones, accessories or other electronics like MP3.

PROS:
  • Very affordable
  • Protects phone from scratches and minor bumps
  • Also able to clean screens
  • Washable
  • Optional pocket can store other items
CONS:
  • No drawstring
  • Different sizes for different devices. Not universal.
]]> Accessory Reviews y2bandit http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=356889 Powermat Review! http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=345246&goto=newpost Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:37:29 GMT Image: http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy55/Stiefler07/17.png *Build/Design* The Powermat design and build are stellar. Within the first...
Build/Design
The Powermat design and build are stellar. Within the first moments of opening the box, the first thing that was noticed was it was solid. Not only is the build solid, the design is very appealing, one could set it anywhere and be happy with how it looks with the surroundings. The mat does not feel cheap nor does it look cheap. Around the outside of the mat, there is silver plastic to give a dull chrome look, and no this is not thin plastic, the build feels very solid. The mat itself feels great as well, it has a smooth texture and very durable feel.

Charging
A lot of mobile users are asking question on the charging the Powermat provides, as in how fast and whether or not it keeps its charge as it would from a wall charger. I tested both Powermats (travelers and home/office units) with three devices, my personal BlackBerry Tour 9630, BlackBerry Curve 8330, and my iPhone 3G. They were all on the mat at the same time. The home and office mat seemed like it charged all units a bit faster than the travelers pad. Times are listed below:

* Home/Office Pad:

Tour (no case): Charged completely from 10% of battery in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Curve: Was dead when charged and fully charged within 2 hours.
iPhone: Seemed to charge the fastest as it had a 25% battery and was fully charged in just over an hour.

* Travelers Pad:

Tour (no case): Was tested at same battery level and for a complete charge took around 2 hours.
Curve: Was tested with 30% battery and this took an hour and half.
iPhone: the iPhone was tested with same battery and took about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

With all the devices tested, the battery life was the same as if it was charged from the wall. I noticed no drop in time of uses. This is great news as the life of the battery means a lot to users and they will be able to stress their phones the same as before. In addition, when the phones or devices are fully charged, the mat cuts off the power to that cell or multiple cells, thus drawing no more power.

Convenience:
Convenience is what the Powermat is all about. The home/office mat allows you to get rid of all the spaghetti wires for all the devices being charged. Just simply plug-in the one outlet and start placing your devices on the mat, this allows users to clean up quite a bit of wires and messes. Did I mention the travelers pad folds up? Sure does, perfect for many travelers alike and highly convenient for many users even at home as it is made for easy storage.

Features:
Powermat offers tons of features with the pad itself and also accessories received with the pad. The mat features a great black look and silver trim as discussed before. There are lights to alert you that device is being charged, the lights also have a button on the back of the mats for dimming the light, making the light brighter, and not showing any light at the users convenience. Along with the lights, the mat makes a “zwing” type sound when the device is placed on the mat and is charging. Just like the lights, the sound has options to turn up and down the loudness of the sound and also shutting the sound off. Both mats also come with a USB port on the back for devices that are charged specifically with a USB cable, whis is a great feature. When placing a device on the pad to charge, the case causes a “handshake” which makes the phone vibrate to alert the user the device is properly aligned and can create faster charging. With the travelers pad, users receive a small case that is magnetically pulled together for ease of traveling with the pad and charger. Each mat comes with a accessories kit with 8 universal tips for multiple devices. Tips are as follows, Nitendo DS and DSi, Samsung, Sony, Apple, Micro USB, LG, and also a mini USB that is used on the adaptor. With so many tips, one could charge a very wide range of devices if you do not have the charger cases. In addition to the tips, users receive a power box and also a tip storage box.

Cases:
If you are worried about using a case full time on your device for easier use of Powermat, do not worry as the cases do not add very much bulk at all. I have my iPhone case on full time and it actually feels better in my hands. BlackBerry devices receive a battery cover and not a case. The cases and covers feel very sturdy and durable as I dropped my iPhone and Curve to test how they would handle it. Without a hitch they passed with flying colors. Also, on the back of the case or cover is a magnetic square where the Powermat charges the device, unfortunately not all devices are supported yet.

Pricing:
The home/office and travelers mat both sell for $99 a piece which includes the case (traverlers mat only) and the accessories kit. Cases for select phones range and devices from $29.99-$39.99 which are sold separately from the mats. Great price for all the features offered and received.

Does it work as directed?
The Powermat fully works as directed and looks great while doing the work. Tons of features and great amount of accessories for the price.

How does it work?
Powermat uses magnetic induction. Instead of conductivity the mat uses inductive technology. This technology is also safer, more cost efficient, and also allows you to work with water so the Powermat is safe to get wet.

Pros:
Tons of features, tons of options, no order in which to place devices on the mat, sleek looking, durable, small and lightweight, quality of product and accessories.

Cons:
Not all devices are supported at the moment including the Storm and Tour, price may seem high but very reasonable.

Imagine the day that all mobile device makers incorporate this technology into their products (I.E. Research In Motion, Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Sony, etc.). The day of wall chargers will be over and we will welcome the days of Powermat. Powermat is convenience right in your kitchen, living room, and even bedrooms that will help prevent wire messes and welcome innovation.

Final Rating 4.5
]]> Accessory Reviews Stiefler07 http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=345246 Otterbox Defender Heavy Duty Belt Clip http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=344828&goto=newpost Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:22:32 GMT Review of the Otterbox Heavy Duty Belt Clip/Holster for Blackberry Curve Defender Case Image:... Review of the Otterbox Heavy Duty Belt Clip/Holster for Blackberry Curve Defender Case



Men and Women in Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Fire and Rescue, and the military all know how brutal our line of work can be on items we use daily like sunglasses, watches, and of course our Blackberries! I’ve gone through my fair share of all of the above from nice Bullova watches, Oakley Sunglasses, and even Blackberry Curves and Pearls alike. But then one day the clouds parted and up from the sea arose a company who’s main objective was to stop me from destroying at least one thing I held dear. Enter… Otterbox.



Now I’m going to delve a little bit into why I love and cherrish my Otterbox and why so many of my colleagues have been influenced into leaving their lesser cases for this durable and rugged system. For those who do not know, the Otterbox system incorporates a plastic dust sheild (however I did cut it off around the camera and flash to keep my picture quality from degrading), a hard plastic case, and a rubberized outer skin. Then to top it all off Otterbox throws in a belt-clip holster to sweeten the deal making this one of the most cost effective ways to protect your Berry.



Wether you are squeezing between a very large trailer and a nice brick wall investigating a break in, running between an ambulance and a wreck scene, or even riding a motorcycle and worried about rocks flying up the Defender case manages to handle them all in stride. And just to clear up a few things, those are all scenarios I have personal experience with. And now, when I take my case off of my Blackberry for whatever reason I am greeted by a Blackberry that looks brand new.

However the one drawback to this rugged “made for action” case is the clip that only works on certain size belts and the occasional pocket. Based on this, it left me and my coworkers either leaving our phones in our vehicles which defeated the purpose of having a clip, or hanging it on our pants pockets. This was alright until we would get into a foot chase and all of a sudden our phone was laying on the side of the road or in some tall un-cut grass on the side of some run down shack. But thanks to Otterbox that will hopefully be a thing of the past.



Otterbox designed a new Heavy Duty Clip that has a 2” … well … clip that allows it to fit securly on a duty belt. The problem with the regular clip is that it would not seat completely over the 2” duty belt as the heavy-duty one does. As you can see in one of the pictures, the slightest upward bump and your Blackberry is going to a little journey. I have actually almost broken a Storm but dropping it two stories to a tile floor because of a clip that did not properly fit my duty belt. I am exstatic to have a clip that fits.

I will say that the 2” claim does not leave much room for movement as it seams it is literally right at 2”. However this could also be seen more as a positive as it will not be moving forward nor backward on the belt. The clip is also just as rugged as the regular clip that comes packaged with the case, and does also feature the magnet to place the phone in sleep mode.



All in all I would recommend this clip to any Blackberry users using a Defender style case on their Blackberry. While those of us with active and demanding jobs will realize the full potential of such a accessory, anyone with a belt fetish could also benefit from this accessory as well! So if you want to try one out, just head over to the ShopCrackberry store and search it up! ]]> Accessory Reviews Guzman http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=344828 Mini Review: Incipio dermaSHOT Skin for 8900 http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=344715&goto=newpost Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:29:13 GMT This Skin is $19.99 with free shipping. It fits and looks like the OEM but it's smoother so when you take your BB out of your pocket, it's not grippy. It also comes with a Cleaning cloth & a Surface screen protector. I like skins because they protect almost all angles of your BB, including the bezel. ]]> Accessory Reviews david9962000 http://forums.crackberry.com/showthread.php?t=344715