Accessory Advice

Watch Out For The Too Good To Be True Price

This last week I was forwarded some pricing information from a “Blackberry Supplier” on the East Coast.  The supplier had great deals on a number of Blackberry OEM batteries.  Prices were as low as $3.50 for a new Curve battery. 

So whats wrong?  That sounds like an awesome deal. 

First, these batteries may have been actually Blackberry units but were A or B stock.  That covers a number of things regarding the source of the batteries.  They may be batteries removed from phones returned under warranty or returned to service providers.  It could be they are counterfeit from oversees and the supplier cannot verify they are authentic.  It may be that they did not pass Blackberry quality control and so may or may not have all the cells working.

The thing that concerns me is the number of online retailers buying these wholesale and then passing them off as new.  There is nothing to note they are not new stock other than the price.  A legitimate OEM Blackberry battery from a Blackberry Authorized wholesaler costs somewhere in the upper 20’s ($28 plus some change).

Any retailer selling the batteries well below this price is not selling you new, authentic stock.  Some may get discounts below the upper 20’s based on size but we don’t know of anyone getting them for less than 15% off that price.

Like most things in life.  If it is too cheap, it is probably not the real thing.  If you would not buy your Blackberry battery on Canal Street in New York, don’t buy it off the Internets version of Canal Street.

Posted in Batteries, Blackberry | No Comments »

Samsung Muse Skins Case SKINU700

The Wirexgroup Platinum Skins Case is one of many case options available for the Samsung Muse cell phone.  Overall I liked the case.  There were some very convenient features and some I wish had been designed in a different way.

The case is manufactured from a neoprene material that provides some shock protection as well as protection from liquids.  The stitching was smooth and did not have frayed ends.

There were openings for all ports and the screen and the case provided a snug fit.  As with many flip phone cases, I don’t like the fact the portion over the flip sticks out considerably when the phone is open but that is what you get with most of these types of cases.

The clip on the back is a fixed clip in the sense it cannot be removed.  It swivels 180 degrees in either direction though so the phone can be carried in a horizontal or vertical position.  While the clip worked great if you carry the phone on your belt, the fact it could not be removed added bulk to carrying the phone in a pocket.  I definitely prefer the style of cases that allow you to remove the clip and button leaving only a smooth back surface.

The front portion of the case can be unsnapped from the back allowing the case to become a holster.  I actually prefer using it this way.  While it does not provide protection for the front of the phone, it is more convenient to carry.

Overall this is a nice sports type case if you are in the market for this type of carry solution.  The case was of good quality and worked as advertised.

Find this and other cell phone accessories at Discountcell.com

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Review - Wireless Solutions Vertical Leather Pouch 392020

The Wireless Solutions vertical leather pouch has some nice features that provide protection and convenience. 

Our first impression of the holster is that the leather is high quality and the stitching is smooth of good quality.  We did not find any areas where the stitching was fraying or had sharp edges.

The leather is soft but did not scuff or scratch easily.  The leather flap did a good job of holding the phone when closed but also opened without an extreme amount of effort when trying to access the phone.

The ratcheting belt clip and caribeener provided multiple options to carry the case.  The ability to remove the belt clip knob provides the convenience of a smooth holster that can be slipped into a pocket or purse.

The lifetime warranty is an added benefit.

Overall we give this holster high ratings.  The one feature we wish it had is a proximity magnet for Blackberry phones.  Without this feature, there are a number of other better options for the Blackberry phones.

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Krusell Orbit Flex for LG Dare

Krusell has made some of our all time favorite leather cases.  They are premium quality leather and always fit perfectly.  The Orbit Flex case for the LG Dare is no exception.

Krusell states -

This unique 2 in 1 model specific case, designed by Product developer Robert Mazetti gives your device maximum protection. With the flexible feature, the removable lid, this case run your life in and outside the office.

The only con to the Krusell cases is that the US versions all come with a spring loaded belt clip versus a swivel clip.  A swivel clip can be purchased separately but we would like to see that be the standard.

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Universal Body Glove Neoprene Case

There are not a lot of cases available for the Blackberry Bold yet but the Universal Body Glove Neoprene Case is a good solution if you need a case quickly.

Cellsuit cases by Body Glove are for the active, always-on-the-go individual. Made from suede-like neoprene, the shock, scratch, snow and water-resistant cases offer the same high-grade protection as Body Glove’s classic wetsuits. The case’s durable high-tech design is sleek enough for the office and rugged enough for extreme outdoor terrain.
A perfect case for your smartphone!

Features:

We like the case as a whole.  The front cover is protective and does allow you to view your screen without removing the phone but we found it a challenge to type while the case was on.  Other than this negative, the case worked well.

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Mini USB to USB Charging Data Cable

One of the hottest accessories with school starting is the Mini-USB to USB Data Sync and Charging Cable.

If you need to keep your phone charged and carry around a laptop or have access to a computer, this cable is a must have.  It is compatible with a multitude of phones using the Mini-USB port including many popular Motorola, Blackberry, and LG phones.

Some mini-usb cable only charge while others will not only charge but allow you to sync data.  The Belkin F3U138B06-ATTis a good option that allows both charging and data syncing.  Belkin does not provide any sync software though so you will have to purchase or download the software separately.

If there is a charging USB cable available for your phone model, this may be the ultimate must have accessory so you are never stuck with a paperweight instead of a usable phone.

Posted in Cell Phone Accessories, Chargers, Data Kits | No Comments »

Blackberry Crystal Snap on Cover 8800COVCL

Protect your Blackberry 8800 without adding a lot of bulk with the clear Crystal Snap on Cover from Wirexgroup. 

Compatible with the Blackberry 8800, 8820 and 8830, the cover protects while still providing access to all ports and keyboard.

These covers are made with durable, high-quality remarkably thin, plastic.

The cover is easy to install and remove.  The belt clip provides the convenience of carrying your Blackberry on your belt, pocket, or any where else that is convenient.

We found the cover fit well.  The access to ports was lined up and the cover was easy to install.

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Milante Bruna Leather Pouch ML-39LB1

Milante is known for top quality leather pouches.  The Bruna Leather Pouch for Smartphones keeps with their tradition of high quality pouches.

Milante’s leather Bruna pouch is designed and developed for today’s style-conscious consumer who demands high-quality, eye-catching protection and portability for their mobile phones.

The Milante Bruna pouch features a rotating belt clip.

The leather is high quality.  The stitching is smooth without any sharp edges.  The belt clip is easy to put on a belt, purse, pocket or anywhere else you might clip a case.

The inner liner is smooth and protective.

The case does not scuff easily and the leather provided protection for the smartphone.  Overall the case got high marks for its quality and ease of use.  The strap held well but also allowed easy access to the phone.

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