Vaja RI052 Blackberry 8700 Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Dave Rees

September 12, 2006

I know that I am repeating myself in the cases I review, but their quality is unmatched. I've had a Vaja case to protect almost every handheld I've owned. All very stylish and unmatched in quality. The Vaja RI052 Blackberry 8700 case is no different.

As usual, the rich leather smell, artistry, and quality are unmistakable the moment you open the box.

The leather case fits the Blackberry very well....although not perfectly. Getting the Blackberry in the case for the first time is a bit tight. Almost too tight, initially the case puts a slight amount of pressure on the left extra function and right back keys. So, they are easily clicked by movement or light touch. This becomes less of an issue as the case wears in.

The built-in screen protector is clear and doesn't reduce the quality of viewing the screen. The case doesn't inhibit the keyboard. But it doesn't provide much protection as well.

All of the cutouts are well placed and sized. On the left side, the USB and earphone plugs have a cutout while the application button is a push through.

On the right side, only the scrollwheel has a cutout while the back button is a push through.

The 8700 is completely exposed at the top where you slide the device into the case. This would not be an issue if you purchased a case with a flip front (it would also protect the screen & keyboard better as well). The bottom has cutouts on either side which exposes the bottom corners of the device too. If dropped, the edges of the blackberry could definitely be damaged.

The front lip does not fit perfectly along the bottom of the 8700. Considering the form fit of the case and curves of the device, it's not to be unexpected. Other than letting junk inside the case, this is a minor problem.

This case is definitely for those who want style with minimal protection. It would be ideal in a breast pocket of a suit or pocket of a purse but not in the back pocket of a pair of jeans. If you're more of a blackberry purist, you'll most likely want to order it with a belt clip.

Similar cases range in price from $25-50 dollars. So, the $60 is a bit expensive for this type of Blackberry case. To make it even more of a splurge, you add the flip front and belt clip, the cost is $95.