[nyc2socal]

I don't want to take away from the excellent review that was previously done:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/showthread.php?t=29461

I just felt inclined to include some pictures to illustrate the differences between the Verizon RIM7130HOL and the Seidio Holster.

As previously mentioned, I'm a plastic holster type of guy. Muscle memory has me pegged. I originally bought the Verizon model for $19.99 + Tax and the top clip broke around the one month mark. That really pissed me off.. Not only did I pay 20 bucks for plastic (which I think is exorbitant), but it breaks in a month!!

So I hear these raving reviews of the Seidio holster, and being a "plastic holster" guy, I order one.. Holy smokes! I thought the Verizon was expensive. The Seidio is 29.99 + S/H which comes out to almost $40. I think about this.. If this holster lasts 2 months, I would break even with the Verizon holster.. 3 months, I'd be on top!! WOOHOO!! What has this world become? The $20 Verizon holster should not have broken in the first place!!

So here are some pics and comments:

Here is generally what the holster looks like with the 7130e in it:


This is the view of the scroll wheel side:


This is the view of the usb port side


This is the top of the snap clip holding the 71030e in place. You will notice that the clip has a spring tension, versus the Verizon "flex" plastic - the thing that broke.


I don't remember the reason for this pic, but I think I wanted to show the belt clip. It actually has a coil spring as well for tension (like the snap clip that holds the 7130e in place. The Verizon one had a piece of "bent" metal and not a coil.


This is the back of the unit. The swivel click moves 90* in each direction from vertical, so 180* total (just like the Verizon one). The difference though is that this one has a little more "play" in it. I think I liked the "stiffer" Verizon one. The unit came with a white sticker with a Chinese character and the number 4. I thought it said Seidio, so I asked my wife (who is fluent in Chinese), and she said it says "Inspected by" #4... Ummkay.. I guess that stickers going in the trash. ;)


The side where you put your 7130e is lined with felt, which is a nice touch. I think it would be cooler if they offered different colored felt, like yellow or red! :D


In this picture, I took a close up of the latch clip that holds the 7130e in place. Not sure if you can make it out, but the clip has a rubber "bumper" that people have reported losing.. So I will keep an eye on that.


In the previous review, it mentioned something about a metal joint or something versus plastic. Here is a picture of what they meant. It's a metal rivet that attachs the belt clip to the holster. Definitely stronger than the plastic ones..


One difference I did notice, that I think I liked more on the Verizon holster is the "back of the belt clip. The next 2 photos show the Seidio and then the Verizon one. The Verizon one runs "higher", therefore you can pinch the clip to put it on. With the Seidio, you hold onto the unit, and squeeze the clip with your thumb to put it on.





Overall, I seriously believe this holster will last a good amount of time (believe me, I'll let everyone on here know if it does break!). The plastic is thicker than the Verizon model. Everything about it shows that some thought was put into it. The latch clip is a coil spring tension which should last longer than a "flexible" plastic that the Verizon one had. Though I liked the ergonomics of the Verizon belt clip better, the metal rivet on the Seidio makes me feel more "secure". The instructions state that you should raise the latch when inserting or removing the device.. Removing I understand, but inserting, it's alot more convenient to just snap it in.. I guess it's more on a CYA than anything else.. LOL.. As I'm typing this, and "snapping" the 7130e in, the rubber bumper is pulling away. The rubber bumper has been removed from the holster.. At least I still have it, and it's not MIA.. Man, I found it hard putting it back in.. But it's back in now.. If all it takes to lose this bumper is to snap the 7130e, I figure it'll be gone within the week.. I wonder if I can just crazy glue the bumper on.. Kinda like what I did with the disc magnet on the Verizon holster to serve as a sleeper magnet..

Nice holster overall.. Is it worth $40? I'll let you know in 2+ months..

[nyc2socal]

I decided to finally post back in regards to the Seidio holster.

Well, it's been 2 1/2 months and the thought of paying a high premium for plastic has paid off.. I have no issues what so ever with the seidio holster for the 7130e. The rubber bumper thing came off a few times in the first two weeks, but has since stayed with no movement.

Excellent holster!

[Danimal]

I agree that this is a great holster. I actually lost my rubber piece and they not only sent me a free replacement butthere was a spare in the bag. Great company and product.