When I saw this keyboard/case combination, I had to have it for my BlackBerry PlayBook. I had the convertible case, but was really looking forward to having a keyboard included. I’ve tried tiny keyboards and infrared keyboards but they have their limitations. My package finally arrived this week!

Don’t get me wrong, those other keyboards had their uses, but paled after awhile. The infrared keyboard is nice, but not in direct light or sunlight. The mini keyboard wasn’t as useful after the Bridge was updated to use as a keyboard with my BlackBerry.

I had ordered the case and couldn’t believe how fast it sold out. I saw it and felt it was the perfect companion for my BlackBerry PlayBook, that it would complete my BlackBerry and BlackBerry PlayBook.  I ordered my keyboard/case from the ShopCrackBerry where it was on sale, but the retail price of the Mini Keyboard is $119.99. It’s been weeks but the case finally came in a few days ago and I was so excited to open my package.

When I opened the package and took the box out, there was a classic BlackBerry box. The front shows has the BlackBerry PlayBook name with the Mini Keyboard with Convertible Case and states ultra portable design with integrated multi-touch keyboard. If you turn the box around it has three main keypoints.

• Powerful multi-touch control – Use multi-touch trackpad and special keys to navigate and control BlackBerry PlayBook.
• Portable productivity – Two products in one – keyboard and touchpad, with a convertible case
• Powered and ready when you need it – Charge your keyboard and PlayBook with the same charger.

Other stats include: Compatible with devices supporting Bluetooth HID profile. Batter life – up to 30 days, and format is QWERTY.

The case appears similar to the convertible case that came out at the same time as the BlackBerry PlayBook. The keyboard is very thin. Opening the case and removing the plastic off the keyboard I place it easily into the case, and it’s held in place by the little stretchy straps that hold the corners. The PlayBook fits easily into the top of the case, as it did with the other convertible case. There’s an opening for the headphones or aux port. Using the volume and the power with the case is so much easier. The bottom is left open for access to the ports when the case is open flat. The first thing I do is charge the keyboard to be sure it’s powered and ready.

I like that I can use my rapid charger I purchased for my BlackBerry PlayBook and use the charger that came with my BlackBerry PlayBook on the keyboard. After letting the device charge for a while, I turn it on using the power button. I woke up my BlackBerry PlayBook and sliding down I chose Bluetooth. I press the button Add New Device. When the BlackBerry PlayBook finds the keyboard, you choose the device,  it displays a code to pair. I typed it into the keyboard and it was paired just like that.

I type so much faster on a regular keyboard for a pc or laptop. This is considerably smaller, but perfectly compact and suited for the PlayBook. The keyboard/case includes a card with pairing instructions and on the opposite side a diagram of the keyboard with the major keys highlighted and a description for them.  The keyboard takes a bit to get used to at first because it is slightly smaller, but after using it for a while, you find yourself using it quite easily. The trackpad is nice and works very well and you can still use the touchscreen too.

There are many pros to this keyboard and case combo. I love being able to type and have the entire screen of the BlackBerry PlayBook at my view. The trackpad is very responsive, the typing on it is very easy to use. The QWERTY keyboard is familiar and right at your fingertips and as you get used to the size and placement, it’s memory to your fingertips.

The only con I find about the keyboard is that it’s so shiny that it’s easy to get fingerprint smudges on, so you may just want to have a wipe with you. It’s an absolutely sleek keyboard that compliments the BlackBerry PlayBook. The case offers protection for the PlayBook, houses both the PlayBook and the mini keyboard, and when you need to take this portable combo on the go, you close the case, and there’s an elastic strap that you put over the other side and it closes it keeping them protected and making it as small and portable as a diary.

The BlackBerry PlayBook Mini Keyboard Convertible Case is currently on a Keep Me Posted Status in the BlackBerry Store, and it retails at $119.99. The Mini Keyboard Convertible Case is available to order through the ShopCrackBerry for only $109.95 and $5.95 for flat rate shipping. The BlackBerry Rapid Charger for the BlackBerry PlayBook retails for $69.99 but can be found in the Amazon store for $26.99.

If you’re looking for that missing companion for your BlackBerry PlayBook, are looking to be more efficiently mobile, and  feel more resourceful, then this case is the case for you and your PlayBook. If you have the case, let me know what you think, but I can tell you that I absolutely love the keyboard and the case, and love the portability. I love the size of my BlackBerry PlayBook and finding a case and keyboard that compliment it just makes it complete, it’s not just an accessory, it’s the perfect companion. Big surprises really do come in small packages. I can’t thank BlackBerry enough for such great devices or CrackBerry for taking orders and shipping them when they came in.

Just a tip for those who purchased the keyboard/case, if you find you’re not finding it convenient, or not liking the keys, please give yourself a few hours to type on it, a few days to take it with you and type and browse, and you’ll find the keyboard becomes just as easy to get used to as the virtual keyboard on the BlackBerry PlayBook. And while one size doesn’t always fit all, at least give yourself some time to adapt before shutting the case.

Get on the BlackBerry PlayBook Mini Keyboard with Convertible Case Keep Me Posted List on the BlackBerry Store here

Purchase your  Mini Keyboard with Convertible Case for PlayBook from the ShopCrackBerry here

[rating: 4.9/5]

I’m always looking for a great case that is protective as well. I found the Trident cases, and for the BlackBerry they actually have three levels available. I love how the series are named after different mythical characters. This case appears to be like the Otterbox and Ballistic rugged styled cases. Check it out…

Not that I’m Daphne of Scooby Doo, but I am pretty accident-prone. I’m always interested in a case that’s going to look nice yet offer that sense of security and assurance to relieve my worried mind. I saw the Trident cases and became very interested. They have several types of cases and cover different types of mobile smartphones and tablets, but the one I am reviewing is the Trident Aegis case for the BlackBerry 9930. There are three different types of cases for the BlackBerry: Perseus series, Aegis series, and the ultimate Kraken series.

Trident is a great name for a company. The Trident is a three-pronged spear used for fishing and as a weapon and is featured in mythology by the Hindu god Shiva, and also more known is Neptune or Poseidon, not to mention the devil. And of course all their series of cases have just as classic of names.

Perseus is a name we all know from the famous movie Clash of The Titans. The word stands for soldier, and the Perseus case is a light-duty case, too light for me. This case sells for $14.95 plus shipping.

Kraken is a case named after an old Norse legendary sea monster, and is very much similar to the Defender case by Otterbox. It too comes with the built in screen and holster, as well as the thick and durable covering. Unlike Otterbox, BlackBerry options for a Kraken Trident case are in a few different colors. This case offers the best protection for anyone who’s lifestyle requires heavy-duty protection. This case sells for $44.95 to $49.95 plus shipping. I wasn’t able to find the BlackBerry on their website, but they are available for BlackBerry on the Amazon website here.

Now the Aegis series. Aegis in the ancient times was a large collar or cape to show the protection given by a religious higher authority or the holder of a protective shield meaning the same. Wearing the aegis shows sponsorship, protection, or authority drawing it’s power and protection from a higher source or deity. This was the case I thought sounded best for me.  It states protection for an active lifestyle. It’s slim and easy to keep in a bag or pocket. This is the case I ordered. I also liked it has different colors available, so I chose the green/black Aegis case. Other colors available are black, red, pink, and bright baby blue. This case sells for $29.95 plus shipping.

When I finally got my case, I was pretty stoked. The case comes with a screen protector you can install with the installation card and the cloth. The case is in two parts, the silicone lining and the hardened polycarbonate plastic shell. It also has silicone plugs that cover port openings. I really like the silicone case, which has the Trident emblem that stands out in the back, which is really a nice embossed feeling. The polycarbonate case includes the name on the case and dust filters. You’ll have to check out the strength of this Tritan’s shield.

The packaging is nice, and easy to open. I took apart the case and found that it took a few minutes to get worked onto the phone, but after that it fits very nice. I love the way the silicone plugs the ports. It’s not a thin plug, but a nice inset one so it won’t be easy for the plug to come undone in a purse or pocket. The color is nice, the case feels very solid, and it would be very similar to the commuter case for BlackBerry except that it does have different colors available and I really like the Trident emblem on the back. There’s even a place for a cell phone charm on the case.

There’s no con to the case at all. I like having a screen protector I can install, and love having a case that’s thick enough to protect my phone, but thin enough I can take it on the go. Is the case worth the price? Yes, and if you like style, fun, protection, and different colors, check them out.

P.S.

The only downside I found was that while Otterbox and Ballistic both offer their heavy-duty Defender series for the BlackBerry PlayBook, all the Trident offers is the Perseus series for the PlayBook.

If you want to read more about the Trident cases, check them out here

For BlackBerry cases click here 

[rating 5/5]

I run several apps on my BlackBerry, which leaves my BlackBerry needing a charge twice a day or more, not to mention my InPulse smartwatch that lasts four to six hours as well. The last trip I took left me with a dead phone and watch before I reached my destination, I needed a solution for the next time.

My search for the Charging Grail, the solution of all solutions, led me to look at Powerbags. I wanted one that I could carry my laptop, my BlackBerry, my BlackBerry PlayBook, my electronic odds and ends, and keep them powered up. There’s nothing more frustrating than being without a phone or watch and waiting for them to charge. I keep spare batteries charged for my Bold, but it would be even more convenient if I didn’t have to worry about battery swaps.

Powerbag designed by ful come in an assortment of charging bag types and different on the go batteries. They have backpacks, messenger bags, and briefcases. The briefcase collection has the Business Class Case, the Wheeled Briefcase, and the Rolling Office. The Messenger Bag Collection has Tablet Messenger, Messenger, and Instant Messenger. The Backpack Collection has Sling, Backpack, Deluxe Backpack, and the Business Backpack. For me, I felt the Deluxe Backpack would meet my needs and I ordered it. The bag comes in one of two colors, black or red. I chose black. It didn’t take long for my Powerbag to arrive and I was definitely far from disappointed.

For the Deluxe Backpack Powerbag, the following are the features:

Removable, lightweight rechargeable 6000mAh battery: The built-in battery system charges the average smartphone 4 times and includes Apple, Micro-USB and Mini-USB connectors and a USB port. Charge literally hundreds of devices including smartphones, eReaders and many tablets. Tablets must be charged with their own USB cable through Powerbag’s on-board USB port.

External one-touch battery level indication and power button:The logo button turns Powerbag on or off when you press and hold for 2 seconds. Or press the logo button once quickly to see how much power you have left.

Water-resistant AC adapter charging port:When it’s time to recharge Powerbag simply connect the included AC adapter and plug it into a wall outlet.

Suspension-contoured back straps: The contoured straps and back panel are designed keep you comfortable even when your Backpack is filled to the brim.

When my Powerbag Deluxe Backpack arrived, I immediately began checking out the literature and the different compartments. I really like how there’s a place for everything! I don’t need a ton of room, but I have quite a few gadgets I like to keep on hand when I’m traveling. The directions call for charging the Backpack, so first you need to remove the removable battery, take off the little plastic that covers the prongs, and reinsert the battery. Now it’s ready to charge. I found the charging cord, unwound it, plugged it in, and let it charge till all the bars stayed lit.

The literature that comes with the Powerbag:

• The device tag (4 Smartphone charges and charges tablets, smartphones, MP3, Bluetooth, GPS, Games, and eReaders)
• Quick Start card that you’ll want to read first to learn how to charge the bag before use and a toll free number for support
• Owner’s Manual

The Deluxe Backpack is available for $169.99, and for now ground shipping is free. The bag is durable, it works great in charging all my devices, and I found loops in the bag, where I could place the usb cable into the battery usb port and run the cable along the backpack to the padded tablet pocket. The only thing that would have been great is if the Apple cable was one that could have a piece to make it micro or mini instead since I don’t own any Apple products.

I think it’s also important to let you know that there are three sizes of batteries available, so you can purchase a spare, or customize your bag accordingly. They have the 3000mAh battery for one or two charges, the 6000mAh battery for 4 smartphone charges, or the 9000mAh battery for a charge up to 6 times! You can find the battery sizes and pricing here.

The bag is stylish, I chose this particular bag because it fits my particular lifestyle. There are different prices available for different styles of bags, and some of them have more colors to chose from. As you can see by the pics, I had to have my BlackBerry PlayBook cases, CyberClean, HDMI cable, V-Moda headset, some usb cables, my Cube, my Toddy Cloth, a few packets of Sugru putty for those times you never know, stylus, and all I need is to throw my laptop in, my BlackBerry, and BlackBerry PlayBook, and I’m ready to roll! I absolutely love this bag and I know I can handle the next trip without worrying about having to turn off my phone because it’s going to die, or my PlayBook not lasting whether we’re on a plane or hike. I’m prepared for fun and my BlackBerry is more than prepared as well. No more dreaded dead batteries, which makes me happy.

You can purchase the Powerbag Deluxe Backpack for $169.99 designed by ful here

Or you can check out the different styles and grab the bag that fits you best here

“Need Power? It’s in the bag”™

[rating 4.75/5]

I am in love with the looks of this case. I have to admit the virtual keyboard is so much nicer with the OS update, but I still love the convenience of a real keyboard. I have a few different ones, but I had to preorder this one that comes with a case. Check it out…

To stay ahead and on task, you need a powerful mobile computing solution, and with the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard with Convertible case, it’s exactly that. There’s so much to say about this keyboard and case, so I’ll list the features first.

• Multi-touch Control – BlackBerry Mini Keyboard comes equipped with a touchpad to allow you to navigate your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. Tap the touchpad to simulate a mouse click, tap with two fingers to right-click, and scroll vertically using a two-finger up or down swipe. These gestures make it a breeze to get up and running and begin interacting with the device as well as apps like the Citrix Receiver.

• Ultimate Portability – The portability of the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard with the convertible case provides a mobile computer solution that’s easy to take with you. An added benefit is the screen real estate available to you when using the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard with your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

• Security and Power – BlackBerry Mini Keyboard is designed to connect via Bluetooth® to your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, and features 128-bit encryption to help keep the connection secure. You can charge your BlackBerry Mini Keyboard using your BlackBerry PlayBook tablet charger to keep things simple and remove any need for extra wires and equipment. But that’s not even the best part – the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard can last up to 30 days on a single charge depending on your usage!

Dimensions
• Keyboard – 7.60″ x 5.10″ x 0.25″
• Case – 7.90″ x 5.50″ x 1.10″
• Packaging – 8.5″ x 6.0″ x 2.20″

The following video is a video showing how to use the BlackBerry Mini Keyboard with Convertible Case using the Citrix Receiver. First, the Citrix Receiver is free and available in the BlackBerry App World, however your company must use Citrix to host applications in order for this to work. It’s a perfect workhorse solution for the business user. Citrix allows the user on the BlackBerry PlayBook to access the PC through Citrix.

There are different ways to preorder if you want to be sure to get it as soon as it’s in. The shipping begins March 23rd!

For those of you in Canada, here are the two preorder online sites:

The Source online for Canada only at the special preorder price of $99.99

BlackBerry Shop in Canada was previously open to preorders for only $119.99, but they are out of stock at this time (it’s currently in Keep Me Posted status)

For the US, you have two preorder options

Shop CrackBerry for the special preorder price of $109.95 with free shipping

BlackBerry Store in the US is now out of stock as well, and for $119.99 it’s now in Keep me posted status

I’m looking forward to a keyboard that is able to hold a charge for 30 days, is thin and light, and allows me to have more screen room. I have to have a physical keyboard, that’s why I still keep a Bold, for the keyboard. Who else is excited about the case? Anyone else preordered it yet?

From time to time we read or hear about SAR ratings and the dangers behind them. Even BlackBerry pro user and CIO journalist Al Sacco has written about the subject back in June 2008. After hearing the subject come up frequently, I decided to purchase a Pong case and explain the subject. Check it out…

So first we’ll touch on the subject, what is SAR? It stands for Specific Absorption Rate and it’s the metric to measure the device’s radio frequency energy that the device emits. In order to pass the FCC’s inspection, the device’s SAR must measure equal to or less than 1.6 watts per kilogram.

Why should you be concerned about SAR? While studies are not as concise as we’d like, a small group of doctors and activists along with the FCC have concerns over the possible connection between cell phone use and brain cancer, hence the inspection and ratings. There is no proof that cell phones cause brain cancer. There is however a new study published in the Feb. 23 Journal of the American Medical Association by Dr. Nora Volkow found that a cell phone’s electromagnetic field can cause changes in brain activity. This does not prove cancer, but does show that the brain can be affected. I was really surprised to see some of the BlackBerry devices in the top highest SAR devices, and we’ll post the list toward the end.

Time Magazine’s online TIME Healthland has a great slideshow in which there are tips how to lower your risk of exposure from your cell phone which are as follows:

• Use a wired headset 
• Get used to texting!
• Don’t use your cell phone as an alarm clock, get a real alarm clock (cell phones still emit energy even when not in calls)
• Don’t carry your phone in a shirt or pants pocket, or your bra (just in case there is a possibility of exposure to cancer)
• Use a radiation-blocking case by Pong Research. The case can reduce the radiation percentage by 2/3rds! There was an independent test witnessed by Wired Magazine in 2009 which proved the case does work.

So now with the Pong case. There are four different styles of BlackBerry that Pong Research has cases available for.

• BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 for $59.99 in Black Leather Touch style
• BlackBerry Bold 9700/9780 for $49.99 in black or neon green
• BlackBerry Curve 9300 for $49.99 in black or neon green
• BlackBerry Curve 8520/8530/9330 for $49.99 in black or neon green

I purchased the BlackBerry Bold 9930 Black Leather Touch Pong case. The case shipped about five days later and while it seemed a bit pricey, I was very curious. I don’t have a lab or a way to visualize how the case affects the energy, I was more concerned with not only the health benefit and the effect on my reception would be. The box is a nice classy white box with a blue banner as you see.

When I opened the box, my case is carefully laid out so I can see the Pong name. Taking out the inside and sliding out my case, I find the plastic envelope which contents include: The card, the screen protector and the Pong screen cleaner.

The card has Pong Case Benefits:

• Reduces your exposure to cell phone radiation
• Protects your phone’s signal strength
• Durable Lexan cover adds protection for your smart phone
• How do I place the case onto the phone?
• How do I remove the case from the phone?
• And How do I clean my case?

There’s a Congratulations on your Pong case purchase on the other side and a barcode, which when scanned verifies and congratulates you on your authentic Pong case along with a discount for future purchases of their cases.

Installing the case was fairly easy. The phone must be placed with the volume and convenience key side going in first, then the other side snapping in. The case isn’t too light, which I like. The volume keys and the convenience key are left open, the top and bottom of the phone are open, and the other side has the micro port and the earphone port spaces. I love that the access to my keys is easy, and that the ports are open. The speakers, camera and flash have spaces open in the back. The case is fairly thick. While the case is designed for radiation protection, I can see where it may offer some protection aside of that. It’s not an Otterbox, Ballistic, or Trident case, but this case has your health in mind more so than the phone.

My reception hasn’t been compromised and I actually have found myself using this case more often than other cases that I have. The only thing I have yet to test out on the case is NFC. The case seems a tad bit thick and appears to have a slight cushion of space between the back of the phone and the case, so I’m wondering if share by NFC would be affected, my guess is that it would. I’ll have to try that out later.

I like the style of the case in the back with the arrow like shape and the brand on it. It’s both stylish and useful. Great for those who are concerned about SARS and the ratings, and perfect even for the business person as it’s not girly or manly, just professional. It lets the BlackBerry Bold’s beauty shine through but it’s also a nice sense of security knowing that I have more protection from my phone’s energy.

Here are the CNET cell phone radiation levels for RIM: CNET

If you are looking for a stylish case that has your health and safety in mind, look no further. Pong Research has the only case that is the first patented solution proven in Federal Communication Commission (FCC) – certified laboratories to dramatically reduce your exposure to electromagnetic radiation (“EMR”) exposure while protecting phone performance.

For more information, and to truly understand how testing works, I encourage you to check out the article by Wired Magazine when they went Inside A Cellphone Radiation Lab to witness the testing. The article is extremely informative and I’m sure will be of interest.

Check out the cases at Pong Research, and while BlackBerry devices aren’t the only phones they make cases for, they’re worth checking out and if you purchase a case or two, you definitely will find yourself very content with the case. There’s no need to worry about SAR with Pong in the house. Please don’t judge me on my choice of background, my BlackBerry is my baby and it gets very pampered. Has anyone else checked out the Pong cases? What do you think of it? Have you ever heard of the SAR ratings or thought about it? Share your comments with us.

Purchase your Pong case by Pong Research and find out more here

[rating: 5/5]

Thanks to the BerryReview Team, we get to see the upcoming BlackBerry Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard that includes a touchpad we’ve been waiting for with some details. I can’t wait for this one. What features can we look forward to with this accessory? Check it out…

Features include:

• Both a keyboard and a touchpad
• Can last up to 30 days on a charge
• Comes with a case that folds over your PlayBook
• Multitouch touchpad with one finger left click and two finger right click (for remote desktop apps)
• Mouse scrolling with two fingers on the touchpad
• Charges via MicroUSB

I love that the keyboard comes with a case and a trackpad, making it a mini workstation. The new 2.0 PlayBook OS will also allow you to use your phone as the keyboard and the mouse with remote, but I can type much more quickly on a keyboard than using my BlackBerry device. Be sure to head over to the BerryReview to check out all the slides.

Who has a BlackBerry PlayBook and who’s adding this to their list of things to get?

[via: BerryReview]

When I saw that CrackBerry checked out the Toddy Gear booth at CES, I was interested in it. I know I’ve tried the Cyber Clean, the ZAGGwipes, and even Zaggfoam. What is the Toddy Cloth and what makes it so special? Let’s take a look…

The first cleaning product outside of wipes I’ve ever really tried was the CyberClean. CyberClean reminds me of the slime we used to play with as kids. What I like about it is that it’s great for getting dust and dirt out of the tiny crevices and keypad of your devices. But the most important part is that it kills 99.999% of germs, disinfecting your devices. The pros of it are that it doesn’t stick to your hands, there’s no liquid to damage your device, and it traps the dirt, turning green when it needs to be replaced. The residue it leaves behind is a bit of downside for me.

ZAGGwipes are nice and are antibacterial and remove oils, dirt, makeup, fingerprints from your device, but sometimes tend to streak just a bit. That for me, is like cleaning on the go, but I still have a cloth to follow up and dry it quickly to avoid the streaks.

ZAGGfoam is antibacterial, kills germs on contact, removes oils and dirt and prevents oil buildup. It comes as a kit, but I notice I have to use it more often, and again, wipe it good to avoid streaks.

Toddy Smart Cloth can be found in various places online, and Amazon has a good assortment of them. I purchased one, just to see how this would compare to previous methods I’ve tried in cleaning my BlackBerry device and BlackBerry PlayBook.

Toddy Gear has many different styles and colors, and the cloths come in two sizes: 5×7 and 9×9. The prices are $9.99 for the 5×7 and $14.99 for the 9×9. In Amazon, you can find dual packages of the 5×7 for $16.99. Right now on the Toddy Gear site, they have buy two, get one free. So what are the features of this cloth?

Dual-sided cleaning

• Plush microfiber material on one side to clean and a distinctively patterned silk microfiber on the other side to buff and polish.

Antimicrobial Coating

• Protected with the AEGIS Microbe Shield® technology, an antimicrobial coating that prevents the spread of germs and bacteria.

Naturally Hydrophilic

• Absorbs oils, dust and smudges without the need of any messy, damaging sprays.

Distinctive Patterns

• A variety of vibrant designs and patterns to choose from, adding personality, color and style to your life.

Reusable and Environmentally Friendly

• Washable, stain and wrinkle resistant, just machine wash cold and tumble dry low.

Brand your Toddy

• Now you can imprint your Toddy Smart Cloth with your own brand identity, visit toddygearpromos.com for more information.

I purchased the Namaste styled cloth from the Chic E Boutiquee line of Toddy Cloths. I was really happy with the package. It came with it’s own “case” which has the sentence: “Color Your World!” on it.  The box has all the important information about the cloth. The cloth itself has a copper microfiber side edged in yellow, and the beautiful green color with the black floral-like pattern on the other side and is shiny and soft like silk.

I found that the copper side has a real different feel, and it “scrubs” the glass softly without scratching, removing any debris and things stuck on the screen. After wiping the screen, you turn the side over and the soft silky side buffers it and shines the glass. It works really great and I like that it lasts quite a while, but I can also carry it with me conveniently. It’s even fashionable so that I don’t have to look like a true nerd when I’m taking it out. It’s as discreet as an eyeglass cloth, but oh so much nicer.

I really do like the fact it’s washable as well. I’d recommend not using any fabric softener on the cloth, just detergent and rinse well. For companies, it’s a great thought of branding it and using the Toddy Cloth as a gift. They’ll use it often and remember you every time.

My first thought was the cloth was a little pricey, but after using it and finding that it works great on sun and eye glasses, my  BlackBerry devices, BlackBerry PlayBook, so many things. It’s washable and reusable, so I find it’s worth the investment for me.

Head on over to Toddy Gear and purchase your Toddy Cloths here

I had seen BBMShirts quite a bit, but never tried one before. The shirts are nice, come in different colors, and there’s a variety to choose from. I’m going to show you the tshirt, hoodie, and even the temporary tattoos. Check it out…

BBMShirts are the only ones that display your BBM Barcode to be scanned and friends added to BBM right from your wear. Or just wear it to show your love of BBM and BlackBerry. You give your pin when ordering and the Barcode is created from your pin. You’re unique, flaunt the shirt that shows no two BlackBerry pins are ever alike and are as unique as you are.

The way the BBMShirts works is that you choose the style of  your BBM Barcode display of : BBM ME!!!, PING!!! Me Baby, or a custom catch phrase. You can also choose to have a custom Avatar from Jingu displayed. There’s different styles from short sleeves, long sleeves, and hoodies. There’s even temporary tatoos. The pricing is great too. So let’s begin.

I was checking out the BBMShirts site in my quest for something different. I found the prices to be very nice. TShirts are only $20, Long Sleeve TShirts are only $25, and hoodies are only $30. The temporary BBM Tattoos are $15. I set out to try a Tshirt, hoodie, and the BBM tattoos. I ordered my package and it came quickly. For a side note, I’d also like to point out that customer service with BBMShirts is exceptional. The colors available for your shirts are black, white, pink, blue, grey, and red. I would like to see dark or emerald green added to the color lineup as well, only because it’s one of my favorite colors.

When the shirts and tattoos arrived, I anxiously opened the package. The Tshirt is 95% cotton and 5% spandex. It’s very soft and sheer. Directions state to hand wash in cold water (inside out) and do not place in the dryer or attempt to iron it. The hoodie is 80% cotton and 20% polyester. It’s very warm and soft to the touch. The hood is warm, the hands pocket section is warm, it’s all around cozy. Directions state to machine wash warm with like colors, tumble dry low, no ironing necessary. For the review, I’m sporting the pink BBMShirt Tshirt, the black hoodie, and of course the temporary tattoos. My package was an envelope of 15 temporary tattoos and instructions. They’re easy to apply and wear. But my question now is will the shirts and tattoos scan with the BBM Messenger scanner? Let’s see.

I opened my BBM, went to add contact, and by barcode. The camera came up and sure enough it scans easily with the shirt and hoodie. I was really impressed at the idea and it’s a great conversation piece, but for me it’s also wearing the “I’m proud to show my love of BlackBerry”.

Now to try the temporary tattoos. To apply the tattoos, you clean the skin and dry it where you’re going to apply the tattoo. Next remove the adhesive backing off the clear side, stick on to the skin, then take a warm towel or sponge to the back of the paper and hold for about ten seconds. The finished product is the tatoo. Applying it was easy, but harder to scan because of the shininess of the tatoo. But the tattoo looks nice even if I’m not able to scan. It also stays adhered to the skin until you remove it, which is about a week if you take care of it. The tattoos are a great alternative solution to getting the real thing, especially when pain is a factor.

I really like that you can choose different sayings for your barcode, including making your own. I also love the fact that Jingu apps allows you to even post your avatar on the BBMShirts. I’d like to see BlackBerry’s Avatar be another choice as well. There’s so much you can do with these and it adds to the BlackBerry and BBM pride in a fun way.

All in all, I find the shirts and the hoodies to be a great idea, great for gifts even for yourself. The temporary tats are fun too,

CONS: The only cons I could find are only requests. I’d like to see the BBM Avatars available with the Jingu Avatars, and also have green added to the color lineup. The tshirt is a bit sheer so ladies, be sure to sport a tank or camisole beneath it. The tats were more for show for me than actually being able to have them scanned.

PROS: The price is nice, the Tshirt and hoodie are very soft, the hoodie being very warm. The tatoos were a nice touch as well. For the price, the items are in a great price range and the quality of the materials are great. If you are looking for comfort and style, and having fun with the BBM brand, look no further, it’s all found here.

You can check out the BBMShirts and order your favorite saying, personalized Avatar, or your own catch phrase with your barcode here

The quality and customer service warrant a five star review. Just wait till you check them out. Let us know what you think.

[rating: 5/5]

The BlackBerry Bold Touch is expected to launch late August and OtterBox has announced their upcoming lineup of cases. OtterBox will be offering three cases the Impact Series, Commuter Series, and Defender Series. Pricing is expected to range from $19.95 to $49.95 case depending. It doesn’t look like OtterBox has plans for any colored cases as of yet. You can register at OtterBox.com to be notified when the cases become available.

[via Accessorize Mobile]

Our friends at Accessorize Mobile had the chance to review the popular OtterBox Defender Series case for the BlackBerry PlayBook. Overall they seemed pretty happy with this rugged case for the PlayBook. In the review the team pointed out that this case may not be great for everyone, as a fair amount of bulk comes with that much protection. You also get a chance to see the Defender Series multimedia kickstand in action, which is pretty cool! Check out the review from the link below.

Read the OtterBox Defender Series for BlackBerry PlayBook Review at Accessorize Mobile