Editors Note: First off I’m just going to say sorry for the delay in the getting these reviews up, unfortunately they will be a little shorter than normal. We’ve been busy working on some new features for the site. Stay tuned!

I have always been one to swear by OtterBox’s Defender Cases for BlackBerry smartphones. No matter what you use your device for they always seem to come in handy. This time around I’m checking out OtterBox’s new Impact Cases, which are more of a skin like material. Last year OtterBox introduced the “Impact Series” for the Bold and iPhone and just recently for the Curve 8300 series. I decided to grab one for the Bold and Curve to check out and see how they compare to RIM’s OEM skins. First thing you will notice when taking it out of the package is that the Impact Case is much thicker than RIM’s BlackBerry Skins. You defiantly feel like you get more protection from the OtterBox Impact Case. I have written this mini review separated by paragraphs about each model to make it a little easier to follow.

BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series Impact Case

OtterBox offers several different cases for the BlackBerry smartphones, however some people may not like the bulk of their more rugged Defender Series. The Impact Skin may be the way to go! It features a ergonomic design, which feels great in your hands. The case should protect from your average bumps and shocks cause from day to day use. This case keeps your device slim yet still accessible. It works great in your pocket or in most side BlackBerry cases. (See details at OtterBox.com)

BlackBerry Bold 9000 Impact Case

When the Bold Impact Case was introduced I was too stuck on my Defender Case to give it a shot. I was always worried about harming my beautiful Bold, however now that I’m using the Impact Case I love how slim and fitted it is. With the Impact Case you have access to the data ports, speakers and microphone. My only compliant about the case for this model is it seems to fit a little loose around the sides. Although they most likely have to be like that in order to put it on the device. So now the Impact Case is what I use from day to day. (Details in the BBSync Store)

Overall

I’m impressed with the cases from OtterBox overall. They never seem to disappoint me. The real bonus is that they provide a skin protector and cleaning cloth right in the package! You really can’t got wrong for under $20 bucks. If either of these cases interest you check out the links below.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase the OtterBox Impact Case for the BlackBerry Bold only $12.95 >

Purchase the OtterBox Impact Case for the BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series only $19.95 >

Gallery:

The creative team at Case-Mate have designed a really cool product for the BlackBerry Bold. It’s called the BlackBerry Bold FUEL which sports a holster and rechargeable battery pack all-in-one. This holster is only available for the Bold at the moment and is available directly from case-mate.com for $79.99. It might be a little more than some are willing to pay but its a very cool idea to charge your device on the go. The extended battery on this device allows for 7 additional hours of talk time or 20 additional days of standby beyond the Bold’s standard battery.

• Talk time: up to 7 additional hours beyond standard BlackBerry Bold battery life
• Stand by time: up to 20 additional days beyond standard BlackBerry Bold battery life

Additional Features

• Power on/off button makes more efficient usage of the fuel by only engaging when you decide to
• Fully ratcheting 180-degree belt clip
• Easy slide in/out access to your BlackBerry Bold

[via Case-Mate's Twitter]

We all know that RIM has been working on OS 5.0 for a while, but it finally looks like someone has leaked OS 5.0 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and Curve 8900. These OS’ are extremely early beta copies and not designed for every day use. It’s recommended that this OS 5.0 should only be used for beta testing software. If you feel like testing out OS 5.0.0.90 on either of these devices make sure you do a full backup before installing.

Download OS 5.0.0.90 for BlackBerry Bold 9000 >

Download OS 5.0.0.90 for BlackBerry Curve 8900 >

With any luck we will see OS 5.0 launch early next month at RIM’s WES (Wireless Enterprise Symposum) 2009. Stay tuned…

_{[via CrackBerry and BerryReview]}

Oh Snap! I’m sure thats not quite the PR that Palm was looking for. Howard Stern has gone public saying after testing both the BlackBerry Bold and Palm Pre that he prefers the Bold. Stern has been a long time Palm fan, but the lack of Lotus notes is holding him back from Palm’s new toy. His exacts words “They’re going to show me the Pre and then take it away. They’re trying to build excitement for this thing. If people don’t buy this I don’t see how Palm keeps going.”

Doesn’t really seem like the type of PR that Palm wants to start with?

[via RIMarkable]

Slovenia’s second largest carrier Si.mobil has just released official OS releases for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and Storm 9500. For the BlackBerry Bold they have released OS 4.6.0.247 and the Storm 9500 is 4.7.0.113. Anyone with a Bold or Storm can use this OS versions simply remove the vendor.xml file (details here). Also be sure to do a complete backup before installing this OS in case you get any errors during the installation. Unfortunately no official releases for the Storm 9530 just yet… Stay tuned.

Download Bold OS 4.6.0.247 >

Download Storm 9500 OS 4.7.0.113 >

^{[via CrackBerry]}

Let’s start off this Monday morning with yet another OS leak this time for the BlackBerry Bold. Anyone with a Bold can now un-officially upgrade their OS to either 4.6.0.244 or 4.6.0.245. It’s recommend you download it fast as the links never seem to last too long. Before installing please keep in mind that this OS is not official and has not been officially been released by RIM as of yet. Any issues that may happen to your phone neither RIM nor us are responsible for. It’s recommended you do a complete backup before installing. So if your feeling adventurous and want to install the OS simply follow the download link below.

Update: Seems an even newer OS (4.6.0.245) surfaced as I was writing this post. Enjoy!

Download OS 4.6.0.244 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 [via BerryReview]

Download OS 4.6.0.245 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000 [via BBNews]

If you have installed this OS please let us know in the comments how its working out for you!

Ronen from BerryReview stumbled across a leaked copy of OS 4.6.0.228 for the BlackBerry Bold. This OS has not been officially released by RIM or any carrier. If your not familiar with using a beta OS we don’t recommend you install it, however if you know what your doing be sure to do an extra backup! Good luck and be sure to let us know in the comments if you notice any big improvments… 

Download link #1 / Download link #2

Everyone loves a good free BlackBerry theme and our friends over at eVeek certaintally know how to design them. They have just introduced their new free BlackBerry theme called “Onyx” which is designed for the BlackBerry Bold only. Onyx features a 5-icon sliding bottom dock with 6 today style icons at the top for fast access to your favorite apps. You can grab it free over at eVeek.com. While you around you might want to head over and check out eVeek’s premium theme brand Elecite.