The BlackBerry 9700 is a thin phone. I find it to be largely the most comfortable, pocketable phone currently on the market. Yes, there are more powerful devices out there: the iPhone 4 has recently become the de facto leader in industrial build quality and design.

So I prefer to wear the 9700 naked. I have tried a lot of cases for the phone, and none have really kept the phone slim and usable enough to justify the added weight. The Otterbox Commuter case for the Bold 9700 is about the best combination of strength, durability and good looks that I’ve found for the eponymous BlackBerry device.

The case, like all Otterbox Commuter and Defender series cases, is split into three parts: the screen protector, the silicon surrounding and the hard shell. The silicon usually covers the entire housing while the shell slips over it and protects the more important areas of the phone.

The Bold 9700 version is particularly well suited for this purpose as the phone itself is not exactly made to be dropped. There is a saying in the industry: “It’s a good thing BlackBerrys are easy to replace, because their quality control sucks.” This is particularly true about the newer devices. It seems that ever since RIM moved their manufacturing process to China, the quality of their devices has decreased. The trackpads wobble, the battery covers slip off, the side buttons creak. It’s just not what it used to be.

And most BlackBerry users tend to use those colourful silicone slip-ons. Those are not only ugly, but when dropped from a fair distance, are not going to sufficiently protect the device. The Otterbox Commuter case adds a fair amount of weight and thickness to the phone, but because it’s pretty thin as it is, it doesn’t reduce the pocketability.

The quality of the materials is top notch. The silicone is flexible and sturdy; never once have I seen any of the flaps on the movable parts of the silicone tear or break. As well, the plastic shell is lightweight and extremely precise. I do have some issues, however, with the fact that because the silicone piece includes flaps that cover the various holes, including the headphone jack and charging jack, it emcumbers easy entry. When removing the flap from the headphone jack, for example, it often involves using two hands to pry it from inside the hole itself, and getting the headphone into the jack involves holding the flap back while you try to maneuver it in over the excess silicone. There’s almost too much of a good thing. I don’t feel these flaps are necessary, and often cause undue frustration when inserting the charging cable at the end of a long day.

A benefit, however, to having the hard shell on the phone is the slightly extra width it gives the phone when holding it to type. As most Bold 9700 owners know, the phone is narrower than its predecessor, the luxuriously-sized Bold 9000. As a result, the keyboard had to be narrowed too. The Commuter case actually widens the phone by a couple millimetres, allowing you to hold it and type more comfortably with your thumbs. Probably not an intended benefit by Otterbox, but certainly welcome if you’re longing for those Bold 9000 days.

Overall I would recommend the Otterbox Commuter case for anyone who’s ever dropped his phone or missed her Bold 9000. You’re going to feel a lot safer with it on.

The Otterbox Commuter case for Bold 9700 is available for $34.99 on their website or at many affiliate retailers.

Pros:

• Great manufacturing quality
• Three-part system, includes screen protector
• Makes phone very durable
• Widens phone slightly for more comfortable thumb typing

Cons:

• May add too much bulk for some people
• Charging and headphone holes are too difficult to open
• Screen protector is of questionable quality and value