See the problem I have with Torch cases ARE those little tabs that hold the top portion on. They always seem to break off at some point. I believe there is one out there that slides on and doesnt snap to the top.

Two issues with this case: the headset cutout, and the bezel protector for the screen/slide.

Headset cutout may not accommodate some larger 3.5" jacks. Computer speakers come to mind here. When wanting to listen to music at work, I have to take the case off in order to plug in the speakers. Luckily, the case is very easy to remove, so it's not a deal breaker. I would imagine that a wide assortment of headsets/headphones will work without issue.

The bezel protector is another thing. Tabs on it are thicker for more durability, which is good. However this thickness caused the slider to separate from the main chassis. This made the slider mushy when closed and using the trackpad and buttons. It also interfered with whatever sensor RIM has put into place to power down the keyboard while closed. The keyboard remained on (you could see this if looking at unit from side), and battery life did seem to suffer. It should be noted that the Otterbox bezel protector has a similar problem, as would others I assume due to the difficult nature of sliders. I don't use the protector because of this, which is unfortunate.

It would be great if RIM designed their next slider with discrete notches or something that would allow case OEMs to tuck the tabs in to avoid such interference.

The soft touch of the case is awesome. Unlike the slippery Otterbox, the Seidio feels secure in the hand. Whoever designed the Otterbox shell to be almost perfectly smooth wasn't thinking straight. I was always thinking it was going to fly out of my hand. The soft touch coating seems durable enough. I take the phone in and out of a holster all day long, and the coating looks as good as the first day.

And having your choice of colours is a great selling point as well.

There has to be a better way to attach the top part of the case. I gave my son my 9800 and we used a Mobi hard shell case on it and as noted by the poster above, it messed up the keyboard open/close sensor. It also marred the plastic chrome finish of the bezel. In the end, Rogers fixed it for us, at no cost, out of warranty. The phone now goes naked or in a pocket pouch.

I have an Otterbox Commuter, which was fine if a little bulky. The slider bezel piece snapped across a long edge when I was holding it pulling it out of a pouch, so I replaced it with Seidio Surface with a holster. The Surface lacks the silicone padding of the Otterbox or the Active, and the ports are also exposed, but the slider bezel fits much better than the Otterbox (it always felt as if the slider was loose with the Otterbox.)

What I have found is that when I need extra protection I can replace the bottom part of the Seidio with the Otterbox part, which has a silicone skin and plugs for the USB and headphone, and it will still fit the holster. Best of both worlds?

I definitely recommend this case. I do agree with robertdusa's comment on the cover being a slight hindrance in using the trackpad and buttons. But all n all I think its a small price to pay for the added security. Remember to slightly stretch the silicone cover (in the places that the silicone covers the buttons) because the fit is rather tight and without a little help those buttons will be pressed without you doing so.

I've got the AGF GRT case that looks strangely similar to this case except the GRT case has its own glide rails so the top does not hinder the movement of the slider. There are not tabs to break off either.

Anyone know if this case would stand up to being removed often? I use the Blackberry charging dock at work, so I want a case that is durable but can withstand being removed and reattached a couple of times a day. Seems to me the little tabs might not withstand that with this one...

Thanks to the previous poster. The AGF cases were what I was talking about. They have the GRT and one other designed for the 9800/9810. I'd like to see CrackBerry do a review on those cases as well. Not having to worry about those small tabs on the top piece breaking off would be a plus. I've gone to carrying mine naked after spending money on two different cases and having the tabs break off the top portions.

The case protects the phone great but the holster broke very easily and unfortunately CB doesn't offer the holster only.

The case protects the phone great but the holster broke very easily and unfortunately CB doesn't offer the holster only.