Review: Seidio OEM Sized Rubberized Battery Door w/ Speaker Opening for BlackBerry Curve

Not too long ago, I posted my review of Seidio’s Rubberized Hard Case.  I just like the way this case felt in my hand and it didn’t have the bulk of some other cases out there.  Sometimes, though, I don’t want a case at all – I like the feel of my Curve just that way it is.

The problem with that, of course, is that it is prone to scratches – especially on the back side of the device.  So, what’s a guy to do? Well, Seidio has another answer for those situations – a rubberized back door – giving the user the feel of the nice sturdy rubberized finish – but not adding any extra bulk to the device.

About Seidio

Seidio is one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of SmartPhone and PDA accessories and enhancements that enable users to utilize their devices to their full potential.

Founded in Houston, Texas in 2002, Seidio has grown into the leading developer and manufacturer of PDA and Smartphone accessories. Seidio offers solutions that enable users to get the most out of their devices, such as extended battery life, outward protection, syncing and charging options, and extended memory for devices.

Here is the “Company Line”

Tired of muffled conversations, or just need a new battery door? Either way, the OEM sized rubberized battery door with speaker opening for BlackBerry Curve 8330, Curve 8320, Curve 8310, or Curve 8300 is the solution for you!

This replacement door has a speaker opening so that you are able to hear ringtones and phone conversations better and it's made from Seidio's signature rubberized material that provides a firm grip and matches the side grips of the device. This replacement door also includes the necessary cutouts for the camera and has a mirror.

Design and Function

There is nothing too fancy here –just a replacement door for your BlackBerry.  It fits perfectly.  There are some nice touches that Seidio has added here: The material is a thick black rubber that looks identical to the rubber on the sides of the device.

Thoughtfully, Seidio has a cutout for the BlackBerry speaker (if you didn’t know you had a speaker, that’s because the stock case totally covers it up!) Seidio also has a self portrait mirror and cutouts for the lens and flash of the camera.

Fit and Finish

Like other Seidio products I have tested, this battery door cover does exactly what you would expect – it feels great – just like the rubber on the sides of the curve.  Cutouts are perfect and the cover looks like it could be “stock” on the device. My only small gripe is that the self portrait mirror is not flush with the back of the case – it protrudes just enough so if you lay the BlackBerry down on a hard surface, the first thing that hits (and the first thing you hear) is the mirror.

Protection

Unlike the relatively cheap feeling plastic back on the standard Curve – the Seidio battery door cover does seem more sturdy – it is more resistant to scratches as well.  I’m not sure that it would protect the interior of the device any better if you dropped it – but it does somehow “feel” more sturdy in your hand.

Overall Conclusions

The Seidio OEM Sized Rubberized Battery Door w/ Speaker Opening for BlackBerry Curve is a great solution for those wanting the feel of a rubberized device in your hand, but not wanting any extra bulk from an external case. It looks like it came with the device and the fit and finish are great.