Pros: hard shell easy to install
Cons: only one chance at applying the screen protector
I ordered this hard shell case for the specific reason that its "ultralight" and it is indeed that. Its like adding another layer of the same matte finish to your Playbook to protect its original matte finish. You get the same tactile feel and no-slip assurance.
The cutouts for the ports are perfectly placed but due to the slight increase in thickness (1 mm) by adding the case, the power on/off, volume +/-, and play/pause are a bit less accessible. Reaching around from the back for the buttons solves this problem.
The addition of the screen protector was a welcome surprise for me since I didnt expect it. (I guess I should have read the CB review here more carefully.) When you apply it, make absolutely sure that there are no dust particles on the screen. I took my time to clean the screen but about three dust particles ended up on the screen and created bubble spots that I could not rid of. The stickiness of the adhesive side was just enough to make them hard to remove once they stuck. Unlike the BoxWave screen protectors Ive used in the past, you cannot just rinse this screen protector with water and try again. I basically ruined it. My fault. I just wanted to warn purchasers that the screen protector installation is a one shot deal.
Also, DO NOT use the included cleaning cloth to prepare for the screen protector installation! It leaves a lot of fabric debris onto the screen!
Overall, this case protects the body of the Playbook as I hoped. The screen protector is a nice welcome, but its installation should be done super carefully.
A classic case (no pun intended) of form over function. This case fits like a glove and all the cutouts are well done. The exception is the top cutout -- the design gets in the way only slightly to push the top power and volume buttons. I really liked the look and feel of the case. I was surprised to see that the case does not cover most of the left and right sides, but it does cover the corners.
Now lets talk about the corners. I had a chance to give this case an inadvertent drop test. My PB+case fell from a 2 high nightstand onto a hardwood floor. It hit the floor on the upper-right corner where the headphone port is. A 1/2" piece of the corner flew off, taking a 1/4" piece of plastic from the actual PB with it. I would have been ok if just the case was damaged, but now my PB is dinged too. For that I gotta take off 2 stars.
Not a bad case if youre looking for a sleek fit. The PB with the case still fits inside the original neoprene sleeve that comes with it. If youre looking for more protection all around, I would take a look at the Silicrylic case.
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