3) Side Cases -- A Twist on the Traditional Holster

RIM OEM Side Case for Curve 83xx, 88xx

The OEM Side Case from RIM is similar to a tote, as it's a leather case with no belt clip, but what sets it apart is its horizontal orientation and thick leather cover, which completely encloses your BlackBerry for added protection. Like the tote, it features a short leather strap that can be used to attach your device to a bag or purse. And it also has all the same battery saving and notification features as its OEM siblings.

RIM BlackBerry Side Case

Unlike any of the other cases we've mentioned so far, it has an interior pocket for storing cash, business cards, notes or receipts. (Note: Cards with magnetic strips, like payment and access cards, should not be stored within this pocket, as the case's magnet could wipe them clean.)

The BlackBerry OEM side case is available in all black, black and tan and brown and tan for $39.95.

We've got a few complaints about this side case, however: Because the case fully covers your device when closed, you can't see you LED message indicator. And access to the headphone and USB jacks, as well as the volume keys, is blocked.

RexRegina Winston Case for Curve 83xx, 88xx

The RexRegina Winston Case features a very basic form factor, like its Morgan sibling, and its real strength is the quality construction and leather, which comes in a variety of textures. The product is available in two lizards-skin finishes, as well as pebble grain and matte leather. And it has the standard power-saving features.

RexRegina Winston Case

Like the RIM OEM side case, your device is housed horizontally when in place; but the Winston doesn't completely enclose the device, so one side is accessible while in place.

We prefer this RexRegina case to the company's pocket pouch because of the leather strap that keeps your device held snuggly in position. The BlackBerry LED message indicator is still blocked, however, and that's not ideal for us. The case sells for $49.99 from the company itself and a variety of online retailers.