For the most part, I like my devices naked (except for a few dangly jewelry pieces just for fun). But, after dropping my new Blackberry in the rain several times, leaving it in the produce drawer of my refrigerator, and watching it slip and fly to the back of my car when coming to a sudden stop (more than once), I'm ready to accept that my minimalist aesthetics will have to be compromised in order to save my new phone from certain doom.

Going totally contrary to my usual preference for unobtrusiveness, I rather like the Darth Vader look of OtterBox cases for Blackberrys. These black cases look seriously combat-ready, which appeals to my macho side. Their polycarbonate/ABS shell with rubber overmolding provides grip and drop protection and water-resistance, but all functions are accessible through the case, including charging and syncing. A screen cover protects the LCD, while "Donaldson® acoustic membrane vents allow sound transmission while keeping the case sealed" (obviously, another Darth Vader-inspired feature).

The OtterBox 1930 model fits Blackberry 8700 series devices, while the soon to be available OttberBox 1931 fits the 7200 series. They're seriously priced too -- the 1930 model goes for $129 -- though still less than the price of a whole new Blackberry.