Review: BlackBerry Transform Shell for BlackBerry Z10

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The BlackBerry Transform Shell for the BlackBerry Z10 offers basic protection for the back and the corners of the new BB10 smartphone while building in the convenience of transforming into a built-in stand. Let's see how it fits in.

The Transform Shell for the BlackBerry Z10 is the closest thing to a low-profile case. Made of hard plastic and rubber composite, it adds very little weight to the Z10 while protecting the entire rear, all the corners and adding a slight lit to the front so when you lay the phone screen down, there's a bit of a gap protecting it from surfaces.

Snapping on the Transform Case is very easy given that it is a flexible case. The fit is exact and gives the impression that it adds to the rigidity of the Z10. Here's the thing though, the Z10 has a a naturally grippy rear case because of the the textured finish. The Transform Shell is a plain polycarbonate case which is smooth and therefore slippery.

The ability to use the Transform shell as as kickstand is great for when you are using the Z10 in clock mode or for watching videos, running slideshows or even chatting via BBM video chat. My only worry is that the rubber that holds together the two pieces of polycarbonate and that takes the brunt of the folding when transforming to a kickstand. I'm sure BlackBerry built this case to last but if there was a stress point, that would be it.

Once in kickstand mode, the Transform Shell works very well. The edges of the polycarbonate are lined with rubber which adds some grip to whatever surface you have it on. While there's no way to lock it it into place, the Transform Shell doesn't feel all that flimsy.

The BlackBerry Transform Shell is a handsome but expensive accessory at $34.00. It made by BlackBerry so presumably built to last and designed to leave all the key I/O ports and buttons free and not interfere with the gesture-focused nature of BB10 and since BlackBerry created it with this in mind, it likely fits better than similar third-party cases. I wanted a clip on case right away so I bought the Transform Shell but there will likely be similar alternatives from the likes of Case Mate, Incipio and others.

THe BlackBerry Transform Shell case is pretty hard to find right now, none of my nearby stores (Rogers, Virgin, Future Shop) have it in stock, I lucked out and found one at The Source. The case is available in Black, White and Red to fit all current colours of the Z10.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5