Research In Motion's new touch screen BlackBerry Storm is no exception to the rule that top-of-the-line electronics rarely come cheap: at US$250 with a new two-year Verizon Wireless service contract]--and as much as $520 off contract--the BlackBerry Storm's a rather pricey new toy.

Fortunately for new Storm owners, protecting your investment and optimizing your smartphone experience doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, each and every one of the following 10 BlackBerry Storm accessories--skins, cases, batteries, chargers, media cards and more--can be had for less than $100...some even go for less than $10.

Individually, each Storm accessory on my list is guaranteed to help protect and/or enhance your BlackBerry user experience. But beware: Using all of the suggested products at once could lead to the Perfect Storm, and I'm not talking about the George Clooney flick.

BlackBerry Storm Screen Protectors

First things first, you'll want to ensure your Storm's beautiful 480 X 360 display remains in pristine condition, even after bouncing around in a pocket or catching a ride in your holster. The best way to do so is to purchase some sort of screen protector, like the $8.95 Anti-Glare Screen Protectors for BlackBerry Storm 9530 from Fommy.com. Composed of micro-thin polymer, these screen protectors aim to reduce glare while keeping your Storm's screen scratch-free. They're also easy to remove and come in packs of six.

As an alternative, consider Zagg's $14.95 invisibleSHEILD BlackBerry Storm screen protector. Verizon Wireless will also sell its own branded Storm screen protectors on launch day or soon thereafter.

Cases, Holsters and Skins for the BlackBerry Storm

New BlackBerry Storms ship with RIM's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) leather pocket case, but if you're anything like me, the cases that come with new RIM devices quickly find new homes in desk drawers or storage shelves. It's not that the default cases aren't functional...they're just boring.

Luckily, RIM has already posted a variety of cases and holsters for the Storm on its ShopBlackBerry.com website so potential owners can see what's in store. I'm not a big fan of holsters, so the current listings don't have me jumping for joy, to say the least, but there's already a selection of three different holsters listed, ranging in price from $29.99 to $39.99. Any Storm user seeking a new holster ought to be able to find a suitable option here, but third-party vendors are also already offering Storm cases.

(Note: RIM will not begin shipping OEM Storm cases until December 2.)

Another possibility is the skin. Combined with one of the screen protectors mentioned above, a BlackBerry Storm skin can provide total protection for your precious device. Best of all: Skins are cheaper, so you can even buy a few of them in varying colors to match your mood or getup.

RIM

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