I have been reviewing Mobile Phones for several years now, as well as individual handset reviews, I ...
I have been reviewing Mobile Phones for several years now, as well as individual handset reviews, I will be publishing a number of lists here on Ciao, including my Top 10 handsets of 2009/10.
Member since:01.07.2009
Reviews:8
Members who trust:1
The New BlackBerry Curve 8900
Blackberry have released several new email friendly handsets in the last few months, including the hugely popular BlackBerry Storm and BlackBerry Bold, RIM have now introduced the latest edition to the BlackBerry family, the Curve 8900.
Design
I'm not usualy a huge fan of how BlackBerry handsets look, they just seem to lack a little imagination where design is concerned, but there is something quite appealing about the look of the new 8900 which shares some design characteristics of both the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and its predecessor the BlackBerry Curve 8310... It is neither too big nor too small, and unlike past BlackBerry models it is not particularly heavy, its professional looking design will appeal to all, from businessmen to students and teenagers.
If you are familiar with any of my past Ciao reviews, you may remember
that I recently reviewed the new Nokia N95, and raved about its perfectly designed QWERTY keypad. While the 8900's may not have the same 'wow' factor, its design was carefully thought out, and well executed. The 8900 offers users a very simple typing experience, made even more reliable by raised edges on each key which allow you to locate each key with ease.
This new Curve model maintains the 'trackball', which allows users to navigate the interface, internet and scroll through emails. Once you get the hang of using the trackball, it becomes a very nice navigation tool. As well as the trackball, the 8900 has two keys on both its the left and right side, by default these are set to command the camera and voice commands, but can be set to activate a number of applications.
Features
As with all previous BlackBerry handsets, its email function is perhaps the most important, it is this feature which drives users to choose one over a handset like the iPhone. Not surprisingly, RIM got it spot on again with the 8900, which performs very well. However, unlike some past BlackBerry devices, the 8900 is not 'all work, no play', once you get past the email function, there is a video player which supports Xvid and DixX files, although there are files which need to be converted, the software to do it is provided and simple to use. The picture produced by the media player is small but bright and clear. There is also a very good music player, which allows users to shuffle music, set playlists and listen using standard headphones, like the video player, the 8900's music player supports a variety of formats.
Not all of the 8900's features are great though, unlike many of the manufactures of 'high class handsets', RIM decided to fit their 3.2 mega-pixel camera with an LED flash, rather than a more advanced xenon flash, this results in very poor pictures in low light.
Downloading on the 8900 is achieved through GPRS, Wi-Fi or Edge, the lack of 3G is a serious downfall. If you want to use it for applications like Facebook, it's not too bad, but as I discovered when I took it out in my car, if you are looking for a handset to use as a GPS system… Keep looking! Due to the lack of a 3G connection, the 8900 simply can't load quickly enough when you are on the move
Verdict
I liked -
The 8900 looks great, it is simple to use and on the whole the interface is a huge success, on top of which, the battery life is excellent. I had the handset to test for four days and only had to charge three times, I was told if I used it only for regular use, and had not been playing around with all the features for the time I had it, it would last for two days before it needed to be charged.
I disliked -
The audio quality is not as good as with some alternative models and the clarity of sound when actually on the phone is poor. The 8900's camera is also a bit of a let down, but without a shadow of doubt, the biggest flaw is the lack of 3G.
Would I Buy One?
RIM have certainly not broken the bank in designing a completely new, innovatively designed handset, the 8900 looks like a slightly smaller BlackBerry Bold. Despite this, it is a well designed phone, I believe that the predictions that this will be one of the biggest selling BlackBerry handsets are correct, this WILL sell in its millions… but I won’t be buying one. When you consider buying a phone like the 8900 it needs to tick every box, and unfortunately, I just can't overlook the 8900's lack of 3G.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
£29.36 per month on Orange Dolphin 35 (24 month contract) - 900 inclusive minutes, more
unlimited texts. Stay on the pulse. This slender Smartphone will keep you connected with email, internet, Wi-Fi and GPS. There's a 3.2-megapixel camera to let pictures do the talking when words aren't enough. A full QWERTY keyboard makes messaging easy, while the 2.4-inch display brings photos, videos and maps to life in stunning colour. Whether at work or play, the Curve 8900 will be an essential part of your day. Features: BlackBerry®email, Bluetooth®, EDGE, GPRS, WiFi 802.11 b/g, 3-megapixel camera, trackball navigation, QWERTY keypad, external memory microSD, BlackBerry®wireless solution, camera, email, USB compatible, BlackBerry Connect and Mail for Exchange supported. Plan features: inclusive sat nav with Orange Maps, 500MB anytime mobile internet browsing per month. blackberry curve 8900, blackberry, curve, 8900, dolphin 35, 24, blackberry email, bluetooth, edge, gprs, wifi 802.11 b/g, 3-megapixel camera, trackball navigation, qwerty keypad, external memory, microSD, micro SD, blackberry wireless solution, camera, email, usb compatible, blackberry connect, mail for exchange, 190001/330022, paym, pay monthly, contract
£37.20 per month on Orange Dolphin 40 (12 month contract) - 600 inclusive minutes, 500 more
texts. Stay on the pulse. This slender Smartphone will keep you connected with email, internet, Wi-Fi and GPS. There's a 3.2-megapixel camera to let pictures do the talking when words aren't enough. A full QWERTY keyboard makes messaging easy, while the 2.4-inch display brings photos, videos and maps to life in stunning colour. Whether at work or play, the Curve 8900 will be an essential part of your day. Features: BlackBerry®email, Bluetooth®, EDGE, GPRS, WiFi 802.11 b/g, 3-megapixel camera, trackball navigation, QWERTY keypad, external memory microSD, BlackBerry®wireless solution, camera, email, USB compatible, BlackBerry Connect and Mail for Exchange supported. Plan features: free evening and weekend mobile internet for two months. blackberry curve 8900, blackberry, curve, 8900, dolphin 40, 12, blackberry email, bluetooth, edge, gprs, wifi 802.11 b/g, 3-megapixel camera, trackball navigation, qwerty keypad, external memory, microSD, micro SD, blackberry wireless solution, camera, email, usb compatible, blackberry connect, mail for exchange, 190001/330011, paym, pay monthly, contract
Advantages: Amazing range of free features! Perfect for any busy person. Has memory for everything I need. Disadvantages: Easily scratched, I had to replace the headphones because they didn't fit snug.
Advantages: One ofthe best Business phone's with great leisure features in one solid, attractive handset Disadvantages: Lack of 3G may put some people off and WiFi can be temperemental.
Jul 13th, 2009
(Jul 15th, 2009)
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