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Apple certainly has a tendency for making enemies, and this time, they managed to gain the ire of the quiet folks at RIM.
Seriously now, does Apple really care about other companies in the industry? Steve Jobs said in his emergency conference that he and the folks at Apple have considered getting a “wall of PR” to shield them from the troubles of having to deal with issues such as the antenna problem. They certainly ignored the issue long enough, but they still need a good PR crew to stop them from saying things that would offend plenty of people
For those who missed on the emergency Apple conference held last Friday, Steve Jobs decided that the problem with the iPhone 4 was not a rare problem and that other mobile phones were prone to losing signal.
This comparison, however, is exaggerated. After all, all mobile phones will lose a couple or so bars of signal if held in a certain way. But it is only the Apple iPhone 4 that loses signal so badly that calls actually get dropped. Regardless, Jobs still decided to say that the BlackBerry Bold 9700 was also prone to the issue “just like the iPhone” –a comparison that the folks at RIM cannot take sitting down.
According to the chiefs at RIM, they have been working hard at developing and manufacturing products that provide the world with high quality devices. This includes all aspects of product design which includes the technology that they use for antennas. To their credit, not a single BlackBerry handset has ever suffered from antenna issues.
Apple certainly was not in a position to bring in a BlackBerry handset in the event. The CEO’s of RIM also stated that, “One thing is for certain, RIM’s customers don’t need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity”.
It’s been a while since BlackBerry has received attention for releasing a new phone. Their last hit, the Black Pearl 8100 caused sensation amongst the mobile phone industry, with it outperforming nearly all of its predecessors, and really setting a very high line to beat with any new mobile phone. Many people though BlackBerry would never be able to create a better phone, but the BlackBerry Pearl 9100 does just that. Often known for their sleek black look, BlackBerry have again pulled it out the bag. The neat and posh design of the phone creates a great look, with the buttons being clearer than ever, and really pronouncing just how great this phone looks to be. Featuring the new track pad, alongside with the keypad, the BlackBerry pearl 9100 makes every chores on your phone seem easier and saves you from wasting a lot of time.
When the first photos of this new phone were released, there was much controversy over who had released them. BlackBerry were in confusion as to whether they had allowed the images to be shown, or whether someone had smuggled them out and released them onto the internet. Either way, it’s clear to the eye that phone looks amazing and will not let down the high expectations left by the 8100.
Featuring a 2.0 megapixel camera, this camera allows for precision photography and video recording, very useful if you need to photograph some notes perhaps or just treasure a great family moment. Featuring all new applications, this phone is sure to be a hit amongst business men and ordinary consumers alike. If you want to get your hands on the new BlackBerry Pearl 9100, you will have to wait to find out the exact release date, but it’s sure to be near the beginning of 2010.
To say that the Storm 2 is an improvement over the original Storm would be an understatement. In fact, the Storm 2 comes close to an iPhone killer, if it were not for the inferior transmissive touch screen on the phone. Due to the touch screen, the onscreen keyboard is a little difficult to use particularly when it came to pressing two buttons that were beside each other. Aside from that, using this device is a breeze.
When the first Storm came out, many critics felt that BlackBerry should just stick to non-touch screen device. The unfinished feel of the Storm, the screen gaps, and the keys that easily fell off were key problems that discouraged a lot of people from this BlackBerry line.
Getting Back on Track
The Storm 2, on the other hand, shows the good old BlackBerry spirit in the device. The phone is not only impressive in the way that it has done away with all the problems that plagued the first, but it also brings decent hardware to compete with today’s devices.
Still, the BlackBerry Storm 2 is a mid-low end 3G phone. The 3.25 inch screen is not only transmissive; it is small by today’s standards. The lack of a physical keyboard that has made other BlackBerrys so successful makes this device less unique in terms of specialty (the onscreen keyboard is not even as good as those on other devices). The rest of the features are at par for 3G devices: 3.5mm audio jack, WiFi (previously missing in the old Storm), GPS, Bluetooth, Media Player and MicroSD support are all common fare for smart phones.
Getting into the Storm
The Storm 2 is still a long ways to go to be as valuable as the Curve or the Bold 9700, but it still counts as one of the first touch screen devices by BlackBerry. For those looking for a well rounded touch screen phone, this might just be a good try.
Check out Softpedia’s profile of the Bold 9700 and see why this phone is considered as one of the best messaging devices available. In a world of high end 3G devices with slide out keyboards and fast processors, BlackBerry devices stay within a very specialized niche for the mobile phone user who thrives heavily on sending and receiving of messages. Be it through text, push Email, instant messages and others, these users want phones that are easy to carry around, offer decent all around functionality and deliver a smooth and fast typing experience.
Hardware and Features
As with most Bold 2 reviews, we agree that the BlackBerry Bold 9700’s keyboard is the true heart of this mobile phone. From the button design to the ergonomic form of the phone body, the 9700 was made to make the process of typing, with one hand or two, a much easier task.
In addition to the keyboard, the Bold 9700 reintroduces the BlackBerry track pad –originally debuted with the BlackBerry Curve, the track pad replaces the old track ball as the method for navigating the Bold 9700’s menu. The track pad provides a much smoother and easier way of moving around without causing stress to the fingers.
The Bold 9700 displays its visual prowess through the 2.44 inch TFTLCD screen. The resolution of 480 x 360 pixels provides high quality image output and the 65 thousand color capability gives depth to images. The 3.2 mega pixel camera does a fine job at taking quick snapshots for sharing and uploading. Network connectivity is done through 3G or with the device’s WiFi support.
Where to Buy
Major UK carriers like T-Mobile and Vodafone currently have the Bold 9700 on contract. At 35 Pounds per month, you can get this device for free. Orange subscribers will also be able to avail of this phone soon.
BlackBerry Smartphones have always been known for their outstanding performance when it comes to the overall user experience. This is primarily brought about by the proprietary operating system on all BlackBerry Smartphones which has been dubbed by some critics as the closest competitor of the Apple iPhone OS. The upcoming BlackBerry Curve 8520 definitely doesn’t disappoint in this regard as it is still able to live up to the high standards set by previous BlackBerry devices, despite the fact that it is only an entry level unit.
Same Old, Same Old
The refined look combined with the modern icon set are what make the BlackBerry user interface one of the most eye-pleasing UI’s out there. The same holds true for the one seen in the BlackBerry Curve 8520 as it too shares the same delightfully designed interface. The OS on the 8520 hasn’t seen much improvement since the previous models aside from a few tweaks and adjustments here and there. But then again, why fix anything if it isn’t broken, right? This means that past BlackBerry users will have no problems adjusting to the slightly upgraded OS installed on the Curve 8520.
For new users, it may be quite intimidating at first when you realize that each program has its own icon. However, a few minutes with the Curve 8520 should prove to you that its OS is actually very user-friendly.
No Hang-Ups
Based on initial testing, we have not experienced any technical freezing on the new OS which means that BlackBerry has probably addressed the concerns raised by Storm and Bold users. You’d be happy to know that the stability of the BlackBerry OS has been reestablished and that the hiccups have been cured. On the BlackBerry Curve 8520, users can now go back and focus on their work instead of worrying when the next crash will come.
Crack for the masses? It doesn’t sound like a good thing, does it? But that’s just what the Blackberry Curve 8520 is going to be bringing our way. Until now, the Crackberry has been very much a minority market kinda thing. Suits, politicians, and the occasional president have been the mainstay of RIM’s ugly if effective range of smartphones. But the Blackberry Curve 8520 is going to be the cheapest version of the phone to date. Not cheap cheap, mind. You won’t be using this as your burner any time soon, for example. But it will definitely, as these Blackberry 8520 deals prove, open up the possibility of at least considering a Blackberry to more people than ever before. Not least, of course in the profitable pay-as-you-go market, no doubt one of the main reasons RIM have headed in this direction.
But just because this thing is cheap, you shouldn’t assume that this thing has been slap-dashed together as something RIM care nothing about. In fact, just the opposite. It not only has all the super-solid design that every Blackberry offers (these things are about as sturdy as phones get, in fact), but they’re also debuting a new piece of technology on it, so they clearly care about it. That new kit is the really smooth little optical trackpad, which replaces the sometimes-annoying trackball that’s featured on just about every Blackberry previously.
So, there we have it. Crack for you, for your kids, and for all the family… read this Blackberry 8520 review for even more details if you’re hungry for a fix.
It’s August and that means only one thing in the mobile phone world, bargains. Whilst people are off sunning themselves, mobile phone manufacturers and retailers are busy lowering their prices in an attempt to stimulate what has always been a slightly stale month. So we decided to put together a list of handsets that we like along with the monthly price you will pay for getting them. We hope you enjoy.
1) Nokia N97 deals – Yes guys it’s the big one, Nokia’s answer to the iPhone and we can tell you for free, that it isn’t the cheapest handset on the market. £40.00 per month on either T-mobile or Vodafone will get you 800 minutes and unlimited texts or 600 minutes and unlimited texts respectively. If you can afford it, then why not go for it?
2) Nokia 5530 deals – Vodafone wins out here offering 600 minutes and unlimited texts for a mere £20.29 per month. OK it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the N97, but for that, you do get a line rental at half the price. Just promise us that you’ll consider it… please?
3) HTC Hero deals – I deliberated for a long time as to whether to put this one in at number 3 or 4 and in the end I went with number 3, simply because the magazines are going crazy over this little beauty. £25.00 per month with 400 minutes and 3000 texts is not a bad deal either on the Orange network.
4) Samsung Jet deals – I love this phone and it was hard for me to put it below the Hero, especially considering you can get this wonderful handset for a little over £21.00 per month on (you guessed it) Orange with 400 minutes and 3000 texts.
5) Blackberry Curve 8520 deals – No list would be complete without adding a Blackberry to the equation. It has to go in at number 5 simply because not everyone wants to send emails on holiday whilst sipping a long Island iced tea in the Bahamas, but with a deal on O2 offering £170 automatic cashback on a £35.00 per month tariff, I might justtake my emails everywhere I go.
6) Nokia N86 deals – The gamers delight, the Nokia N86 is packed with fun, hell it screams fun, perhaps that’s taking it a little too far, but it is an excellent little phone and for £30.00 per month you can get 600 minutes and unlimited texts on Vodafone. With that you can call and text all your mates to let them know your high scores.
7) Sony Ericsson W995 deals – I feel sorry putting the W995 in seventh place, partly because it is a truly amazing phone. What’s more you can get it for just over £21.00 per month. The thing is you will get it and in 3 months time you will want the Satio or the Aino and then you will blame me for putting it on the list and I just couldn’t handle the guilt. HTC Diamond 2 deals – In at number 8 simply because it is a huge improvement over the original diamond and you can get it for below £30.00 per month on O2. If it’s a Smartphone you’re looking for, this one should be on the shortlist.
Any others we should have included? Get commenting and we will shout them out to the world.
Out of the new series of blackberry devices lined up to be released later this year, the Blackberry 9300 Geministands out. Although the phone comes in a pretty standard shape, it is in silver color instead of the black that all users are familiar with. This along with its larger viewing screen and better resolution makes the phone definitely something that anyone interested in buying a blackberry should have a look at.
The QWERTY keyboard on the Blackberry 9300 Gemini is slightly rounded making it stand out from the straight edged keyboard in all its predecessors. All the keys are rounded too including the Send/End keys.
The processor that is going to power this phone hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but it is rumored to be even more powerful than the Bold’s 624MHz processor which leaves nothing for a user to complain about.
With quad band GSM, Wi-Fi, and triband UMTS, the Blackberry 9300 Gemini is definitely not lacking in connectivity options. The GSM allows a wide coverage making worldwide roaming even easier. With Wi-Fi, the user can connect to the internet and access anything ranging from emails to documents making it perfect for a business user. The phone also has a Bluetooth chip allowing date to be transferred easily.
The specifications of the camera on the phone have not been officially confirmed. But it is expected to have at least a 3.2 MP camera.
A GPS receiver is built in the phone. The makes it useful for navigation purposes, attracting an even wider spectrum of users.
Even with all these advantages the keyboard of the phone can seem a bit cramped which is a common complain among all BlackBerry users. The phone is not really a breakthrough in technical terms and at this point does not seem to have much to offer other than its improved appearance and display.
Anyway the Blackberry 9300 Gemini is a pretty solid device and is something that will definitely attract many users. Check out the official Blackberry site for more information on the 9300’s release date.
Toshiba is venturing into the mobile phone market with the Toshiba TG01. This handset measures an impressive 9.9mm thick and comes with an impressive 4.1 inch VGA touch screen. Not bad if you compare that to LG’s new offering the LG Arena which comes with poultry 3 inch screen in comparison.
The Toshiba TG01 will also sport 1 GHZ chip which it claims is the fastest chip available in any mobile phone at the current time. This in theory should allow it to do more faster. However Toshiba is not well known for creating mobile phone handsets and so we are yet to see whether or not this power is translated into efficiency.
Another feature of the TG01 is its G sensor which allows you to tilt the phone around a central spot for navigation. It may be me but I’m just not sure how this will work and having not had a go with it I don’t know how it will perform. The TG01 will be up against the likes of the Nokia N97, the Blackberry Curve and the LG Arena KM900, so there is some fairly stiff completion around for it.
However we like the first look of the TG01 and it has some pretty great features such as 3G HSDPA and GPS connectivity. We hope to see the TG01 on the following networks O2 Orange Vodafone T Mobile Virgin
As there is no word on a network exclusive yet. We love this handset and think it will be a big seller in 2009.
The brand new Blackberry 8330 is a great new phone which offers huge set of high quality features which are ideal for business users. The phone has a good set of features including a camera, a media player, corporate data access and of course wireless internet access. I’ve also seen a couple of Blackberry 8330 reviews which seem to suggest the Blackberry Curve 8330 is a great phone and that it is definitely worth the purchase for business mobile phone users. I have to agree, this phone appears to have everything you could ever need as a business mobile phone user.
I’ve also seen a lot of Blackberry 8330 deals available and as we get closer to Christmas you’ll probably notice that there are a lot of mobile deals and you should be able to get yourself a great deal no matter what phone you’re looking for. I’ve also noticed that the Blackberry Curve 8330 contracts are available for free on most networks so you should be able to get yourself a good deal on this phone on PAYG and on contract. I’ve got to say I really like this phone and I think it’ll be very popular throughout the UK.
Overall, the Blackberry Curve 8330 is a great phone and I think that this phone is definitely worth the purchase for business users. I’ve also seen a Blackberry 8330 video which is definitely worth watching if you’re interested in buying this phone because you’ll get to see the phone in action before you buy it and you’ll also be able to see the phone’s features in more detail than I can describe. All in all, the Blackberry Curve 8330 is a great phone and I think it’ll definitely be worth the purchase for almost all business users throughout the UK.
Apple certainly has a tendency for making enemies, and this time, they managed to gain the ire of the quiet folks at RIM.
It’s been a while since 
To say that the Storm 2 is an improvement over the original Storm would be an understatement. In fact, the 
Check out 
BlackBerry Smartphones have always been known for their outstanding performance when it comes to the overall user experience. This is primarily brought about by the proprietary operating system on all BlackBerry Smartphones which has been dubbed by some critics as the closest competitor of the Apple iPhone OS. The upcoming 
Crack for the masses? It doesn’t sound like a good thing, does it? But that’s just what the 
It’s August and that means only one thing in the mobile phone world, bargains. Whilst people are off sunning themselves, mobile phone manufacturers and retailers are busy lowering their prices in an attempt to stimulate what has always been a slightly stale month. So we decided to put together a list of handsets that we like along with the monthly price you will pay for getting them. We hope you enjoy.
Out of the new series of blackberry devices lined up to be released later this year, the 
Toshiba is venturing into the mobile phone market with the 