Well my contract with my current carrier (Sprint) is up for renewal soon and I figure I might as well look into what new mobile phone options are available to me out there. This has been a hit mobile phone year for a certain company (Apple) and a miss year for another (Palm). All the same I didn’t want to go with the hot chick (iPhone) or dismiss any other options just because. I decided to do some research.
First off the carriers.
The latest issue of Consumer Reports has done a very comprehensive review of all U.S. carriers and what they found was that fewer than 50% of all mobile phone customers surveyed were completely or very satisfied with their cell phone service. Meaning, they all pretty much sucked. Thank you Captain Frikken Obvious...
This review was relative because they all pretty much sucked. However, among all carriers, Alltel and Verizon scored the highest followed by T-Mobile, AT&T with Sprint dead last. Their biggest gripes? High prices and mandatory contract extensions.
Verizon however has recently announced a novel idea... ‘Any App on Any Device’. Basically this means that Verizon’s network would be open by the end of 2008 to applications and devices that it has nothing to do with selling. This is good for customers. From what I’ve heard there have been a lot of defections in the past year... Anyone to AT&T (iPhone). Anyone from Sprint… (Over 1 million subscribers ran from Sprint in 2007). So take your phone’s over and they should work right? Wrong. The iPhone still won’t work. (I knew you were going to ask.)
However, lots of those sleek unlocked European phones that you’ve been seeing on those slick TV shows, websites and magazines may work. Think the LG Prada or the Vertu Signature (below).
Verizon however has recently announced a novel idea... ‘Any App on Any Device’. Basically this means that Verizon’s network would be open by the end of 2008 to applications and devices that it has nothing to do with selling. This is good for customers. From what I’ve heard there have been a lot of defections in the past year... Anyone to AT&T (iPhone). Anyone from Sprint… (Over 1 million subscribers ran from Sprint in 2007). So take your phone’s over and they should work right? Wrong. The iPhone still won’t work. (I knew you were going to ask.)
However, lots of those sleek unlocked European phones that you’ve been seeing on those slick TV shows, websites and magazines may work. Think the LG Prada or the Vertu Signature (below).
Everyone I know with T-Mobile is unhappy. Everyone I know with AT&T is unhappy. Alltel?? I’ve never even seen an Alltel store in New York City. But, the people I know with Verizon are happy. However... My issue with Verizon is that that they are control freaks. Every hot phone cell phone that has been on Verizon’s network has been handicapped in some way because Verizon doesn’t want their users to have any fun... No really, they’ve disabled certain features from certain models as a way of protecting their network. It’s kind of like DRM (Digital Rights Management) for cellular carriers. For example, according to eWeek.com they’ve disabled Bluetooth features in the Motorola V10 and have been sued for it. According to CNet & ZDNet.com they have disabled certain features that would allow phonebook synchronization, photo transfer or data transfer of any sort with some of their phones. (Incidentally SprexTel and Apple have done the same but Verizon is the larger abuser).
Apologies for the digression... But... that’s not what I am really interested in. What I need is a new smartphone. Not necessarily a new carrier. Although Sprint supposedly sucks. It’s worked really well for me.
Unless I find a damn good reason to leave. I’m leaning towards sticking with Sprint. I have free evenings and weekends. Free Sprint to Sprint calls. And they have down right great data connection plans and a nice collection of phones.
Let’s start with what a smartphone is:
'A smartphone is a mobile phone offering advanced capabilities beyond a typical mobile phone, often with PC-like functionality. There is no industry standard definition of a smartphone. For some, a smartphone is a phone that runs complete operating system software providing a standardized interface and platform for application developers. For others, a smartphone is simply a phone with advanced features.'
Good enough? No? Well, Check out the rest Wikipedia's entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartphone
Now, I’ve loved Palm products for a while. The PDA/Phones have been my little buddies for years. Like relationships that have evolved and grown... with each new iteration, I’ve followed suit.
Now, I’ve loved Palm products for a while. The PDA/Phones have been my little buddies for years. Like relationships that have evolved and grown... with each new iteration, I’ve followed suit.
Starting with the Palm III in 1998;
then up to the Palm Powered Kyocera 6035;
then the Handspring Treo 300;
then I got a hold of the Handspring Treo 600;
the Palm Treo 650;
and finally my current phone the Treo 700P.
CNet Editors Rating
7.7 out of 10.0 Very Good
Average Users Rating
7.2 out of 10.0 Very Good (53 Users)
*
7.7 out of 10.0 Very Good
Average Users Rating
7.2 out of 10.0 Very Good (53 Users)
*
Specs:
Carrier: Verizon / Sprint
OS: Palm OS 5.4.9;
Band / mode: CDMA
Wireless connectivity: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0
Talk Time: Up to 270 min
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW, E-Mail
GPS System / Navigation: None
*
Wireless connectivity: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0
Talk Time: Up to 270 min
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW, E-Mail
GPS System / Navigation: None
*
The good: The Palm Treo 700p boasts EV-DO support, a 1.3-megapixel camera, increased memory, a sharp display, and Bluetooth 1.2. The smart phone can also be used as a wireless modem and has solid call quality.
The bad: The Palm Treo 700p lacks integrated Wi-Fi and runs the stale Palm OS 5.4.9. Also, Sprint has no plans to offer a cameraless version at this time.
My problems with you Treo are these:*
#1. You’re fat. Face it. You’ve put on some pounds Palm! This thing is like walking around with a laptop in my pocket. On a date a once woman asked me if that was my Nintendo 64 in my pocket. A Nintendo 64! Then she made it worse by asking if it came with a Duck Hunt gun. (ARRRGH!!)
#1. You’re fat. Face it. You’ve put on some pounds Palm! This thing is like walking around with a laptop in my pocket. On a date a once woman asked me if that was my Nintendo 64 in my pocket. A Nintendo 64! Then she made it worse by asking if it came with a Duck Hunt gun. (ARRRGH!!)
Yea, you've added technology over the years such as Bluetooth and (gasp!) a music player, but there are slimmer sexier phones on the market that do the same thing.
#2. You’re Oooooold! On my 30th birthday, my beautiful, lovely, loving little sister called and repeatedly exclaimed. You’re Oooooold! You’re Ooooooooooold! You’re Oooooooooooooold! Well you know what Palm? You’re Oooooooooooooold! I mean you still work and you have the largest application library in the universe but. Damn! Get a face lift! Put some D’s on it! Dayum!!
#3. Why won’t you work outside of the U.S.? (This is a swipe at most U.S. carriers) You can retrieve all of my email simultaneously and remind me when I’m about to miss an appointment, you take pictures and beat my arse in checkers repeatedly, I can watch TV and make home videos (albeit not simultaneously) you can calculate the speed of light on the edge of a black hole (okay you can’t do that). Why can’t a make and receive calls once I leave the U.S. border (minus Puerto Rico and Alaska...) WTF?
#4. I’m just not that into you… (Anymore).
#2. You’re Oooooold! On my 30th birthday, my beautiful, lovely, loving little sister called and repeatedly exclaimed. You’re Oooooold! You’re Ooooooooooold! You’re Oooooooooooooold! Well you know what Palm? You’re Oooooooooooooold! I mean you still work and you have the largest application library in the universe but. Damn! Get a face lift! Put some D’s on it! Dayum!!
#3. Why won’t you work outside of the U.S.? (This is a swipe at most U.S. carriers) You can retrieve all of my email simultaneously and remind me when I’m about to miss an appointment, you take pictures and beat my arse in checkers repeatedly, I can watch TV and make home videos (albeit not simultaneously) you can calculate the speed of light on the edge of a black hole (okay you can’t do that). Why can’t a make and receive calls once I leave the U.S. border (minus Puerto Rico and Alaska...) WTF?
#4. I’m just not that into you… (Anymore).
Treo. You’ve been dumped.
Okay, now that I’ve gotten that off of my chest. Let’s review then what my choices are:
#1. the Jesus Phone $399
#1. the Jesus Phone $399
A damn good reason to leave Sprint.
CNet Editors Rating
8.0 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.2 out of 10.0 Very Good (517 Users)
Specs:
Carrier: AT&T, Cingular Wireless
OS: Apple MacOS X;
Band / mode: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband);
Wireless connectivity: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Talk Time: Up to 480 min
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW, E-Mail
GPS System / Navigation: None
The good: The Apple iPhone has a stunning display, a sleek design, and an innovative multitouch user interface. Its Safari browser makes for a superb Web surfing experience, and it offers easy-to-use apps. As an iPod, it shines.
The bad: The Apple iPhone has variable call quality and lacks some basic features found in many cell phones, including stereo Bluetooth support and 3G compatibility. Integrated memory is stingy for an iPod, and you have to sync the iPhone to manage music content.
The bottom line: Despite some important missing features, a slow data network, and call quality that doesn't always deliver, the Apple iPhone sets a new benchmark for an integrated cell phone and MP3 player.
I need... a good carrier. AT&T is waaay too flimsy for me. Sorry.
I need... A plethora of apps. Although the Palm OS is old? It has more applications out there than any other mobile OS (Operating System) in existence.
I need... more space. If this thing is going to replace my phone and my iPod? Then I require enough space to hold my music and my movies which fits fine on my 30GB iPod Video. I mean. I’ve barely used half. 80GB iPhone anyone?
(Note: According to the grapevine, we will see a 16GB iPhone by late spring 2008)
The iPhone has changed the game. From the time they announced the iPhone last winter; there have been multiple copycats on the market. (See iPhone vs. LG Voyager, iPhone vs. LG Prada... does LG have a little phone enV? Hmmm??)
I mean this phone is hot. But is it good enough to make me switch from one sucky carrier to another sucky carrier? Not… yet.
*
#2. the HTC Touch $249
CNet Editors Rating
7.0 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
8.3 out of 10.0 Very Good (41 Users)
Specs:
Carrier: Sprint (There is an unlocked version as well)
OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional;
Band / mode: CDMA 800/1900
Wireless connectivity: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0
Talk Time: Up to 240 min
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW, E-Mail
GPS System / Navigation: None
This is another iPhone clone that may stand a good chance. This... is a pretty phone. It's a nice size (small), a great weight (light) and it has a very funky interface (TouchFLO?). I actually stopped off at the Sprint store yesterday to play with a few phones and found this phone really enjoyable to play with. But, would its novelty last? For some reason... I doubt it.
Update 12/11/2007: According to the Boy Genius Report, HTC has sold over 1 million Touch smartphones in just 5 months, pulling in $14.5 million in November.
The good: The compact HTC Touch features an advanced touch screen that lets you operate the smartphone with your fingertips. The Windows Mobile 6 smartphone has integrated Bluetooth and a 2-megapixel camera. It's EV-DO capable and works with the Sprint Music Store and Sprint TV.
The bad: The Touch's onscreen keyboard is improved, but it's still not the best for text entry, and the TouchFLO feature doesn't work in landscape mode. The microSD slots are hard to access, and there's no integrated Wi-Fi. Also, the phone's speaker system is on the weaker side.
The bottom line: The HTC Touch cell phone for Sprint boasts an innovative touch screen, a sleek interface, and a nice set of features, but the lack of a sizable keyboard really limits the usability of this device.
Another thing is that I’ve played with Windows Mobile 6 on another smartphone... the HTC Wing from T-Mobile. I mean, it is a great phone but for a Palm OS user? Windows Mobile is just so Gosh darned annoying! There are just waaaay to many menus; waaaay too many windows... it’s like... XP on a phone except on a much smaller screen and to me that isn't good.
(Note: I also looked at the HTC Mogul and determined that’s it’s the same as the Wing & Touch in many respects.)
The good: The compact HTC Touch features an advanced touch screen that lets you operate the smartphone with your fingertips. The Windows Mobile 6 smartphone has integrated Bluetooth and a 2-megapixel camera. It's EV-DO capable and works with the Sprint Music Store and Sprint TV.
The bad: The Touch's onscreen keyboard is improved, but it's still not the best for text entry, and the TouchFLO feature doesn't work in landscape mode. The microSD slots are hard to access, and there's no integrated Wi-Fi. Also, the phone's speaker system is on the weaker side.
The bottom line: The HTC Touch cell phone for Sprint boasts an innovative touch screen, a sleek interface, and a nice set of features, but the lack of a sizable keyboard really limits the usability of this device.
Another thing is that I’ve played with Windows Mobile 6 on another smartphone... the HTC Wing from T-Mobile. I mean, it is a great phone but for a Palm OS user? Windows Mobile is just so Gosh darned annoying! There are just waaaay to many menus; waaaay too many windows... it’s like... XP on a phone except on a much smaller screen and to me that isn't good.
(Note: I also looked at the HTC Mogul and determined that’s it’s the same as the Wing & Touch in many respects.)
#3. the Palm Centro $99
CNet Editors Rating
7.0 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
8.4 out of 10.0 Very Good (26 Users)
Specs:
Carrier: Sprint (Coming soon to Verizon)
Wireless connectivity: IrDA; Bluetooth; Integrated Wireless cellular modem
OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional;
Band / mode: HSDPA, CDMA 2000 1X EV-DO
Talk time: 210 min
Data Services: E-Mail, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger
GPS System / Navigation: None
CNet Editors Rating
7.0 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
8.4 out of 10.0 Very Good (26 Users)
Specs:
Carrier: Sprint (Coming soon to Verizon)
Wireless connectivity: IrDA; Bluetooth; Integrated Wireless cellular modem
OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional;
Band / mode: HSDPA, CDMA 2000 1X EV-DO
Talk time: 210 min
Data Services: E-Mail, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger
GPS System / Navigation: None
*
The good: The Palm Centro sheds some of the weight and bulk of Palm Treo to make for a more compact smartphone. It also carries an attractive price tag and offers a lot for the money, including Bluetooth, EV-DO support, push e-mail, and a suite of productivity apps.
*
The bad: The Centro's QWERTY keyboard is extremely cramped and the hardware feels a bit toy like. The phone's speaker is on the weaker side, and it lacks Wi-Fi.
*
The bottom line: The Palm Centro isn't the innovative product we were looking for from the company, but with its slimmer size, ease of use, and affordable price tag, the Centro is a good option for those looking for their first smartphone.
An attempt at a slimmer, sexier smartphone from Palm. It’s a Treo on a diet... and lipo, and a tummy tuck, with a skin lift or 2. It’s cute. But you know what? Inside Centro? You’re Oooooold!
It’s the same old Palm OS.
Plus I’m not sure if Palm has much left for this world and here’s why:
#1. They’re a small company that’s failing to hold its own.
#2. They are failing to innovate. The Treo 180, Treo 300, Treo 600, 650, 700P, 700wx, (I'm surprised there wasn't a yz!) 750 & 755 and they're all the same phone. Deleting an antenna doesn’t a new phone make.
#3. The Foleo.
An attempt at a slimmer, sexier smartphone from Palm. It’s a Treo on a diet... and lipo, and a tummy tuck, with a skin lift or 2. It’s cute. But you know what? Inside Centro? You’re Oooooold!
It’s the same old Palm OS.
Plus I’m not sure if Palm has much left for this world and here’s why:
#1. They’re a small company that’s failing to hold its own.
#2. They are failing to innovate. The Treo 180, Treo 300, Treo 600, 650, 700P, 700wx, (I'm surprised there wasn't a yz!) 750 & 755 and they're all the same phone. Deleting an antenna doesn’t a new phone make.
#3. The Foleo.
The failed wanna be laptop device that required a Palm smartphone to connect to the World Wide Web. What? Was this supposed to be a UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer)? Okay.
It was so bad, Palm pulled it before it ever hit the shelves!
What? Yea. Dude. Enough.
But, if you are new to smartphones it is worth a look... No. Really. It is.
It was so bad, Palm pulled it before it ever hit the shelves!
What? Yea. Dude. Enough.
But, if you are new to smartphones it is worth a look... No. Really. It is.
#4. The Motorola Q9
AT&T $350 Verizon $NA Sprint $149
Specs:
Carrier: Sprint, AT&T & Verizon
OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0;
Band / mode: CDMA 800/1900
Wireless connectivity: IrDA; Bluetooth; Wireless cellular modem
GPS System / Navigation: None
Carrier: Sprint, AT&T & Verizon
OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0;
Band / mode: CDMA 800/1900
Wireless connectivity: IrDA; Bluetooth; Wireless cellular modem
GPS System / Navigation: None
Note: This phone is actually sold by 3 carriers w/ 3 different ratings & reviews.
AT&T
CNet Editors Rating
7.3 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating (12 Users)
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good
AT&T
CNet Editors Rating
7.3 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating (12 Users)
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good
The good: The Motorola Q9h is a great messaging device with a spacious QWERTY keyboard, and also offers decent call quality and multimedia performance. The Windows Mobile 6 smartphone features HSDPA support; Bluetooth; GPS; world roaming; and a 2-megapixel camera.
The bad: There are occasions where the Q9h can be sluggish, and its battery life drains quickly. Some users may not like the lack of a scroll wheel.
The bottom line: Though not the sexiest or sleekest device on the market, the Motorola Q9h Global is an all-around solid smartphone that offers mobile professionals good messaging, clear call quality, and GPS and HSDPA--all for a great value.
Verizon
Verizon
CNet Editors Rating
6.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.9 out of 10.0 Very Good (51 Users)
6.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.9 out of 10.0 Very Good (51 Users)
*
The good: The Motorola Q9m boasts an attractive design with an excellent full QWERTY keyboard. The smartphone now runs Windows Mobile 6, has integrated Bluetooth with A2DP support as well as EV-DO, and works with Verizon's V Cast Music Store. It offers clear call quality and solid multimedia performance.
The bad: The Q9m's performance can be sluggish at times, and it lacks integrated Wi-Fi. We also wish Motorola had upgraded the camera to a 2-megapixel shooter, and there's no support for V Cast videos at this time. The smartphone is slightly bigger and heavier, and the screen holds a lot of smudges and fingerprints. Windows Live and Live Messenger are stripped out of the smartphone.
*
*
The bottom line: The Motorola Q9m brings some nice design and operating system upgrades as well as a more consumer-focused experience with enhanced multimedia capabilities. However, behind all the sexy packaging, the smartphone still feels underpowered. Business users should look elsewhere for a smartphone
Sprint
CNet Editors Rating
7.3 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good
Sprint
CNet Editors Rating
7.3 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good
The good: The Motorola Q9c offers a Windows Mobile 6 upgrade as well as GPS, Bluetooth, and EV-DO support. The smartphone also has a 1.3-megapixel camera; decent call quality; and solid messaging capabilities.
*
The bad: The extended battery adds an awkward and bulky bump to the back of the smartphone, and the keyboard is a bit stiff. The speakerphone produced some feedback, and performance can sometimes be sluggish.
The bottom line: Some design quirks aside, the Motorola Q9c for Sprint is a worthy upgrade to the original Q, adding GPS and more stable performance, among other things.
This is a phone that I almost bought. A few of my friends have the Motorola Q (Ver.1) it and it appeared to be a good contender. But when the Customer Service Rep at the store I’m shopping in tells me to stay away from a product, faaaarrr away from a product? I listen.
*
#5. The Crackberry 8830
T-Mobile $NA Verizon $NA Sprint $199
Specs:
Carrier: T-Mobile, Verizon & Sprint,
OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0;
Band / mode: GSM & CDMA 800/1900
Wireless connectivity: IrDA; Bluetooth; Integrated Wireless cellular modem
Memory: 64MB Flash; microSD memory card slot, GPS
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW, E-Mail
GPS System / Navigation: Yes and No?
Note: that this phone is actually sold by 3 carriers w/ 3 different ratings & reviews.
T-Mobile
CNet Editors Rating
7.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
OS: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.0;
Band / mode: GSM & CDMA 800/1900
Wireless connectivity: IrDA; Bluetooth; Integrated Wireless cellular modem
Memory: 64MB Flash; microSD memory card slot, GPS
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW, E-Mail
GPS System / Navigation: Yes and No?
Note: that this phone is actually sold by 3 carriers w/ 3 different ratings & reviews.
T-Mobile
CNet Editors Rating
7.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
*
The good: Boasting a sleek and sexy design, the RIM BlackBerry 8800 offers integrated GPS and multimedia features. The quadband smartphone also has Bluetooth, push e-mail, a full QWERTY keyboard, and long talk-time battery life.
*
The bad: Unfortunately, the BlackBerry 8800 doesn't have integrated Wi-Fi. Call quality was a little muffled, and the phone is quite wide and awkward to hold. The media player could also use some refinements, and instant messaging is limited to the BlackBerry Messenger client.
*
The bottom line: Despite some minor issues, the RIM BlackBerry 8800 offers mobile professionals a well-rounded smartphone with added multimedia functions and integrated GPS. That said, messaging remains its forte.
Verizon
CNet Editors Rating
7.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
6.9 out of 10.0 Very Good (97 Users)
Verizon
CNet Editors Rating
7.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
6.9 out of 10.0 Very Good (97 Users)
The good: The RIM BlackBerry 8830 offers dual-mode functionality so you can use the phone globally. It's also EV-DO capable, has a built-in music and video player, and offers solid performance.
*
The bad: The BlackBerry 8830 doesn't support Verizon's V Cast services at the moment, and the handset is on the larger side. There is no camera option and the phone doesn't support stereo Bluetooth headsets.
The bottom line: For the globe-trotting executive, the RIM BlackBerry 8830 is a powerful voice and messaging tool that offers world roaming and solid performance.
Regarding GPS: The BlackBerry 8830 smartphone houses a proprietary, autonomous GPS receiver. This receiver is able to calculate the handheld's location relying solely on GPS satellites with no input from cellular towers. While the device does have assistedGPS, i.e. A-GPS capability, it houses a "full" GPS system similar in natureto GPS systems used by GPS-only car kits and mobile devices. This is designed tobe accessible by second- and third-party applications such as BlackBerry Maps, GoogleMaps, and TeleNav. Such programs do need a wireless data signal to download mappinginformation, though they can figure out where the BlackBerry is in terms of latitudeand longitude with just the GPS signal.
Regarding GPS: The BlackBerry 8830 smartphone houses a proprietary, autonomous GPS receiver. This receiver is able to calculate the handheld's location relying solely on GPS satellites with no input from cellular towers. While the device does have assistedGPS, i.e. A-GPS capability, it houses a "full" GPS system similar in natureto GPS systems used by GPS-only car kits and mobile devices. This is designed tobe accessible by second- and third-party applications such as BlackBerry Maps, GoogleMaps, and TeleNav. Such programs do need a wireless data signal to download mappinginformation, though they can figure out where the BlackBerry is in terms of latitudeand longitude with just the GPS signal.
The BlackBerry 8830 smartphone as released by Verizon has had this "full"GPS capability disabled at a software level. Verizon has indicated that they planto release their own proprietary GPS mapping solution at a later time; possibly VZ Navigator. AT&T and T-Mobile have both taken similar routes with their 8800series handhelds; locking out GPS access for 3rd party programs and only enablingaccess to the built-in receiver to the TeleNav program that they sell themselves.
If you would like Verizon to enable GPS functionality on the BlackBerry 8830, I suggest you contact them and advise them as much.
Thank you again for contacting us, Dennis. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
BlackBerry Customer Support
Research In Motion Limited
O.K.?? See what I mean? Control Freaks!
Sprint
CNet Editors Rating
7.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good (16 Users)
O.K.?? See what I mean? Control Freaks!
Sprint
CNet Editors Rating
7.7 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good (16 Users)
*
The good: The RIM BlackBerry 8830 offers dual-mode functionality so you can use the phone globally. It's EV-DO capable; has a built-in GPS radio; an integrated music and video player; and offers solid performance. The Sprint version also features unlocked SIM capabilities and an AIM client.
The bad: The BlackBerry 8830 is on the larger side. There is no camera option, and the phone doesn't support stereo Bluetooth headsets. Callers reported distorted speakerphone quality.
The bottom line: For the globe-trotting executive, the RIM BlackBerry 8830 is a powerful voice and messaging tool that offers world roaming and solid performance.
This is actually a front runner for me. I’m big on mobile email and RIM products do it well. (Although the voice support is on the weaker side unlike Palm products). This is actually a World Phone not the first for sprint but probably the most affordable they’ve ever had. It’s attractive, definitely thinner than the Treo, although a little wide (so who minds a good looker big hips?) and it’s dual mode GSM/CDMA which means that I can use it almost anywhere in the world! (Yay!) However let me say that is the choice of my inner Dr. Spock. Yes, it doesn’t have a camera. But who needs one? Stereo Bluetooth support? Seriously? Come on. I like this phone.
The bottom line: For the globe-trotting executive, the RIM BlackBerry 8830 is a powerful voice and messaging tool that offers world roaming and solid performance.
This is actually a front runner for me. I’m big on mobile email and RIM products do it well. (Although the voice support is on the weaker side unlike Palm products). This is actually a World Phone not the first for sprint but probably the most affordable they’ve ever had. It’s attractive, definitely thinner than the Treo, although a little wide (so who minds a good looker big hips?) and it’s dual mode GSM/CDMA which means that I can use it almost anywhere in the world! (Yay!) However let me say that is the choice of my inner Dr. Spock. Yes, it doesn’t have a camera. But who needs one? Stereo Bluetooth support? Seriously? Come on. I like this phone.
*
#6. The Crackberry Pearl 8130
AT&T $300 T-Mobile $260 Verizon $NA Sprint $199
Carrier: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon & Sprint,
OS: RIM Blackberry Handheld Software;
Band / mode: CDMA 800/1900 / Dual-band CDMA2000 EvDO /
Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth; Integrated Wireless cellular modem
Memory: 64MB RAM; 64MB ROM
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW
GPS System / Navigation: Yes
Note: that this phone is actually sold by 4 carriers w/ 4 different ratings & reviews.
AT&T
Average Users Rating
7.6 out of 10.0 Very Good (47 Users)
T-Mobile
CNet Editors Rating
7.3 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good (224 Users)
OS: RIM Blackberry Handheld Software;
Band / mode: CDMA 800/1900 / Dual-band CDMA2000 EvDO /
Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth; Integrated Wireless cellular modem
Memory: 64MB RAM; 64MB ROM
Data Services: MMS, SMS, WWW
GPS System / Navigation: Yes
Note: that this phone is actually sold by 4 carriers w/ 4 different ratings & reviews.
AT&T
Average Users Rating
7.6 out of 10.0 Very Good (47 Users)
T-Mobile
CNet Editors Rating
7.3 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
7.8 out of 10.0 Very Good (224 Users)
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl is the first BlackBerry to offer a 1.3-megapixel camera, music and video playback, expandable memory, and a mapping application. The supersleek phone also continues to offer superior push e-mail capabilities, EDGE support, and Bluetooth.
The bad: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl's microSD slot is inconveniently located behind the battery, and call quality was subpar in out tests. The phone's camera doesn't record video, and we wish there were external controls for the music player and integrated Wi-Fi.
*
The bottom line: Though nothing revolutionary, the addition of multimedia features and the already solid e-mail capabilities make the RIM BlackBerry Pearl an attractive device for business users and consumers alike.
Verizon
CNet Editors Rating
8.0 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
8.5 out of 10.0 Very Good (41 Users)
Verizon
CNet Editors Rating
8.0 out of 10.0 Excellent
Average Users Rating
8.5 out of 10.0 Very Good (41 Users)
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 keeps the same sleek design of its predecessor but adds built-in GPS, EV-DO support, and video-recording capabilities. The smartphone's Web browser is also improved, and it has a 2-megapixel camera. The device's messaging functions remain strong.
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The bad: The SureType keyboard takes some acclimation and call quality could be slightly better.
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The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 improves on an already impressive smartphone with the addition of GPS, video recording, and 3G support.
Sprint
Average Users Rating
9.5 out of 10.0 Very Good (3 Users)
This is the phone that I’m passionate about. It’s not the logical choice. But it’s small. Light. It gets me. This is the Jessica Alba of the group for me.
The Winner Is: The RIM Blackberry Pearl 8130!
Sprint
Average Users Rating
9.5 out of 10.0 Very Good (3 Users)
This is the phone that I’m passionate about. It’s not the logical choice. But it’s small. Light. It gets me. This is the Jessica Alba of the group for me.
The Winner Is: The RIM Blackberry Pearl 8130!
The 2 parts of my brain battled this one out. And my passion (like my relationships) have ruled out over my reason. She's sleek, slim, sexy and best of all... Smart. And I don't have to marry this one. I'll probably live with it for a little while... At least until the next latest and greatest smartphone arrives.
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