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March 12, 2010
When you hear the name BlackBerry you think of reliability, productivity, and efficiency. These smart phones have push e-mail for real-time inbox updates and a host of applications for productivity. But these devices also have a fun side, with better-than-average cameras, cool music apps like Pandora and Slacker, and a growing selection of social networking apps. BlackBerry's ease of use and long battery life--not to menion RIM's top-notch keyboards--has made this family of smart phones the most popular in the U.S.
With so many BlackBerry models available across all the major U.S. carriers, how do you know which one is right for you? All new model BlackBerrys have 3G, several have Wi-Fi, and all can access BlackBerry App World for downloading programs. The only real drawbacks at the moment are RIM's mediocre web browser (which it will be updating) and that the user interface is starting to feel a bit dated. We've reviewed several models of BlackBerry handsets, so we're here to give you a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each device.
There are now five major types of BlackBerrys from which to choose: Curve, Bold, Storm, Tour and Pearl. With different designs, features, processors and memory capacity, we're here to help you sort through the choices and find the best fit for you.
BlackBerry Curve 8500 Series BlackBerry 8520:
AT&T (Buy It), T-Mobile (Buy It)
BlackBerry 8530:
Verizon (Buy It), Sprint (Buy It)
Read Full Review of 8520
Read Full Reivew of 8530
Best For: Smart phone buyers who want the BlackBerry experience and a full keyboard for a low price.
Price Range: $0 - $129.99
Screen Size: 2.5 inches
Weight: 3.7 ounces
Processor: 8520: 512 MHz, 8530: 528 MHz
Memory: 128MB RAM/256MB ROM
Pros: Nice, tactile keyboard with well-spaced keys. Responsive optical trackpad. Dedicated media keys on top. T-Mobile version allows calls over Wi-Fi, although it is sometimes unstable and spotty.
Cons: Doesn't feel as solid as other BlackBerrys. Low screen resolution.
BlackBerry Bold 9700 Carriers: AT&T (Buy It) , T-Mobile (Buy It)
Read Full Review
Best For: Power users who want a fast processor, gorgeous display, and top-notch industrial design.
Price Range: $74.99 - $199.99
Screen Size: 2.4 inches
Processor: 624 MHz
Memory: 256MB RAM/256MB ROM
Weight: 4.3 ounces
Pros: Elegant design with comfy keyboard. Speedy CPU and vivid screen. Responsive optical trackpad. T-Mobile 9700 has Wi-Fi calling.
Cons: OS feels a bit stal. Mediocre browser.
BlackBerry Storm2 9550 Carrier: Verizon (Buy It)
Read Full Review
Best For: Shoppers who want a big touchscren for entertainment and media combined with reliable push e-mail.
Price Range: $49.99 - $179.99
Screen Size: 3.25 inches
Processor: 528 MHz
Memory: 128MB RAM/256MB ROM
Weight: 5.8 ounces
Pros: Vastly improved touchscreen and typing experience compared with original Storm. Good performance. Speedy Web browsing. Sharp camera
Cons: SurePress interface requires learning curve. A bit bulky and heavy.
BlackBerry Tour 9630 Carriers: Sprint (Buy It), Verizon (Buy It)
Read Full Review
Best For: Business users and consumers looking for something sleeker and faster than the Curve with global roaming capability.
Price Range: $99.99 - $149.99
Screen Size: 2.4 inches
Processor: 528 MHz
Memory: 256MB RAM, 256MB ROM
Weight: 4.6 ounces
Pros: Attractive, sturdy design. Comfortable keyboard. Sharp 480 x 360 display. Good 3.2-MP camera.
Cons: No integrated Wi-Fi. Mediocre video recording
BlackBerry Pearl 8100 BlackBerry Pearl 8110: AT&T (Buy It)
BlackBerry Pearl 8120: T-Mobile (Buy It)
Read Full Review of the 8120
Best For: Style-conscious messaging mavens looking for a compact design.
Price Range: $19.99 - $49.99
Screen Size: 2.2 inches
Processor: 312 MHz
Memory: 32MB RAM/64MB ROM
Weight: 3.1 - 3.4 ounces
Pros: Small and easily pocketabl. Great battery life compared to most smartphones. T-Mobile version allows calls over Wi-Fi.
Cons: Cramped and somewhat confusing SureType keyboard. Small, low-res screen. Relatively slow.
BlackBerry Pearl Flip BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220:
T-Mobile (Buy It)
BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8230:
Verizon (Buy It)
Read Full Review of the 8220
Best For: BlackBerry fans looking for a cheap flip phone.
Price Range: $9.99 (Verizon) - $29.99 (T-Mobile)
Screen Size: 2.6 inches
Weight: 3.6 ounces
Pros: Flips closed to avoid erroneous key clicks. T-Mobile version allows calls over Wi-Fi.
Cons: T-Mobile version lacks 3G. SureType keyboard isn't for everyone, thick compared to other BlackBerrys. Feels outdated
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