BlackBerry 8300 Curve - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The BlackBerry Curve is a one of the latest devices from RIM that offers features for both consumers and business users. Jerry Jackson took a look at this cellular-wireless handheld to see how it stacks up against the competition.

Pros: Improved trackball navigation, Excellent multimedia experience, Reasonably good built-in camera, Solid build quality, Nice screen

Cons: Impractical location for microSD card slot, Still offers horrible browsing experience, Camera lacks video capability, Short talk time numbers for regular business use

Verdict: Overall I was greatly impressed by the Curve.

Review summary: RIM's (Research In Motion's) BlackBerry Curve, also known as the BlackBerry 8300, is a full-keyboard smartphone that's both delightful and perplexing.

Verdict: On balance the BlackBerry Curve's compromises make it more appealing than most similar devices, not less. It isn't quite as sleek and sexy as the BlackBerry Pearl, but it is more attuned to business and is still smaller than most smartphones. The ...

Review summary: The BlackBerry has thrived slick mobile email and messaging. But its latest model, the Curve, suggests it's time to embrace the multimedia world…

Pros: The Curve still retains what makes BlackBerry so successful: ease of use, email on the move and a great QWERTY keyboard

Cons: BlackBerry continues to give 3G and Wi-Fi a wide berth and, while the multimedia presence is welcome, it's not the most realised

Verdict: RIM ditched the side jog-wheel in favour of the trackball and the transition has worked well.

Review summary: Stereo Bluetooth and a real headphone jack make this the best BlackBerry yet for music, but will it convert consumers to the push e-mail cause?

Pros: Excellent call handling. Push e-mail is business class for consumers. BlackBerry phones have the best battery life of any device.

Cons: No popular IM clients. Ugly calendar. Disappointing music app, with abysmal transfer software. Slow EDGE networking.

Award: Recommended!

Review summary: BlackBerry has the consumer market in its sight with the Curve 8300. Does it hit the target?

Verdict: The Curve is certainly a neat little BlackBerry, small and light, and comfortable to use. I'd have liked Wi-Fi and 3G but at least RIM is clearly working hard at developing its multimedia capabilities. For a first attempt in that respect the Curve ...