The latest BlackBerry 8900 Curve may not possess the show stopping presence of its bigger bros, the BlackBerry Bold and BlackBerry Storm, but it’s still a worthy addition to RIM’s messaging crew.
The Curve range have proved popular with the CrackBerry set, brilliantly combining the full QWERTY layout of larger models like the 8800 and the Bold but in a more compact form. Now, the 8900 arrives bearing heightening multimedia skills including a 3.2 megapixel camera and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
Naturally, the latest bowed device retains the Curve’s familiar svelte body, but has received a glossy Bold-esque cosmetic makeover sans the leatherette rear paneling. This also means the menu graphics are now highly stylized but the biggest revelation is the display; the 2.4-inch 480×360 pixel screen is razor sharp and vivid, a world away from previous Curve efforts.
Nothing has changed on the push email front. Setting up and using email will be familiar to CrackBerry fans but also a cinch to newcomers. The more pronounced QWERTY keypad is also sweet to thumb. It may look a bit cramped but trotting out messages at speed, even one handed, is effortless.
Annoyingly, the 8900 still limps along to EDGE download speeds. This is certainly adequate for receiving and sending emails and built-in Wi-Fi is onboard to up the pace, but move outside a wireless hotspot and web browsing becomes frustratingly lethargic.
The multimedia refit is welcome with the autofocus-led 3.2 megapixel snapper proving quite adept, despite a serious lack of picture mods. Support for A-GPS means getting a sputnik fix is fast-tracked while capable BlackBerry or Google Maps provide the guidance. Elsewhere, the music player, sporting an array of equalizer boosters, is fine for the tune-snacking commute, especially when you plug in your own earphones via the integrated 3.5mm jack.
Verdict
If you not to bothered about having 3G or demand a state-of-the-art multimedia performance then the 8900 Curve is a top notch messaging device with some welcome extras.
Best features
Compact design
Great for email messaging
Thumb-friendly QWERTY keyboard
Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Integrated 3.5mm headphone jack
Not so good
Lack of 3G
Camera isn’t the sharpest
Closest rivals
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Nokia E71
This slimline QWERTY packing smartie is Nokia’s answer to the BlackBerry, bringing a sexy design and impressive mainstream multimedia features to the boardroom.
HTC Touch Diamond
It may look uber-swish but this Windows Mobile OS powered touch phone brings brilliant PIM and email functionality alongside exciting multimedia features and high speed connectivity.
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