Which Blackberry Should I Buy?
So you've decided that the time is right to join the BlackBerry revolution, but there are so many options. RIM offers 5 different Blackberry models -- Pearl, Curve, Storm, Bold and Tour -- so let's take an in-depth look to find which one is right for you. |
Choosing a Blackberry
To begin with, all BlackBerry devices have global voice and data capabilities, IM and picture messaging, are Bluetooth capable, have a phonebook, call log, built-in speaker phone and TTY capability. In addition, all have a web browser, expandable memory and a color display. They can connect to a wide range of mobile networks, and most include GPS.
The Pearl was the earliest to come out with support for music and video, as well as a 2.0 megapixel camera. Depending on the model, it has a length of 4.2", making it the smallest BlackBerry. It has up 4 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby, 64 MB RAM and push to talk capability. With the option of a flip phone, it lacks WiFi.
The Curve is 4.29" in length, has a 4.5 hour talk time and 15 days of standby. If you are a photo freak, this might be your choice as it has a 3.2 megapixel camera. It has a QWERTY keyboard, fast trackball performance, a full HTML web browser, WiFi (if your mobile provider hasn't disabled that feature) and a sleek design. Its main downfall is lack of 3G support, so web browsing will be sluggish.
The Storm also has a 3.2 megapixel camera and would be the answer for those who want a touchscreen with tactile feedback. It also has 128 MB RAM and HSDPA and EVDO Rev. A support for high-speed data connections. It has a talk time of 5.5 hours, an installed 128GB RAM, and a length of 4.4". A Storm can cost as much as $599 or as little as $99, depending on the model, and is available only on the Verizon network.
At a length of 4.49", AT&T's Bold is for those who want a top of the line media experience with an updated OS and enhanced productivity tools. It has a QWERTY keyboard, WiFi, a talk time of 4.5 hours and a standby time of 13.5 days, and a built-in 128 MB Flash ROM. Recently added is visual voicemail updating. The Bold is a bit unwieldy when compared with other BlackBerrys, and comes with its own holster. The Bold is available only on the AT&T network.
Finally, consider the Tour with its 3.2 megapixel camera, QWERTY keyboard and a length of 4.4". With a talk time of 5 hours and a standby time of 336 hrs., it has 256 MB Flash memory built-in but no WiFi or ability to save applications on a media card. The Tour is available on Verizon and Sprint networks.
Which BlackBerry is right for you? I suggest you talk to others who have them, see what they like about each model. You can also go to Best Buy or a phone store and try them out. The way a phone feels in the hand is important to me, as well as the size of the keys. Your decision may also be dependent on your current service provider, who will often give you a better price if you commit to a longer contract.
Do you have a Blackberry? Post your comments and questions below...
This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 2 Sep 2009
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Most recent comments on "Which Blackberry Should I Buy?"
Posted by:
Gregg
03 Sep 2009
Thanks for the quick summary. I was about ready to dump my old blackberry and get a Bold. Somehow, I never noticed in the other reviews that the Bold only comes on AT&T. That's a big drawback in my book. I'll keep looking... maybe the N900 or the Pre...
Posted by:
Pat
04 Sep 2009
I have a blackberry Pearl that is about 18 months old. Sometimes it doesn't seem to let go of the connection with the blue tooth uconnect in my car. This is the feature that I love about the phone. I'm in my car a lot and live in a rural area with little traffic so hands free phone conversations work for me.
Turning off the phone doesn't help when this occurs. The connection has a long delay when you try to call a phone number. The person on the other end may have picked up but all I hear is ringing sound of phone. I have to "reboot" and pull out my battery.
I suspect that it is the way something is configured between my car and phone. Otherwise, the phone works great. I am very limited on my service provider choices in my area and this phone gets darn good reception so overall I'm a happy camper.
Posted by:
Dick
04 Sep 2009
I would think twice before acquiring a Storm. The Verizon service (in my area and when I travel) has been great. International roaming (voice, data, BB mail) works very well with the built-in SIM card/GSM -- better than in the US on CDMA. The phone itself, however, is another story. It is, at best, beta software that's quirky, resets randomly, locks out functionality occasionally, and is generally unpolished as an interface; particularly if you compare it to an iPhone. It is rather difficult to get used to the several styles of keyboards and the key hints are hidden behind the finger (attempting) to touch the right key. I could go on but you get the picture. If you really must have BB functionality and an iPhone style brick (albeit a larger, heavier iPhone) then at least borrow someone else's, or make sure you have 30 days to try and return. I've had mine since they came out and have the most recent authorized OS update. I'm waiting for iPhone to become available on Verizon and then I'll deep six this beast.
Posted by:
Doug
04 Sep 2009
I've owned nearly all Black berries. The Pearl's typing was never right for me, but the form factor was good.
I LOVED the Curve. Probably the best phone and blackberry from a features/form factor perspective.
I have upgraded to the Bold which has been a great phone, but the larger size as left me a little bit disappointed.
I find myself missing the Curve's size.
Posted by:
Thom
04 Sep 2009
I bought myself, my wife and daughter a curve. We love them. Especially myself, since I am the account holder and my daughter is disabled. I know it's not an ordinary occurrence, but my daughter has dropped the phone in water once and spilled milk on it a second time. After keeping the phone in rice for two days, it still works!
However, if she breaks it, she's getting something military grade!
Posted by:
Steve
09 Sep 2009
The Storm is Verizons answer to the iPhone, but they didn't come close. Even the Verizon rep said it's not the iPhone! I have had the Storm for about 6 months and still am thinking about ditching it and just going back to my standard cell phone. It's very hard to type, screen doesn't depress on lower left, needs to be rebooted often. I'm very disappointed and willing to sell it cheap! Soon to be an iPhone user.
Posted by:
James
27 May 2010
Got the pearl 8130 i think and have had it for about 3 months. it's a good cheap blackberry and can be got on PAYG. it can occasionally be slow but that might be because of the memory card which i use. it can sometimes need to be rebooted too. the typing doesn't bother me too much. You get used to it after a while. I'm thinking after this one though, i'll go for the bold as my boss has it and it seems to work really well. i'm not sure about the new blackberry touchpad system instead of the trackball though!? :| oh well. I like the pearl, it's small, compact, looks quite good and the internet is okay if a bit slow. on the whole, 3.5/5 :D
Posted by:
Stanten Mc blackrogav
18 Oct 2010
personally i think all black berries suck and i believe u all should put them cell phones in ya dark corridor