Thursday, 24 February 2011

Blackberry Torch 9800 review


For the first time in the history of mobile technology, a mobile phone is offering  the benefits of both the TOUCHSCREEN and QWERTY keypad in a single device. Yes, you have heard it right.. The new stunning looking BlackBerry Torch 9800 has compiled both the features as of that in the BlackBerry Torch 9700. With some good enhancements of course like the new Blackberry Torch 9800 has the 6th version of its OS.
Thinking why would anyone want it? Because folks, it features the keyboard and a touchscreen feature at the same time and at the end of the day, it s simple to use! We know many business people have switched to Iphones and Android phones. But for them their hero remains the same when it comes to simple communication via, email and also not to forget about the long long battery life.

INSIDE THE BOX:
The blackberry Torch 9800 comes with the following set of accessories in the box:
1. A handset
2. A travelling charger
3. A USB cable
4. A mini CD
5. Hands free 3.5 mm stereo headset
6. A 4GB memory card (depends on the retailer)
7. A polishing cloth
8. A quick-start, safety and product information booklet.

The only thing that has not been included in this Blackberry series is the holster or case for the Blackberry Torch 9800. Earlier they use to provide the case for every handset, but this time they have not.


THE NEW DESIGN:
The general design of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is not at all masculine and but people are mostly fascinated by its stunning curves and stylish looks.Unlike other smart phones with the sliding feature that had come before it, the overall construction of the device is very solid with its chrome metal casing and also to add the rubberized back. Also many Blackberry users have previously complained about its chrome finishing that peels of after lots of use. This BlackBerry Torch 9800 has a promising chrome metal casing that would not easily peel of even after more use. The slide-out qwerty is not so difficult to slide. Its quite easy to slide even with a single push of your thumb. The overall handset is easy and comfortable and feels nice cradling for your sweaty palms.
THE KEYPAD:
For those who loved the keyboard on the BlackBerry Bold 9700 – then you will really like the keypad of BlackBerry Torch because it’s basically the same. Ladies with big nails will also appreciate the keypad because its actually easier to type with longer nails for them.
Theres also a on-screen keyboard which can be used to make quick calls, texts or replies via BlackBerry messenger.
DISPLAY:
In comparing the BlackBerry Torch to the BlackBerry Bold 9700, besides the keyboard being similar – so is the display. The Torch has a dismal low-res display with a 480×360 resolution. 
 Back when the 9700 launched we were completely impressed with this screen, but now that so many smartphones have been released since then with high res displays – the Torch’s display just seems like a step backwards. In comparison to the Nexus One or even the iPhone 4, the Torch doesn't stand a chance in terms of color vibrancy and sharpness. However for those who have used the BlackBerry earlier will probably be impressed by the improved sharpness of the Blackberry torch.

CAMERA AND VIDEO CAMERA:
Oy, the camera and video quality – what can I say – no autofocus (unless flash is on), lack of color vibrancy, poor white balance indoors, and a video resolution of 640×480.  I was seriously disappointed by the camera and video quality. However, I do appreciate the Torch’s dedicated camera button, that the shutter works fast enough between pics and certainly that the software is easy enough to use. You can scroll up or down on the screen to zoom and or just press the optical track pad to snap a pic. Easy.
A picture showing the camera quality of the BlackBerry Torch 9800


BATTERY LIFE:
Blackberry phones have been known from a long time for their great battery life. You can do almost all the stuffs like hardcore playing music, social networking, made calls and downloaded apps and still the battery can last up to more two days. YES ALMOST A FULL TWO DAYS!! Without having to recharge and even on red, I still was able to squeeze out one last tweet before the battery discharged and the Torch said goodnight.

SOFTWARE:
A snapshot of the new BlackBerry OS6
Yes, besides the actual hardware, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 has the new OS 6. One of the several significant additions however to the BlackBerry OS 6 is the incorporation of unified social networking feeds – i.e. Facebook, Twitter, RSS feeds etc…which will give you notification alerts at the top of your homescreen when there is an update. The new universal mailbox integrates Facebook, Twitter and all your social feeds. Also, there are now built-in social apps that are now included inside the OS like Twitter and Facebook.

MULTIMEDIA:
BlackBerry OS 6 now offers users the ability to view pictures by folder or date, and you can even rearrange folders all on the device. Multiple selections can be accomplished using a two finger tap that enables you to select multiple pictures at once. The camera also now automatically names pictures by location using geo-location. So anything you take in New York City, will automatically be named New York City.
OS 6 also features WiFi Music Sync once  you install Desktop Software 6 on your computer. Using my home network, I was able to wirelessly synchronize my computer’s music catalog onto my Torch device. This is a highly desirable feature that is not available yet on the iPhone or Android phones – so take that! WiFi Music Sync even includes support for iTunes, as well as Windows Media Player. The Torch’s multimedia app also displays album art. Plus, a podcast app is also preloaded. The podcast app lets you download podcasts wirelessly, without syncing – via 3G or WiFi. This is unlike the iPhone which requires you to connect your iPhone to your computer and sync.
CONCLUSION:
 At its core, the BlackBerry Touch is really a BlackBerry Bold 9700 with a new look.  You really do get the best of both worlds with its onscreen keyboard and physical one, that satisfies any frustration you might have when you have to spend more than 15 minutes typing an email on some dopey onscreen keyboard. It fits nicely in a pocket and for women always on the go, it’s simple to use and a pretty sexy device. No it’s not an Android phone – nor an iPhone but it is faster, slicker and better than ever. The BlackBerry App store is still not up to par with that of the Apple App Store store but there are many promising multimedia apps on their way soon.
So if you are looking for a device that does what it does best, when you scrape away all the frills like send emails, takes pics easily (if nothing else), provides a great calendar, makes phone calls, and lasts a long time, then this is it.


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