RIM BlackBerry 'Curve' (8300)

The BlackBerry Curve 8300 is the latest chic smart phone to sashay down the cell phone runway. Petite and gently rounded at the corners (as its name suggests), the Curve does for RIM's line of QWERTY-keyboard-equipped handhelds what the Pearl did for RIM's standard keypad devices: Add a badly needed dose of style.

The good: The RIM BlackBerry Curve boasts a sexy and slim design with an improved full QWERTY keyboard. The smart phone also has a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and a media player. There's a new spell-checker for e-mail and memos, and audio technology that automatically adjusts call volume in noisy environments.

The bad: Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Curve doesn't have integrated Wi-Fi or 3G support. The device's camera still doesn't have video-recording capabilities, and call quality sounded a bit hollow.

The bottom line: Though it doesn't bring Wi-Fi or 3G support, the BlackBerry Curve offers a best-of-breed design and a well-rounded set of features to make it an attractive device for consumers and mobile professionals alike.

Features:

* Data services: MMS, SMS, WWW, E-Mail
* Modem: Integrated Wireless cellular modem
* Cellular enhancement protocol: GSM, EDGE, GPRS

General
* Dimensions (W x D x H): 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.2 in
* Weight: 3.9 oz
* Wireless Interface: Bluetooth
* Features: Keyboard lock
* Standby time: Up to 408 h
* Vibrating Alert: Yes
* Combined with: With digital camera

Operating System / Software
* OS provided: BlackBerry Handheld Software
* Software included: Organizer, Media Player

Memory
* Installed ROM: 64 MB Flash

Input Device
* Input device type: Keyboard, Trackball

Messaging / Data Services
* Short Messaging Service (SMS): Yes
* Messaging / Data Features: Text messages

Audio
* Digital audio standards supported: MP3
* Audio input type: Microphone
* Audio output type: Speaker(s)

Display
* Display type: TFT active matrix (320x240)

Power
* Battery installed ( max ): 1
* Talk time: Up to 240 min

Expansion / Connectivity
* Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth
* Port / Connector Type: Interface
* 1Headset, 1USB
* Connector Provided: Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
* Expansion slot(s) total (free): 1 MicroSD
* Cable(s) included: 1 x USB cable

Cellular
* Phone style: PDA
* Caller ID: Yes

Physical Characteristics
* Width: 2.4 in
* Depth: 0.6 in
* Height: 4.2 in

GPS
* GPS System / GPS Navigation: None

Thanks for the info, although I'm not sure how accurate the review is considering the phone is not available in the states. Eitherway, which phone would you buy, the curve, the Pearl or the iphone. I'm trying to decide which one to buy. Thanks

Between those 3. I would choose the Curve

The review came out of the states from a few companies that were provided with test models to review. Most sites carry the same review because not many have been able to try it out.

If I were to pick from one of those 3 I would probably go with the Curve since the Pearl is too small for me and the iPhone's novelty would wear off in about a week and I'd be terrified of mucking up the front screen with scratches and smudges and stuff. I just have to hold off until the Curve comes my way in Canada and then I can hold one in my hand and really get a good look at it.

Used to be active on this board but moved on. Popped in today to see if anyone was saying anything about the Curve. It is my understanding that T-Mobile will be getting a Curve in September with WiFi and probably in a black housing as opposed to AT&T's boring grey housing.

I played with a friend's Curve and really liked the the form factor.

I've been thinking about the Pearl for awhile but seeing the Curve has me on hold until TMo releases their version of the Curve.

Any other input on the Curve would be most welcome.

I Love my 8300 because the buttons are spaced out, spellcheck 3.5 jack and stereo BT

And the mediaplayer Goes to full screen unlike the pearl!

I wish the pearl had that!

I love my 8300! the speakers clarity is great