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"Great if you don't want to use the calendar or other organizational features" on by momosplace
Pros: Phone quality and email ease
Cons: Trackball is obnoxious, calendar and all organizational feature difficult to use and internet is mostly unreadable
Summary: I have had a palm treo for years, my first pda was the treo 180. When it died after 4 years I didn't want to give up the great organizational features but no one made pda's with the keyboard anymore so I upgraded to a smartphone pda from palm - it was horrid - no battery life (treo 680). When after 18 months it started acting up I started looking since AT&T no longer sold the treo 680 I needed to find something different. I read and I talked to people, everyone raves about thier Blackberry, so I decided to give the curve a try. It is a great phone call quality is good, I liked the weight and size. Setting up and using email was a breeze.
It is now 2 weeks later and I have returned the Curve. If you want a smart phone with good call quality and easy access to emails this is the phone for you.
But... if you use your pda for any of the organizational features it is lame at best. The calendar and other feature have less flexiblity than Outlook. (and I didn't think anything was worse than that) The trackball is very difficult to use. You think you are pushing and it has jumped down 2 lines in the menu.
As I said I used the palm for years and with palm you can organize everything. I had 16 catergories to choice from on my calendar and in the memo and task sections. Blackberry has none. No color coding, no seperating to keep lists managable.
The phone log will only allow you to sort by missed calls. I frequently sort prior calls by in-going and out-going - no longer an option.
The internet browser - one comes stanadard another was recommended as a download are very difficult to read. Pages don't configure to the screen. Every time you change a page the whole page shows and you have to do 3 or 4 step with the trackball to zoom in and make it readable. Also bookmarks are hard to get to. They are in a sub-menu of another sub-menu.
Maybe if I had more patience I would have gotten used to it. I also think that people who have used only Blackberry probably are more tolerant of the phone. Since email isn't my priority but keeping track of work assignments, grad school, personal stuff, etc is, I needed a smartphone that actually makes tracking stuff easy not frustrating.
So as bad as palm is for other stuff I went back for my calendar and task management needs. -
"World of difference...." on by jsburdge
Pros: It is not a Treo
Cons: I have not found anything yet. Everything works like it should.
Summary: I use my phone for business and a dependable smart phone is a must. My company supplied me with a new Treo 650. My boss used a Treo 600 for years and said this should work even better. Everything was fine until I start receiving text messages about new software updates. One update would fix a problem but cause 2 more. The phone would reboot 2-3 times a day and would not open attachments to emails. I would drop calls everytime I was on the phone. I finally had enough after 2 1/2 years and told my boss I would pay for my next phone. I read the reviews here on Cnet and decided my next phone would be the Blackberry Curve or iPhone. When I saw the 2 phones in person I worried the iPhone could not take the abuse that I tended to dish out on cell phones. The one piece front looked neat and seemed to work fine but what if I dropped it? So I decided on the Blackberry and Wow what a difference!!! The phone worked straight out of the box without upgrades. I can make calls and not drop calls (I stayed with the same network), I get my emails and it opens attachments without any problem. The best part is I have not had to download software updates. Setting up my email was very easy and downloading my customer contacts was simple. My old Treo would not link directly to Outlook without problems but my Blackberry will. I would recommend this phone to anyone. I have heard that Blackberry was the phone to have if you were a saleman and lived on your phone. Now I am a true believer. Shop around for the best price. I ended up getting a $50 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate from AT&T. After I sell my Treo on the net I should have around $100 to $150 in this phone. Well worth the price.
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"Blackberry Curve 8310 - Red -- My New Girlfriend...sort of" on by fredfoto
Pros: Fast, QWERTY keyboard, camera+flash, browser, clear call quality...even while using included stereo earbuds, kick ass trackball
Cons: Sometimes fingers press more than one key while typing, some things require more key presses than I think are necessary, owner's manual blows
Summary: Hey,
I just got my first Blackberry. It's a red Curve 8310, and it's with the carrier AT&T. It just arrived yesterday. It was delivered via FedEx (2-Day Free). I opened the box, and was surprised that AT&T allowed me to pay $200+ for a phone and accessories, and didn't even have the courtesy to place any type of padding in the box. Oh well, it's fine.
As I took the Blackberry out, I noticed it came with some great accessories. Other than a battery and wall/travel charger, this device also comes with a pair of Blackberry stereo earbuds (3.5mm jack and call/end button and two foam pieces for earbuds..part that goes in your ear). Also with this device was a Blackberry User Tools CD, which honestly, made the brightness on my Macbook dim all the way when I installed it. It installed over 3000 things, and asks if you want support for Lotus Notes. I seriously think this CD was intended for a PC (the images in the manual are not what I saw on my Mac). I'm not sure if I'll keep it installed, but among other things, PocketMac, as it's called, will allow me to charge the Curve 8310 from my laptop (via the included USB cable).
The QWERTY keyboard is a nice change from my Razr V3, and the call quality is clearer. I have always heard the whole "it's the network"...or something like that...from I think, Verizon. Anyway, apparently, it was that piece of crap Razr phone. I always liked Moto, but I am glad I switched.
The phone has bluetooth, which I will be using to transfer some 2MP pics from the camera on this device (also has a flash) to my Macbook. I am not a fan of bluetooth headsets, as my Moto HS850 never held a charge for all that long...but the included earbuds provide very clear and loud call quality....unlike my old Razr V3.
You can setup up to 10 e-mail accounts (Gmail, Yahoo, etc), and be notified when you have new messages. The signature notifying people you are sending from a Blackberry and from AT&T, cannot be removed (at least I couldn't do it yet. When I clicked delete next to the text, I was taken to the previous page, rather than the text just deleting...but I think you can add text...I'll have to play with this feature a bit more to see what is possible). Signature can be added to e-mails in the Setup Wizard. After setting up an e-mail account, go back in and click "edit". After setup, e-mail takes about 20 minutes before it will begin arriving.
Ringtones took me the longest time to figure out (how to change them). It gets easier later on in the day, after you realize you are fired for being in what Seinfeld called (on Leno the other night) a Blackberry coma.
You can switch ringtones, have the phone ring when it's out of the optional case (I also purchased a Blackberry case...not that great of a design, but will have to do), and vibrate when it's in the case. If you choose a media package, you can view things like Yellowpages.com in Media Net, and search sites like Craigslist using the Browser.
The QWERTY keyboard is pretty cool. Some things take some getting use to though. For example, if you set the keypad to automatically lock when it's placed in the holster/case, you will need to unlock it when you remove the device. You need to press * and the green call button. However, in order to make the number a *, you first need to press the alt key. You also have to press alt when choosing any alternative to a key. Want "8" to be "x" (same key)....look forward to pressing the alt key.
You can press the red call end button to return to the home menu.
The trackball is the pearl to this device. From pictures, it looks like a piece of rubber that is flat. Looks can be deceiving. It's an actual ball, like on the video games from the 90s or whenever...only better. It's really smooth. This device is no laptop/desktop, mainly because there are more steps to most everything (media net/browswer) and you can't order from sites (ie: shoes from Zappos) or list on ebay, but for a mobile device, it's the new love of my life. Sorry, I seriously need to get some friends.
I seem to press two keys at once or the wrong key sometimes, and pressing "alt" and then wanting the number seven, sometimes gives me the letter (on the same key) instead of the seven. Hopefully it's me and not the device...which only comes with a year warranty, and according to AT&T, I cannot buy the equipment insurance for the device...which sucks. I do have 30 days to return it though, if I wanted to do so.
On the side of the phone, is a volume up and down key(s). They work when you are on a call. There is also a dedicated camera key. It's looks like the smart key that was on my Razr. There is a menu button, a previous (menu/page) button, CAPS lock, return, space, symbol, etc button(s). The screen is REALLY clear. Themes/wallpaper blows, but if you have the interest and/or the cash, you can download new ones. The ringtones are decent...again, you can download new ones.
Having never owned a Blackberry before, I must say that I truly feel that whoever wrote the manual was snorting something at the time. It tells you basic things, like how to start the Setup Wizard (set time/date/setup e-mail, etc). It says what's included in the box, tells you how to insert the battery, how to send an e-mail, how to use the phone (you must choose the phone option in the menu), how to setup voicemail, how to browse the web, how to manage appointments and contacts (may need certain media package...not sure though), how to use Push to Talk (subscription required), how to load music and drain your bank account if you so desire (optional...up to..2GB card sold seperately), how to play videos and shop online for music, etc, TeleNav (subscription required), bluetooth setup, synchronizing the device with a computer, some tips and tricks, icons and indicators, and functions and applications.
Going back a bit -- When took the device out of the box, I put in the battery. The device came on, and I started the setup wizard. You have to activate the thing though (around $35 or $36). With AT&T, I had to fully charge the battery, with the Curve 8310 off. I then used my home phone to call and activate. It said it was already done. Battery charging (according to the manual), can take an hour or more. A green light blinks on the front, and then stays green when fully charged. It finished charging around noon or 12:30 yesterday, and it's now 10:14a.m, and that green light is blinking red. Guess I need to recharge. Then again, I have been using my crackberry non-stop since then trying to learn how to set ringtones, and use the other features. The manual gives you a very basic idea. The rest is up to you. If you have never used a Blackberry before, I would recommend at least an hour or two to figure it out, and over a day to master it. I still haven't. I'm getting faster at typing, but it's kind of messing up my (computer) keyboard typing..as I am trying to now picture my Blackberry instead of my computer keyboard.
As far as the camera, I wish they would have added glass (or whatever clear material they use), of the battery cover....the part...the hole...that goes over the camera lens. It doesn't really matter because I have a case, but it would be a nice feature. It also has a self-portrait mirror. I'm not seeing how to turn off the flash, but I think I just need to use this device more. This device is like gambling. You cut out your friends, your loved ones, you stop working, you stop smiling, you stop eating. It's just you and this addiction.
I'm sure I'm forgetting things, and will have info to add to this as I continue to use the device. Hopefully this has given first-time (and people who want to upgrade) Blackberry users some idea of how this sophisticated device works. Before I forget, on the Blackberry case....you cannot remove the clip from the case, so when you want to remove the case, you have to unclip it from your belt. The case/clip swivels when some force is applied, and the case doesn't cover the very top of the blackberry screen/device (left and right of magnetic closure). Thanks for reading this, and happy crackberrying.Updated
I said earlier that I didn't like bluetooth, but liked the included stereo earbuds. The earbuds are corded, not bluetooth...if I made them sound (later in the review, after I talked about the 3.5mm jack) as if they were bluetooth. I apologize for any confusion that may have caused.Updated
I said earlier that I didn't like bluetooth, but liked the included stereo earbuds. The earbuds are corded, not bluetooth...if I made them sound (later in the review, after I talked about the 3.5mm jack) as if they were bluetooth. I apologize for any confusion that may have caused.Updated
I said earlier that I didn't like bluetooth, but liked the included stereo earbuds. The earbuds are corded, not bluetooth...if I made them sound (later in the review, after I talked about the 3.5mm jack) as if they were bluetooth. I apologize for any confusion that may have caused.Updated
I said earlier that I didn't like bluetooth, but liked the included stereo earbuds. The earbuds are corded, not bluetooth...if I made them sound (later in the review, after I talked about the 3.5mm jack) as if they were bluetooth. I apologize for any confusion that may have caused.Updated
I had said previously that I didn't like bluetooth headsets, but I liked the included stereo earbuds. Just to clarify, the included stereo earbuds are corded, not bluetooth. I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.Updated
When I said earlier that I didn't like bluetooth headsets, but I liked the included stereo earbuds....the included earbuds are corded, not bluetooth, just to clarify. Also, I keep getting Gmail sent messages (when I send a message using Gmail), in my inbox. They are showing up as a new message. Apparently, this is common:
http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/
search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=
kc&externalId=KB10332&sliceId=SAL_
Public&dialogID=59590699&stateId=0%
200%2032825472
I am getting the hang of the camera/camera settings. It took forever to figure out bluetooth file transfers to my Macbook. I was pairing it like my old Razr V3, and it wasn't working. You have to go into your pics, click the menu button, and scroll down to the bluetooth link. Click on that, and you can transfer files. I ended up uninstalling PocketMac. It was okay, but not anything I really need. It had an easy Uninstall button I clicked on.Updated
When I said earlier that I didn't like bluetooth headsets, but I liked the included stereo earbuds....the included earbuds are corded, not bluetooth, just to clarify. Also, I keep getting Gmail sent messages (when I send a message using Gmail), in my inbox. They are showing up as a new message. Apparently, this is common:
http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/
search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=
kc&externalId=KB10332&sliceId=SAL_
Public&dialogID=59590699&stateId=0%
200%2032825472
I am getting the hang of the camera/camera settings. It took forever to figure out bluetooth file transfers to my Macbook. I was pairing it like my old Razr V3, and it wasn't working. You have to go into your pics, click the menu button, and scroll down to the bluetooth link. Click on that, and you can transfer files. I ended up uninstalling PocketMac. It was okay, but not anything I really need. It had an easy Uninstall button I clicked on.Updated
There sure are a TON of steps to go through. To change e-mail signature, filtersetc, you have to create a Blackberry account. Great, one more username and password to remember. www.att.com/blackberrystartUpdated
You know, it's an amazing device...but with some flaws. It's not playing well with my Mac (managing music using User Tools CD), and there is no equipment insurance available for this device. The screen (when the camera is on) looks blurry until the picture is taken...the flash can be set to off, on, or automatic (battery life goes down when it's left on). I was using it so much and staring at the small screen, my eyes are a bit out of focus and I have a sick to my stomach feeling. Bluetooth file transfers worked well, and although I did figure out this device, it takes WAY to long to learn, as the owner's manual doesn't tell you everything. You have to sign up for a Blackberry account on the device, then login online (using a computer) to update filter preferences (if using Gmail), and then you have to create a seperate AT&T account to check your bill/minute usage/features/etc. Over all, it's just not the device for me. I had some time to uncancel my old Razr V3, so I did that. It has it's many problems, and I'll have to upgrade in a few months when my phone needs to be replaced, and it doesn't have the QWERTY keyboard, but it's easier to use....and my old phone number is easier to remember. I'm sure I could say a lot more, but this is enough. Oh yeah, AT&T will be refunding my money (for equipment, not usage), but still wants the activation fee. I'm to worn out from learning to run this device, but soon, I'll have to call to try to get that activation fee back. Even Verizon refunds that fee under the 30-Day Test Drive. We'll see. Thanks for reading this review.Updated
I like that this device can be setup to notify me when I get a new e-mail (media/data package required)....and a ton of things don't play well with my Macbook...so, because I had 59 days to re-activate my account, I went ahead and called AT&T to re-activate it....and my Macbook, well, I have had it for exactly 30 days...Apple will not make a return exception, so it's going on ebay. I am a fan of Apple, but I think they should come back out with the Powerbooks again, and then maybe in the future, I'll become a customer again. I'm sad to see the computer go, but I'm moving forward, to a new device called a Blackberry.Updated
I just went through a miserable experience returning this phone. The feature that forwards/alerts me when I get new e-mails has stopped working. I hate paying a lot of money (for the device and for the service plan), and then having a feature not work. If you're a fan of the show Seinfeld, than you will know what I mean when I say a Costanza line from being so angry right now -- TWIIIIIXXXX! I am done with AT&T. Verizon wasn't much better, but I'm to afraid to try Sprint or T-Mobile. I may just try a Razr2 or something else. I'm about at the point where I don't even want a phone, but I may just try Verizon again....even after I had around 4 Razr maxx Ve phones, with the feature broken that would have allowed me to e-mail video.Updated
The memory card, if you choose to purchase one of those micro sd cards (takes up to a 2GB card), has to be placed under the battery. Guess what? For whatever reason, the makers of this device decided that when you remove the battery, the device is reset. I'm not sure if you have a bit of time for it not to be reset, but just inserting the memory card, at least for me, reset the device. Look forward to setting the time, and a few other things, in the Setup Wizard on this device. If you should choose to delete e-mail accounts that you have setup because they stop deliving/pushing e-mail to your device (ie: Gmail that needs filters setup), look forward to logging back into your Blackberry account (on a computer) to setup filters again...if you happen to want them setup. AT&T allowed me to cancel without early termination because it's within the first 30 days. On my other device (also with AT&T, the contract was out. Luckily, because once when I called, they said if I didn't like the service, I should feel free to take my number to another carrier. I left the number behind ($18 transfer fee to even get your current number to a new device, according to the person I spoke with). Now that the contract ran out on that device, I'm leaving the number, but I am going to a different carrier. However, I still have to pay for usage, and I don't get my activation fee back. I'm going to try Verizon once again. This time with a Razr2. They offer a 30-Day Test Drive, so hopefully this time around it will go smoothly. If not, I think I could write a book called... -
"Fantastic phone, pros highly outweigh the cons." on by amis846
Pros: Long battery life. High quality calls. Media player plays music and videos with great sound quality. Lots of space (with additional micro SD card). Just a great phone overall.
Cons: Browser is very minimalistic, could be better and slightly more enhanced.
Summary: I have had this phone for a year and a half now. It works just as well as it did when I bought it. The battery life is fantastic. I have charged the phone once, texted all day, took a couple of calls, and still had a substantial amount of battery life left after a period of about 2-3 days. I don't really use this as a business phone, though. I have dropped it several times, face up at times. The screen has yet to crack. This is a very durable and sturdy phone. I really like the keyboard. However, the small buttons may take some time getting used to if you have large and/or wide fingers.
This truly is a phenomenal phone. -
"Awesome phone.....!" on by John_M
Pros: Everything
Cons: only one - it should be on the 3g network....!
Summary: Switched from Verizon (was there 6 years and was great service) on a family plan so my son could get an iPhone. I had the BB 8703e so I upgraded to the Curve and all I can say is wow. The functionality is waaaay better than the offering from Verizon. Verizon crippled the phone. It didn't have GPS, MMS and could only write 160 character SMS messages. Curve has MMS, let's you do multi-part SMS, has GPS, camera, etc. So far I have zero complaints. When the next gen BB comes out if it has everything this has but with 3G support, I will change. Have played with my son's iphone (which I like) but I would still use this over it for now. iPhone is missing a lot of features the Curve from AT&T has. So far am also happy with the AT&T network. Even their EDGE network sometimes seems faster than the EVDO I was on with Verizon. Thanks AT&T and RIM for a great combination....!
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