Blackberry introduces 3G contender

Yes, the iPhone3G is the finest smartphone, but only because of the hardware. iPhone's software is debatable as a contender in the smartphone universe. Using the same old trackball and back-lit QWERTY keyboard layout, the BlackBerry® Bold™ integrates email, phone, IM, Internet, camera, and video recording. And with an increase of up to 1GB of internal memory, plus 128MB dedicated RAM, support for microSD cards ranging up to 16GB storage, as well as adding great applications become much easier than with previous models. Be weary, though, as some service providers – eg. T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon - may limit the memory you can use. This quad-band cellphone is 3G ready and set for T-mobile's 3G network coming in October. The Bold comes with a 2MP Camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth hardware. GPS support for turn-by-turn navigation with such applications as Google Maps and the built-in Blackberry Maps makes your life truly mobile. Wi-Fi really makes a difference on a Blackberry, but only if you have a service that supports VoIP calls – Voice over Internet Protocol – which allows you to use your Wi-Fi network to make calls (for free even!). Bluetooth on a Blackberry enables the remote side of your life – syncing files, controlling your PC or Mac, printing, connecting to headsets, and even using the Bold as a wireless modem for your PC or Mac's Internet connection. With 9-10 days of stand-by time, you can get almost everything you want done without having to worry about charging it.

Viewing photos & video, as well as listening to music is organized and simple using the Media Sync software. A wide range of codecs are supported for audio & video, including DivX 4, 3gp, and AAC. And with an upgraded processor – 624MHz – doing all that is noticeably faster. Media editing for Microsoft® Word and PowerPoint® files is supported with WordToGo and SlideshowToGo. You can even watch videos online or listen to Internet radio either through the built-in speakers or the 3.5mm stereo headset port. The Bold not only sounds great, it looks great too with a resolution of 480x320.

My concerns however are with the full mobility of the Bold. Wireless 'n' networking has been greatly improved upon in the past two years. However, we are still waiting on a phone that utilizes that technology. Testing should be happening as this is written. Still, though, demand for a wireless N phone will increase as consumers become aware of faster Wi-Fi.

Nevertheless, the Blackberry Bold is a very great phone and, despite certain locks by service providers, the features are outstanding. Expect to see the Bold come out soon either with AT&T or T-Mobile.

Stuart Brothers

Staff Writer