May 02, 2011 07:11 PM
39351 Views
(Updated May 18, 2011 11:47 AM)
I’ve been using this phone since November 2009 and it has stood the test of time. If email is a second priority in your phone(i assume calls are the first priority else buy the ipad), then look no further than this model. I’d also recommend the curve which has similar features but a lower price – the only benefit is the leather battery cover, the metal surroundings and slightly larger pixel camera. The optical trackpad of the 9700 is excellent as I hated the trackball of the BB 9000.
It is pretty durable – considering I have dropped my phone couple of times and it has survived. Don’t think an Iphone would have survived the falls.
The resolution of the screen is extremely good – check out the free video or view some youtube video’s and you’ll feel the difference compared to other phones – cannot compare to the iphone though. The latest MMS scandals would look awesome in the screen.
The QWERTY keyboard is excellent for replying to emails or for quickly typing that BB/Whatsapp message. Love the feel of the keys. I prefer a keyboard to a touchscreen as I use the phone to make calls while driving(don’t worry I use my Bluetooth and have speed dial) – with a touchscreen it would be difficult to make calls while you busy with something else.
The camera is decent but nothing too spectacular here – Nokia or Samsung would easily top that. It serves the purpose of having a camera on your phone to catch that moment.
I’ve recently upgraded the OS to 6 to which I feel has improved battery life and I’m satisfied with the web browser – which was horrid in the OS 5. Previously downloaded Opera to use as a browser.
The phone has a normal 3.5mm headphone jack – useful to hook up your BB to your car/home system for music from TuneIn app.
GPS – I’ve download the google maps rather than utilize the map preinstalled in BB. Works great but barely use it as I have GPS in my car besides have a separate Garmin unit.
The only issue I’ve had with the phone is that the battery had to be changed within one year of usage. My colleagues have had multiple issues with their BB’s but they were not used well. The only reason why you’d not want to buy this phone is you love the iphone/android platform or cannot do with certain apps from the iphone/ipad. However to note, there are not too many apps you’ll actually use. I have the TuneIn app in my ipad for which I had paid 99 cents while on the BB it was free! That said, I’ve not bothered to search for other apps for the BB. I currently only use BerryBuzz(coloured lights for incoming calls, emails etc), amazon and imdb app. However for the ipad I’m in constant search for new useful apps.
In 2011, the price of the 9700 has dropped and if you are looking for a BB, then this is the model you should go for – forget the torch – BB hasn’t mastered touchscreen yet and it is not responsive. The 9780 is the same phone with OS 6(albeit better RAM & 5mp cam) – upgrade your 9700 to OS 6. You can wait for the BB 9900 which is due to be released around June 2011 - it has a slimmer profile and has OS 7. I'd recommend to ignore the BB 9000 - it looks like a fat aunty and the trackball will keep giving you issues. If you want the Iphone, there is nothing in the world i'll be able to say to convince you to buy a BB:-)
