How to Select A New BlackBerry Smartphone
Get the Latest and Greatest Device This Holiday Season
Nov 20, 2008
A new BlackBerry makes a great gift, and there are lots of new choices coming out this holiday season. Selecting the right one is easy with this guide.
There are four exiting new devices that are out or are coming soon, including the BlackBerry Bold, the BlackBerry Storm, the Pearl Flip and the Curve from iDEN. Each offers unique features, which are discussed below.
BlackBerry Bold
The BlackBerry Bold is currently available exclusively with AT&T. This device is targeted at the busy executive and features a slightly wider form factor, which translates in to a slightly larger screen. The device includes completely new software with a new look and feel. The most exciting feature is the new browser, which handles web pages in a much better way. This, combined with the fact that it is currently the only 3G BlackBerry on the market, makes it the fastest device for browsing the internet by far.
The BlackBerry Bold includes Wi-Fi, which means faster (and free) browsing when the device is attached to a Wi-Fi network. WordToGo and SlidesToGo software, which allows for editing of Microsoft Word documents and PowerPoint slides, is also included.
BlackBerry Storm
The BlackBerry Storm, the first touchscreen BlackBerry, will be available November 21st from Verizon Wireless. Designed as an iPhone killer, this device includes all the wow factor of the iPhone but with the security of a BlackBerry. The most interesting feature of the touchscreen is the "tactile click response", which makes the user feel as if they've clicked a virtual button on the screen.
The Storm includes a camera and the file editing software WordToGo and SlidesToGo, mentioned above. When this device becomes available, it will also be a 3G phone and so will have very fast data speeds.
BlackBerry Pearl Flip
T-Mobile's holiday offering is the new Pearl Flip. The Pearl Flip, like other Pearls, has a small "phone" keyboard as opposed to the full Querty keyboard that is a BlackBerry trademark. Packed in to its small case is all the power of a true smartphone.
The Pearl Flip includes Wi-Fi capability and a camera and is the first "clamshell" BlackBerry.
BlackBerry Curve (iDEN)
Nextel fans, don't despair! The long awaited new iDEN BlackBerry is coming soon, and it's amazing. It features true radio push to talk (the other guys still use the cell towers) so that even if the towers go out, you can communicate to your team. And it has that radio inside the device, a big improvement in looks over the last device.
How to Choose
So, how to select a new BlackBerry from the list above? Consider the needs and preferences of the user, whether the purchase is a gift for others or for the purchaser:
- For the executive who likes a traditional BlackBerry with a full keyboard but who is also getting new glasses for the holidays, consider the Bold.
- Love the iPhone, but want to be able to change the battery and have a security? Go for the Storm.
- Have a teenager who can only carry a flip phone in her tiny bag when she goes out with friends? The Pearl Flip would be a great choice.
- For the first responder in your life, a BlackBerry Curve on the iDEN network will be a hit.
- Loyal to your carrier? Go with the latest device they have.
For more information, contact your carrier representative or check out the comparison tool on RIM's site.
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