Smartphone Reviews: Blackberry Bold 9700

Posted by Geronimo Boosh on May 17, 2010 · Leave a Comment

The Blackberry Bold 9700 model has advanced to the ranks of super-connectivity. If you liked the older models of the bulgy Blackberrys of the past, take heart, you will love the new smaller and sleeker model 9700. Take a look at the features here if you are not aware of the new changes in this new unit from Research In Motion.

While others are sporting their smartphones without any manual keyboards, the people at Research In Motion are keeping theirs. Those with larger hands and fatter fingers are going to feel a little cramped because this Blackberry 9700 is smaller than its predecessors. This smartphone is just 2.36 inches ( 60 millimeters ) wide. The keyboard is very familiar because it remains unchanged from older models. If you want to look for a difference on the cover of the 9700, it is in the new optical trackpad. This provides a superior navigation experience and is a welcome addition. If you are wondering what a “trackpad” is, it is similar to a mouse on a computer. It controls the navigation on the screen.

Blackberrys run their own proprietary operating system and the 9700 is using version 5.0. There is not much change there. The browser is a bit faster, but overall there is nothing to report. The processor is also the same speed, at 624 megahertz.

The new Blackberry has a 3.2 megapixel camera. This is better than the 2.0 megapixel of yesteryear. The camera is faster for some reason than the older models. The digital zoom has been changed from being a 3X to a 2X. The screen of the “Bold” as it is called is scaled down to accomodate the small size. It is still as bright and even has crispy details for its size. The 480 pixel by 360 pixel aspect ratio has more definition than older Blackberry models. The only thing you will not like about the screen is that you may have to squint more to view text and graphics.
For hardware connections you have the normal equipment. The MicroSD card slot is located on the back, under the battery cover. The microUSB charging port and the 3.5 millimeter head phone jack is located on the left hand side. The battery cover on the back is covered in fake leather, to keep up with the tradition of Blackberry models of the past. The camera and flash are on the back of the 9700.
As usual, for Blackberry devices, you have nearly every network connection under the sun. You also have bluetooth and Wi-Fi with the 9700. This will be the first time T-Mobile gets a 3G phone from Blackberry. AT&T is also using this model on their networks, so you get your choice. For Blackberry lovers, you are still going to be plagued by an anemic web browser. But the superior email handling and instant messaging capabilities should keep you liking this 9700.
This “baby Blackberry” has matured on the inside, but has become small on the outside. Gone are the huge and comfortable keyboards. This is the common trend. You have the world making everything denser and more compact. This Blackberry is svelt, solid and pocketable. Technology has given you a smaller Blackberry and now you can enjoy it.