With its latest BlackBerry 8800 smartphone, Research In Motion (RIM) set out to build on the success of its previous BlackBerry Pearl 8100 and 8700 models by targeting a more mainstream audience. RIM's latest device comes with built-in GPS and numerous entertainment features but it's the way it works as a business phone that has us most interested.
Design
One of the most striking elements of the new 8800 is its small stature. Measuring in at only 114mm by 66mm by 14mm, the 8800 sits very comfortably in the hand and is slimmer than previous models. At 134 grams, it won't be too much of a burden when placed in a jacket pocket. Its glossy black finish with chrome buttons and slick QWERTY keyboard ensure the 8800 will get envious glances in the boardroom. The vibrant 2.5-inch LCD display packs in over 65K colours and has excellent image quality. The 8800 also comes with light-sensing technology that adjusts brightness of the screen and the keyboard backlight depending on ambient light levels.
One key improvement over the previous 8700 is the inclusion of a MicroSD memory card slot. The slot is placed next to the battery which means you don't have to switch the phone off if you want to change the card. The 8800 also picks up the 8100 Pearl's excellent trackball scroller with four-way movement, a welcome change from the scroll wheel that often led to "Blackberry thumb." One annoying design feature is the location of the voice-activated dialling key, which can get pressed accidentally while you're holding the phone.
Other external features include volume keys, a 2.5mm headphone jack and mini USB port, as well as power and mute buttons. Inside sits a 1400mAh Lithium ion battery that's charged via the supplied USB cable or portable AC adaptor.
Features
With the 8800, RIM is catering to both the business end of town as well as more mainstream users after a slick handset for messaging.
The big news is the built-in SiRF Star III GPS receiver for navigation duties. The 8800 comes pre-installed with RIM's own BlackBerry Maps navigation tools, but at the time of writing we've been advised that Australian maps aren't available.
The 8800 has also been packed with a host of entertainment features including playback for most popular audio formats, as well as video support for MPEG4 and WMV.
As a phone, the 8800 is equipped with quad-band 2.5G support with Internet access through GPRS/EDGE and Bluetooth 2.0 for extra connectivity. When it comes to e-mail, the 8800 uses BlackBerry's now famous push technology with support for POP3 or IMAP4 messages. There's also an attachment viewer, which allows users to open most Microsoft Office files as well as PDFs, JPEGs, and GIFs. Despite all the new additions, there's no avoiding the fact that the 8800 misses out on several key features that should be standard for a smartphone in this price range. The 8800 lacks 3G support, Wi-Fi and a camera, which is very disappointing especially up against new rivals such as Samsung's BlackJack. Additionally, the range of third party software for the Blackberry pales in comparison to that of Windows Mobile.
Performance
There are no issues with using the BlackBerry 8800 as a basic phone. Call quality is good, with clear and crisp sound coming from the unit's internal speaker, but it's not very loud even at the maximum volume setting. Sound through the loudspeaker is also good, but again not loud enough for you to sit back and talk in true teleconferencing style. Battery life is good for a phone with this large a screen. The 8800 will last you at least one full day with heavy messaging and two hours of phone calls.
For business users, the 8800 has an assortment of PDA-style features including calendar and address box functions that can be synced with a desktop using the packaged BlackBerry software. Web pages load effortlessly thanks to the full HTML support browser but speeds can be painfully slow when compared with 3G handsets.
Although its GPS capabilities could not be fully tested, we found the 8800 to offer a very quick satellite connection.
E-mail and messaging functionality is top notch, as you'd expect. The keyboard is a joy to use and even with minimal time to adapt to the layout and size we were tapping out e-mails quicker than previous Blackberry models.
cnet
28/04/2008, 01:52 PM
rating
10/10
the bast phone in the world
damon s
Pros: good keyboard
Cons: no wi fi
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stijntheman
22/12/2007, 01:26 AM
rating
8/10
Have the 8820 with WIFI. Great value for money and a fantastic tool for the ones travelling frquently
Pros: easy to use (easy connection with BB-server)
easy to type with full keyboard
switches to WiFi networks where available (eg home, office) to save bandwith through mobile operator
very good phone (sound qual.) and very powerfull build in speaker for handsfree calling
micro sd slot for multimedia
easy sync with lotus notes
Cons: no camera
weak vibrating battery
you're always reachable (don't like it don't buy it)
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Terry Willams
31/07/2007, 02:01 PM
rating
8/10
Yeah... Works really well as a business tool, I think the 8300 Curve maybe the best all rounder so far.. had heaps of trouble getting a case for it, finally found a link on this site to; www.blackberrydownunder.com.au... awesome.
Pros: Works well for WORK!
Cons: Needs a camera!
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GatsbyAssassin
18/07/2007, 01:34 PM
rating
4/10
Apart from being 2.5G - Whats the point of releasing this device in Australia with GPS when there is no capable mapping software.
Pros: Battery Life
Cons: No Mapping software.
Only 2.5G
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stezac
29/05/2007, 03:20 PM
rating
7/10
can you open attatchments like excell word etc with the 88oo
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graeme
20/05/2007, 12:32 PM
rating
9/10
this is by far the best phone that i have ever used, the fact that it doesn't have 3g or a camera is not going to affect the the intended users of this product. i have a digital camera, and broad band speed internet, why the hell would i use a device that does not do either of those functions nearly half as well as the intended devices. Personally, i see its as the perfect tool for merging your email and creating a wonderfully simple productivity tool.
for those worried about a camera and 3g, determine whether you use those functions now, or would use them, before making your decision.
If someone said to me you could be released from your contract and choose another phone, i would choose the 8800 again and again.
Pros: Battery life
email
productivity applications
functionality
Cons: voice command button is to easily pushed
speaker phone could be louder
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