I am a big blackberry fan.
This review is not about the technicality of the blackberry mobile phones, rather it is with respect to a potential buyer and his expectations (India specifically).
Design, User Interface, Keypad:
Design of the mobile is excellent, stylish and a strong body that can take a few falls easily.
User interface is good and easy to understand and use. Although the “Settings/Device Options” section includes a lot operating system related details and configuration which is not easy for a common man to get on with initially. Keypad is very well spaced and typing may initially be a little difficult but will become easy for typing just in a few days. People in India who do a lot of messaging are gonna love it. The keypad is durable enough.
Includes two customizable convenient keys and volume control keys.
Track ball is very easy to use for navigating.
Browsing web pages is pretty simple with the track ball as you don’t have to move through every link to reach the end of the page. The track ball also acts as a button to select a link or to click on a button. This can also be achieved by clicking on the “Enter” key in the keypad. (Move the cursor over the link or the button and press enter). This may extend the life of the track ball.
Connectivity:
BB 8320 has a wide range of connectivity options.
- Bluetooth 2.0: File sharing, Hands free, Secured connection with other devices.
Although there is one problem I am not able to resolve, I cannot receive files bigger than about 10 MB via Bluetooth from other devices. But I can send much bigger files.
WiFi: Can access internet, Use third party applications.
PC sync: Synchronize your Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Multimedia files etc.
GPRS/EDGE
No 3G
In India, the carriers don’t provide regular Data Plans (Internet via GPRS/EDGE) and they force to opt for Blackberry Internet services (BIS) which is pretty costly.
Although business people (who deal with emails extensively) and people who are addicted to social networking sites will get a great value for money with various BIS plan as per their need, but for a common man who insists on browsing internet for various reasons will have to pay high for the Internet service. For better understanding speak to your carrier’s customer care about Internet services on Blackberry mobile phones.
Memory, Processor:
Includes 312 MHz Intel XScale processor.
Includes 64MB of flash memory on board, and microSD slot.(Works fine with a 4GB card)
File Manager, Organizer, Office:
File manager is pretty descent for navigating across the file system.
But you cannot do multiple selections of files. Transfer of files via Bluetooth is possible, but one file at a time.
There are third party File Mangers that support multiple selections of files for managing files with in the device and memory card.
FileScout - https://emacberry.com/bbfilescout.html
Organizer is pretty good.
Includes Calendar, Tasks, Memo, Alarm, Calculator, Unit Converter.
There is no stop clock, countdown timer.
The BB 8320 comes with a preloaded office document viewer from “Documents To Go”.
You can view Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files. Excel is not included but you can upgrade to a new version for free which includes Excel.
Documents To Go - https://dataviz.com/products/documentstogo/blackberry/
Messaging:
Supports SMS, MMS
Emails & PIN messages supported via BIS/BES only.
You can send and receive business cards only through emails.
Through SMS you cannot send business cards, but you can receive it as plain text. There are third party applications that support this feature.
m2bCard - https://webdynamite.com/en/392/
SMSContact - https://bberryapp.com/smscontact.htm
Camera:
Includes 2 MP camera with flash.
Capturing images is pretty good.
Video capture and playback is not up to the mark.
Reception and Sound output:
Voice clarity is excellent.
Reception is excellent.
Audio output while playing music is descent, but not as good as sony erricson and other music phones.
Battery backup is pretty good and lasts for one and half days under heavy usage.
Summary:
I love blackberry and I will continue using it.
But if you have plans for Blackberry, then be sure as to what is your requirement.
I recommend it, if you are a business person and be sure to activate BIS/BES plan as per your needs.
