MacNN Rating:
Product Manufacturer: Research in Motion
Price: $200 (two-year contract, T-Mobile)
The Good
- Trackpad a much better input than the trackball.
- Higher-resolution screen.
- 3G for T-Mobile users.
- Wi-Fi calling and visual voicemail (on T-Mobile/Rogers).
- Significantly improved camera for still shots.
- Clear calling on 3G and Wi-Fi.
- Capable if unspectacular e-mail, GPS and music playback.
- Good battery life for a 3G device.
The Bad
- BlackBerry OS 5.0 still at times ungainly.
- Poor video capture.
- Internet, GPS and media no longer class-leading.
- App World not as extensive or as easy as iPhone's App Store.
ergonomics and design
When picking up the new Bold we were immediately struck with the clarity and size of the new screen. At 2.44 inches across and 480x360 pixels, the Bold 9700’s screen is one of the largest and clearest we’ve seen from RIM yet. Unfortunately, testing proves that it also isn't as bright as we would like. It’s a beautiful sharp, large screen, but it’s also too dim. The other major improvement besides the screen on this Bold, though, is the form factor. The unit is of ideal size and weight, easily pocketable, and fits well in the hand.
The Bold features a typical BlackBerry keyboard mostly borrowed from the original Bold and the Tour. We had several past BlackBerry users and some novices try the keyboard, and all found it easy to use. The novices adapted quickly and the veterans felt right at home. The Bold 9700 is the first BlackBerry to come equipped with a trackpad instead of a trackball, however. Everyone that tested the 9700 found the trackpad just as easy and intuitive in the keyboard; in some cases, the trackpad was even compared to the iPhone in terms of responsiveness and accuracy, which can't be said for its sometimes clog-prone and physically demanding predecessor. This new feature from RIM is a certifiable success.
Flipping the unit over reveals the 3.2 megapixel camera and flash located on the back above the battery cover and panel. Upon removing the panel users can fairly easily access the microSD card slot and battery. That card slot is necessary: the Bold 9700 comes with just 256MB of internal memory.
Other than the typical BlackBerry buttons above the keyboard there are only a few notable physical features on the phone. The left side of the phones features the now requisite 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB port, and the signature activity button while the right side holds the volume toggle control. The top left portion of the Bold 9700 functions as a sleep button that locks the keyboard and dims the screen, a feature that can at times be sensitive but is often sorely missed on competing devices.
