RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 – A lot like the previous models
This phone is the successor to the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8520 which we saw last year. The phone was good but I was disappointed about the lack of GPS and 3G. The manufacturer has now given a new model and both these problems have been taken care of. The handset is covered by T-Mobile’s 3G network and has built in GPS. Apart from that, this device sports a some improvements that we had on the 8530 like 256 MB internal memory and 624 MHz processor. However, nothing else has been changed here which makes it a replica of the previous version. The hardware is identical and the features too remain the same. I would still recommend the 9300 if you are looking for an entry level smartphone. It costs just $79.99 and you have to sign a two year contract.
RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300’s design has been copied from its predecessors, it feels and looks very similar to the earlier model, the 8520. The dimensions are the same; both phones are 4.3 inches long, 0.6 inch thick and 2.4 inches wide. They weigh the same at 3.6 ounces and both feature a 2.4 inch screen with same media keys on the top and also the same QWERTY keyboard.
One big difference in design here is the optical trackpad has been tweaked; it is now rounded and raised which makes it easy to use. The new trackpad was more responsive as well. Another change I noticed here was that the 8520 had barriers between the navigation buttons and the Curve 3G has a very flat navigation array without any divisions. I liked the 8520 better since it was easy to navigate by feel but I wasn’t too disappointed with the new design either. The last change I want to tell you is that the Curve 3G has texturized rubber which doesn’t let the device slide around when you place it on a smooth surface. It also lets you grip the phone better.
The manufacturer gives the RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 with power adapter, USB cord, mini CD, wired headset and reference manual. This phone runs on BlackBerry OS 5 and RIM says that you can upgrade it to BlackBerry OS 6, which should be done because the new version has a lot of new features. The OS6 will give you brand new home screen, universal search, new Web browser, and the messaging features too are easier to access.
RIM BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300 has all the usually phone features like multimedia and text messaging, speed dialing, conference calling, voice dialing, an speakerphone. There are plenty of IM options including Windows Live, Yahoo, ICQ, AIM, BlackBerry Messenger, etc. BlackBerry is a brand well known for its e-mail options and it continues the legacy here too. The device lets you sync with your company’s BlackBerry Enterprise server along with other corporate systems of e-mail like IBM Lotus Domino, Microsoft Exchange, etc. IMAP4 and POP3 e-mail information can also be added and the phone will easily detect your Yahoo Mail and Gmail accounts.
