That new
BlackBerry Curve 8520 for T-Mobile is in the house, sucking down EDGE data like it's going out of style (oh, right, it is). For a device that can be scored for $50 at Walmart as of tomorrow ($130 at T-Mobile stores), this is a surprisingly solid handset. The keyboard is classic BlackBerry goodness, and the overall heft gives us at least a little bit of assurance that the phone can hold up to wear and tear better than its predecessors. Most of the changes are for the better, like a trio of media keys up top and the rubberized sides, but we're not completely sold on the touchpad. It works great when it works, but if it's too clean or our thumb is at the exact wrong moisture level, we found that we kind of "stuck" to the pad instead of gliding across it. A bit of texturing could go a long way. We also found the QVGA screen to be pretty dim, which is particularly unfortunate in light of RIM's higher-end, high-res wonders, but it's certainly passable. We're planning on spending some more time with the handset, testing that EDGE network to the limit, giving UMA time to handle some of legendary conversational stylings, and seeing how many Engadget Podcast episodes we can narcissistically cram onto the bundled 1GB microSD card.
In speaking with RIM, it's quite clear that the decision to go EDGE was primarily based on price, along with the fact that T-Mobile's 3G rollout is still lacking -- it's still a head scratcher to us, though. The spokesperson also seemed pretty confident that the new touchpad interface is the way of the future, and we get the feeling the BlackBerry's legendary trackball isn't long for this world. Check out a quick video hands-on after the break, or you could opt for some fine unboxing shots below.
posted Aug 4th 2009 3:13PM
The trackpad doesn't seem as sensitive as the trackball. The track ball gave you full screen maneuverability without having to reprocess the same movement twice to get further. Looks like the trackpad isn't very sensitive but i bet you can change the setting.
T-Mobile's 3G network is about to hit the 208 million POPS mark as we near years end. That should cover the majority of their 268 million POPS covered area.
Hopefully that will be enough reason for RIM to proceed and release a HSDPA or HSPA capable device running off of AWS spectrum.
Personaly, I can't wait.
I wouldn't buy this device because I don't need one right now, but I can see a huge market for the more affordable BlackBerry option especially for messaging freaks. T-Mobile already sells the Pearl on Prepaid at Best Buy (here in SoCal) and this would proabably be an even smarter prepaid option IMHO.
Oooh, I can't wait till the Aries hits Verizon! Looking gooood.
The only thing holding me back from one of these is the pricetag of the Blackberry service. At $25 bucks I'll stick away from all the Blackberries. I'll just sit and hold onto my $6 Unlimited internet with Tzones :)
It's Nice video show every moment lively thanks for the Information..I am using the Unlocked Mobile..I unlocked it using the Unlocking code got from the site http://www.unlocking4u.com/ .
Very good blackberry, Media Buttons on top are a plus. The new track pad is definitely a good change. I don't really like the track ball felt like i'm dealing with a sidekick. The trackpad is very responsive and works great. Love the all black color, look and feel is good too. 3.5 headphone jack is always a blessing lol. Over all has everything you would expect from a blackberry curve.
As a first time Blackberry customer, i think this is a great unit! Its only missing 3G and GPS. You really don't miss them. The EDGE is fast enough for most things. The problems is i'm having the hardest time syncing my blackberry Curve 8520 with my MAC. This was one of the reason i purchased the phone at full price. PocketMac provide the software but doesn't answer their phones and if you want Blackberry support you have to pay for it. What crap is this???
I have tried to sync over 20 times and it will only sync 5% of my contact.
In summary: Good phone, doesn't not sync properly with MAC, no FREE support.