by Jamie Lendino
RIM fans may be excited about the new BlackBerry Bold 9000, which will feature a slightly new look, a higher resolution screen, a faster CPU, and a newer operating system than any of the current models. But it's only going to be available on AT&T at first, when it launches later this year.
Thankfully, if you're looking to buy a BlackBerry now, you have plenty of excellent choices on all four major carriers, none of which will feel outdated any time soon. Plus, many of the devices below are available for much less than what the Bold 9000 will likely cost.
All current RIM BlackBerrys offer robust messaging options, with support for push e-mail for up to 10 accounts (including POP, IMAP, and Web-based), and the ability to hook into BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino, or Novell GroupWise servers (at an additional cost).
For each carrier, we included three handsets—a Pearl, a Curve, and an 8800 series. While all four Pearls, Curves, and 8800s look similar first glance, each one has a distinct feature set that sets it apart. Check out our full reviews to find the best BlackBerry.
For much more on BlackBerrys, be sure to check out SmartDeviceCentral.com, the PCMag.com Network's dedicated site for smartphones and mobile technology.
AT&T
BlackBerry Pearl 8120
AT&T's Pearl 8120 has built-in Wi-Fi capability, which lets you browse the Web at higher speeds than on AT&T's EDGE data network (although regular BlackBerrys do just fine here, taking advantage of RIM's excellent compression algorithms). The 8120 is an excellent media device too, with a built-in 2 megapixel camera and video recording, the latter of which is a relatively new addition to the BlackBerry feature lineup. Unlike the comparable T-Mobile model, however, you can't make Wi-Fi calls with AT&T's 8120. Available in black and grey.
BlackBerry Curve 8310
The 8310 was the first BlackBerry Curve to feature a built-in GPS radio, which AT&T leverages by bundling in the excellent TeleNav GPS Navigator application. This model has no Wi-Fi radio, however. It's available in either charcoal or a truly luscious deep red.
BlackBerry 8820
The 8820 is a business-class phone that drops the camera—perfect for corporate America—but adds Wi-Fi capability and offers a full QWERTY keyboard that's slightly roomier than the one built into the Curve. Like the 8120, this model can't make Wi-Fi calls. But it does have built-in GPS navigation, stereo Bluetooth, and a robust media player. Available in black, only.
SPRINT
BlackBerry Pearl 8130
Whether Sprint or Verizon is the superior carrier is a hotly debated topic, but one huge nod in Sprint's favor is the extra multimedia capabilities their handsets offer. The 8130 is no exception, with its built-in mobile TV option and full-featured IM client. Unlike with the Verizon model, you can also use its GPS radio for other applications such as Google Maps for Mobile and the built-in BlackBerry Maps. This one is available in Red and Amethyst.
BlackBerry Curve 8330
QWERTY fans would do well to check out the newest Curve. In addition to its full keyboard, the 8330 sports a wider, horizontally-oriented screen when compared with the Pearl—perfect for watching videos (or Sprint's optional, live TV service) on the go. The 8330 comes in a classy charcoal color with raised black keys.
BlackBerry 8830
Sprint's version of the BlackBerry 8830 not only has GSM capability for traveling overseas, but it also features an unlocked SIM card slot. That means that you can pop in any number of inexpensive cards in different countries, instead of paying hefty international roaming charges. Comes in Black and Grey. (You temporarily lose access to your phone number this way, however.) As with all 8800 class BlackBerrys, the 8830 lacks a camera. Available in black.
*** From: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2317315,00.asp
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