Nokia N97 mini

In June, Nokia started shipping the N97, its flagship model which featured a touchscreen display and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. In September, the company announced the N97 mini, a similar handset with a smaller screen and less built-in memory. It may appear to be a scaled down variant, but there are things about the mini which we liked better than the original.

Design

At 113 x 52.5 x 14.2mm, the N97 mini is quite a compact smartphone considering it hides a QWERTY keyboard. It's smaller in all dimensions compared with the N97 and weighs 12g lighter. The reduction in size and weight didn't lead to a drop in quality though, and in fact, the mini felt more solidly built. This is, in part, thanks to the metal battery cover on the back, an improvement from the black plastic cover found on the N97.
Build quality aside, most of the design elements remain the same. The front sports a single physical Menu button under the screen, beside the touch-sensitive Call and End keys. The left side is where you find a micro-USB port and lock switch. A dedicated 3.5mm audio connector can be found on top together with the power button while on the left, there is a volume rocker and camera shutter.
The 3.2-inch screen on the front has a resolution of 640 x 360 pixels, standard fare for Nokia's touchscreen-enabled S60 devices. Put side-by-side with the N97's 3.5-inch panel, it is noticeably smaller. Nonetheless, aside from smaller text when reading Web pages and documents, the mini's screen worked just as well as the N97's, especially since there's no difference in the number of pixels. It was sufficiently bright for most situations and text and images were displayed clearly without issues.
In its opened position, the mini's screen sits at a gentler angle than the N97's. It isn't a huge difference, but the change is significant. We mentioned in our N97 review that the angle of the screen made it a tad hard to view when the device is held in the hands. This is no longer the case with the mini and we felt the slight reduction of the angle has improved its usability.

The N97 mini (above) loses the directional pad but comes with arrow keys. Its spacebar is closer to the center compared with the N97 (below).

Adjustments have also been made to the keyboard to accommodate its smaller chassis. Most prominently, the N97 mini does not have a directional pad on the left side, but instead comes with four arrow keys on the right. Unless you play games using the directional pad, this is not an issue. In fact, it made more space for the keyboard so even though the phone is shorter, the keys weren't made smaller. While the layout remains largely the same, the spacebar has been slightly lengthened and moved closer to the center. This is a marked improvement as it makes getting to it with the right thumb much easier. Keys are also not as flush, so you get better tactile feedback when moving your thumbs across the keyboard. Overall, the implementation of this QWERTY keypad is better than the original.

Features

The N97 mini is a high-end product in the company's portfolio, which means you get no less than an exhaustive suite of connectivity options. This includes HSDPA for high-speed data over the cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and A-GPS for navigation.
On the software end of things, it uses the Symbian S60 5th edition operating system, a version specifically designed for touchscreen devices. This is very similar to the standard S60 user interface (UI) and at times, it feels like the touchscreen capabilities are simply foisted in, an afterthought of sorts. For example, in some menus, tapping on items merely highlights it and you have to tap again to select. That's the procedure in a non-touchscreen device as you move the cursor over the item and press select using a directional pad. But this is unnecessary with a touch-sensitive panel as you can see the items in one glance, and touching means you want to select it.
But it's not all negative as there are signs of improvement. Swipe scrolling used to be available only in certain applications such as the browser. But now, using your finger to push screens up and down without relying on the side scrollbar is consistently implemented throughout the interface.
Many of the features like the live widgets and Ovi Store remain the same, so read our N97 review for details.

The N97 mini has 8GB of internal storage and a microSD card slot for expansion. This is quite a bit less than the 32GB available in the N97 but it's not a big deal if you insert a high-capacity microSD card.
On the back is where you will find the 5-megapixel camera with an LED for lighting up dark subjects. Unlike the N97, there's no cover to protect the lens. The upside to that is a reduction in size as the sliding mechanism does add to the thickness significantly. Picture quality is good, not too much different from the N97's.

Performance

Though marred slightly by the UI inconsistencies, the software performance of the N97 mini felt responsive. Aside from a few third-party apps that were more resource intensive, we didn't experience many slowdowns throughout our period of testing.
The 1,200mAh battery gave about two days of use on a single charge with live widgets turned off. If you leave push email and widget real-time updates on, expect to plug it in at the end of every day.

Conclusion

There are improvements in the software on the N97 mini, but those are applicable to the N97, too, through an update. So where it really stands out is in the form factor. When it comes to mobile devices, every gram and millimeter counts. So even though it isn't smaller and lighter by much, the N97 mini feels a lot more comfortable in the hands. This is most probably due to the use of materials and reduced width. We also liked the keyboard better, a major consideration for any smartphone with physical keypads.
Unfortunately, the same reservations we have about the N97 also apply to the N97 mini. Compared with Apple's iPhone OS and Google's Android, S60 5th edition just doesn't feel like a compelling proposition. This is not just with the touch interface, but also because of the dearth of affordable applications. For example, the best Twitter application for S60 is Gravity, which costs S$15 (US$10.80). While that's a fair price to pay for a good application, the fact that there are so many free versions for other platforms which are just as good makes it hard to swallow.
The N97 mini is available now in Asia at S$1,020 (US$734). That's quite pricey, so look out for deals from your operator before diving in.

Samsung Diva S7070 and Diva folder S5150 preview

Introduction and design:
„Houston, we´ve got a problem!”. That was more or less what we thought when we first got our hands on the two cell phones of the Diva 2010 collection, the Samsung Diva S7070 and Samsung Diva folder S5150. How come? Well, it´s incredibly hard for a man to pass judgment on a handset designed with women in mind and sadly, there are few ladies on our team. That´s why we decided to call in help and sought the assistance of girlfriends, wives and the chick on the front cover of the last FHM issue. Unfortunately, this didn’t help much really, because the question “which of these two cell phones you´d prefer” led to a draw, with exactly the same number of votes going to either handset. 

Samsung Diva folder S5150 - left next to Samsung Diva S7070 - right

The Samsung Diva S7070 is definitely the... simpler of the two. Just like any classic candybar device with touch-sensitive display, the 2.8-inch screen with QVGA resolution takes up the front side almost entirely. Fortunately, it utilizes capacitive technology and offers great sensitivity and comfort of use.

The Samsung Diva S7070 is definitely the simpler of the two

You can compare the Samsung Diva S7070 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.
The manufacturer has lent color to the overall design by equipping the handset with oddly shaped buttons. The one in the form of a diamond does remind us of Bejewelled, the game... As a whole it does contribute to the unique feeling the outer appearance of the handset creates and proved to be a big hit with all ladies we polled on the subject – they unanimously agreed they loved it. The pearly white color solution is definitely appealing as well, plus the quilted pattern of the back panel makes the phone harder to accidentally slip out of your hand. The Samsung Diva S7070 sports microUSB charger port, but lacks 3.5mm jack.

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Just a friendly advice: Ladies, you better wear a pair of sunglasses if you plan to use the Samsung Diva folder S5150 on bright, sunny days or you will end up blinded for a time, because the surface is like mirror (that can´t be used as a mirror though). Hidden under the front side there is a LED display that shows a clock and information about incoming calls and missed events. All told, the phone does look quite appealing and its unique, quilted pattern and mirror-like finish are eye-riveting.

The Samsung Diva folder S5150 is quite an extravagant handset

When open, the Samsung Diva folder S5150 reveals a 2.2-inch screen with QVGA resolution and standard numeric keypad. We are slightly surprised at the presence of a camera shutter and the landscape orientation of the camera interface – something rather uncharacteristic of clamshell devices. Taking snapshots feels a bit odd really, but by no means unpleasant. Strange, but our prototype comes without a delete key.

You can compare the Samsung Diva folder S5150 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.
As a whole, the Samsung Diva folder S5150 is quite an extravagant handset and will certainly attract the attention of everyone around you. The Samsung Diva S7070 comes with more balanced outer appearance, but still, it´s pretty obvious it´s been designed for people of the fairer sex. It remind us of the likeable Samsung Corby S3650, the difference being the latter is not aimed at ladies exclusively.

Nokia 6700 slide

Those looking for a stylish slideout mobile phone with a numeric keyboard usually can't go too far wrong with one of Nokia's handsets. One of the best features of the earlier 6500 slide and 6600i slide models was the metallic finish which gave them a premium feel. The recently announced 6700 slide appears to be of the same pedigree design-wise, but it comes with another trick--a full Symbian S60 smartphone OS.

Upside

The 6700 slide is equipped with the Symbian-based S60 3rd edition interface. The previous 6500 slide and 6600i slide handsets sat in the feature-phone category as they sported the more basic S40 interface. So with the 6700, you can expect the same kind of customizations usually found in phones from Nokia's Eseries and Nseries including access to the Ovi Store for downloading third-party S60 apps.
With a metallic finish and choice of six different colors, the 6700 slide is truly meant for those who value a phone's physical design. At 95.2 x 46.1 x 15.9mm and 110g with battery, it is also quite compact and light.

Connectivity-wise, this slider features 10.2Mbps HSDPA and 2Mbps HSUPA for fast transfers over the cellular network. Take note that those are maximum theoretical speeds so your experience may vary according to the operators' network speed and quality.
On the back of the phone is a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus. It is also equipped with a dual LED flash for lighting up dark subjects.

Downside

Interestingly, Nokia decided to leave out Wi-Fi connectivity on the 6700 slide, which means you won't be able to take advantage of wireless hotspots for Internet access.
Those who need GPS navigation will be disappointed to know that this handset does not have built-in satellite navigation hardware. You will still be able to view maps using Nokia Maps or Google Maps, but finding your exact location is a no-go.
Even though many of Nokia's phones use a standard 3.5mm audio port, the 6700 slide is not one of them. The microSD card slot may give you lots of room for memory expansion in case your phone is also your MP3 player, but you'll still have to plug an adapter into its 2.5mm connector to use standard headphones when listening to music.

Outlook

As mentioned earlier, the main draw of the 6700 slide will be its stylish design and choice of colors. It may be lacking a few features but we don't expect that to dampen interest too much if it has an attractive price. Expect to see this handset in stores in Q1 2010. Its price in Asia is still undisclosed for now but in Europe, it's expected to retail for 160 euros before taxes and subsidies.

Motorola Droid Gets Routed

Just like the iPhone was jailbroken to allow users to install unofficial applications, the Motorola Droid has now been routed by a well know Android modder called Cyanogen.

What this means for Motorola Droid owners is that can have administrative rights and the ability to control  everything on their Droid handset, much like a jailbroken iPhone, Droid users will be able to download widgets that would allow them to overclock the Droid’s processor and install themes.

You can also add multi touch features to the Droid, like the ones found on the Droid Eris, like pinch-to-zoom and other features.

You can find out full details on how to root your Motorola Droid over at the AllDroid forums, if you do decided to root your Droid, make sure you follow the instructions as you don’t want to end up bricking it.

Get Smart Phone Reviews and New Mobile Reviews Online

Many people like the smart phone, but how do you know if this is the right mobile phone for you? If you are like most people who are looking for a mobile phone, the number of available phones on the market has you befuddled. It can be a daunting task to find the right mobile phone, but reading new mobile reviews makes it easier. So if you are looking for smart phone reviews, you can go to a site that features the new mobile reviews to make your decision easier.
The smart phone is considered to be one of the most innovative mobile phones of today. It can be more complex and have more specifications than a common mobile phone. Many people who rush out to get one find that they do not know how to use them and do not take advantage of all of the benefits that this phone has. This is one reason that reading smart phone reviews can help you understand all about the phone. Smart phone reviews often tell you not only the positive and negative aspects about the phone, but all of the things that it does. Smart phone reviews are written by those who have researched the phone or have used it themselves. 
New mobile reviews can help making buying a mobile phone easier.  Instead of guessing about which phones are right for you, you can actually use new mobile reviews to narrow down your search. Go to a site that features hundreds of mobile phone reviews and read the reviews. If you are interested in some types of phones like smart phone or other types of phone, you can find them. Once you have read the new mobile reviews, you can make a better informed decision as to which type of mobile phone will work for you and fulfill your needs.
In addition to getting reviews of phones, a good site will also tell you the special deals that are going on for those who are interested in buying a phone. You can not only get the information on the mobile phones, but you can also get the information on the special prices or tariffs offered to customers. If you are looking for a mobile phone, not only do you want to make sure that the one that you choose is the right one for you, but you also want to get the best price on the phone as well. Look for a site that will not only feature new mobile reviews, but also give you an opportunity to take advantage of special deals on the mobile phone of your choice. 
There are many mobile phones from which to choose. If you are in the market for a mobile phone, it makes sense to take a look at the latest mobile phone reviews as well as look into the special deals that are being offered.  You can get this information by going to a site that features both smart phone reviews as well as other mobile phone reviews.

Nokia N900

The Nokia N900 is a 3G, Linux smartphone with XTerm built in. If the idea of hacking your phone down to the command line with the manufacturer's full approval sends you into paroxysms of joy, forget reading the rest of this review and just buy one now. This is the ultimate Linux geek phone. But for the rest of us, it's an uneven and unfinished experience.

The N900 is the descendant of Nokia's impractical Internet Tablet line, a family of bulky devices that didn't connect to cellular networks. By turning a tablet into a phone and including Microsoft Exchange syncing, Nokia is seeking to make the N900 into a practical, do-everything handheld.

More

The phone is chunky, but still small enough to hold in your hand. Measuring 4.37 by 2.55 by 0.7 inches (HWD) and weighing 6.38 ounces, it's slightly larger than the HTC Touch Pro2 Windows Mobile phones. It has a 3.5-inch, 800-by-480 resistive touch screen and no hard buttons on the front—not even Home or Call buttons, which make the N900 a little perplexing to make calls on. On the top of the device, there are power, volume, and camera buttons, but still no Home or Call. On the back, a shutter cover protects the 5-megapixel camera, with its unusually bright, hideously bluish flash.

Slide up the screen to reveal a beautiful backlit keyboard of clicky keys. The layout is a little off—the space bar is too far to the right—but the keys feel great.

All About Maemo
The N900 runs Maemo 5, a Linux OS based on Debian with a GTK-based GUI. Some of it is open source and some of it isn't, but Nokia is more than comfortable with people hacking this device. In fact, the company runs a Web site encouraging people to do so.

The Maemo interface is strange. It has the usual system of icons and widgets, but without the usual menus or home button. Tapping various parts of the screen does inconsistent things: The upper-left corner can display the program menu or minimize a window; the upper-right corner might close a program or pull up a settings menu. When a program takes up only part of the screen, tapping outside the program's box dismisses it. The interface is beautiful and certainly learnable, but just a few steps past intuitive.

Maemo 5 works smoothly on the N900's chipset. The N900 uses a 600-MHz, Cortex-A8–based TI OMAP3 platform with a PowerVR SGX graphics chip, making it about as powerful as the iPhone 3GS. There's an amazing 32GB of onboard storage, plus a microSD card slot under the back cover.

Depending on how geeky you are, there are either 11 apps or thousands of apps available for the N900. Nokia's Ovi Store isn't yet available for the N900, so you download apps through the phone's App Manager. By default, the App Manager only shows 11 available apps, which include things like Tetris, Chess, and MahJong games; AP News, Twitter or weather widgets; or the DocumentsToGo Microsoft Office reader.

But wait. By expanding the phone's available "repositories" (which is not explained anywhere on the phone) you can find and download various other apps. More apps are kicking around the Internet as .deb packages. You can even install a full version of Debian on the tablet, although that takes triumphant hackery.

And there we have it again. If installing Debian is your idea of a fun Saturday night, this is the Best Phone Ever. If not, you get 11 apps.

Maemo's Discontents
The N900 is a quad-band EDGE, 900/1700/2100-MHz 3G phone with Wi-Fi, meaning it works on T-Mobile's 3G network but not AT&T's. That's OK—T-Mobile offers, in its Even More Plus plan, the best service plan in the nation for this phone. (For why, read my column "Your Free Phone Cost $240.")

Out of the box, my N900 came misconfigured for T-Mobile's network, and I had to hunt down and change the APN before I could get data service. If locating APN details is your idea of a fun Saturday night—you get the picture.

There are more missing links in Maemo's chain. Exchange syncing only works with Exchange 2007 servers, not Exchange 2003. In most apps, there's no portrait mode—you can only use the device when you hold it horizontally. Nokia's Web site recommends you install the PC Suite 7.1 software on Windows computers to sync with the N900, but then PC Suite complains it's not fully compatible. (Most notably, it won't reformat music and video for the N900.)

Nokia says most of these issues will be fixed in future updates, with the first update coming within the next few weeks. The N900 will get Ovi Store, proper Exchange syncing, and more. But the N900 is already on sale in this unfinished form

Smartphones for the budget-conscious

Say "smartphone" and most people will automatically think of handsets that come with the latest features and a corresponding shocking price tag. That isn't entirely true. Like regular mobile phones, there are different smartphone tiers. Like their high-end counterparts, budget smartphones let you install third-party apps, check your email, and browse the Internet. The lower price does come with some compromises like slower processors and screens, though sometimes, these also translate to lower power consumption and thus better battery performance. Here are five smartphones for the budget-conscious, which you can get for under S$200 (US$145) with a basic mobile phone contract that won't cost you an arm and leg each month.

1.
BlackBerry Curve 8520
rating: 7.3 out of 10

The good: Responsive optical trackpad and dedicated media controls; Wi-Fi; Bluetooth; 2-megapixel camera; good call quality.

The bad: Lacks 3G support and GPS; downloaded apps can be saved to the phone's main memory only.

The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry Curve 8520 is a sleek entry-level smartphone that delivers some nice design enhancements and great performance.

2.
HTC Tattoo
rating: 7.3 out of 10

The good: Full Android feature set at low price; changeable covers; Sense UI scaled down well to screen size; 3.5mm audio jack; HSDPA connectivity; excellent battery life.

The bad: Small 2.8-inch QVGA display; narrow buttons for portrait-mode onscreen QWERTY keypad; many Android apps not suited for lower-resolution panel; poor speakerphone.

The bottom line: If you want an affordable Android smartphone, the Tattoo will fit the bill. Power users should look elsewhere.

3.
Nokia E63
rating: 7.9 out of 10

The good: QWERTY keypad; Wi-Fi.

The bad: Lack of HSDPA and GPS.

The bottom line: The Nokia E63 is a good phone that delivers a competent texting and email experience, but its E71 predecessor is better, offering more features and greater finesse. If you want a smartphone that stands out from the crowd, however, the colorful E63 is worth checking out.

4.
HTC Touch2
rating: 7 out of 10

The good: Compact and well-built; full set of connectivity options; Windows Mobile 6.5; 3.5mm audio port; FM tuner.

The bad: Low-resolution QVGA display; odd microSD slot cover position; fixed focus camera with no LED; no HSUPA; price could be more attractive.

The bottom line: HTC's first smartphone with WM6.5 ticks almost all the boxes for an entry-level smartphone, though it needs to be cheaper to differentiate itself from more highly-specced products.

5.
Samsung Omnia Pro B7320
rating: 6 out of 10

The good: Decent QWERTY keypad; 7.2Mbps HSDPA; Wi-Fi; compact form factor; low price.

The bad: Custom interface is merely skin deep; no dedicated audio port; inconveniently located microSDHC slot; camera has no autofocus feature.

The bottom line: This Omnia Pro is a basic WM6.1 smartphone with its affordable price tag as its most outstanding feature.

2009 Essential Gadgets - Year of the smartphone

 

What were the must-have gadgets of 2009? We thought we’d launch this personal tech section of the blog with our recommendations on the year’s best devices.

Over the next two weeks,  we’ll look at ten different categories, from eReaders to pico projectors, from the best audio experiences to cameras and camcorders.

Smartphones have made the biggest impact this year and, after the jump, are the thoughts of personal tech correspondent Paul Taylor on the best of them (Dollars and hearts represent value for money and desirability, out of five) . We’re also looking at the rise of Android and republishing our reviews of the latest smartphones - the Motorola Droid and Palm Pixi.

BlackBerry Bold 9700

It's been about a year since the original RIM BlackBerry Bold made its debut, and while it remains a very solid device, it's about time that a flashier, faster model took over the reigns. And that device would be the RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700. Not only is it T-Mobile's first 3G BlackBerry, but its sleeker design and performance enhancements make it a valuable addition to the carrier's lineup. The Bold also offers UMA support for Wi-Fi calls, a faster processor, and an updated OS. The only major downside of the smartphone, and one that plagues all BlackBerry devices, unfortunately, is the Web browser. It simply doesn't stand up to the competition in terms of ease of use or functionality. That said, if you're after a powerful messaging smartphone, the RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 certainly has our vote of confidence. It offers more speed and features than T-Mobile's other BlackBerry offerings and gets the upper hand on the T-Mobile Dash 3G with its UMA support. As of press time, T-Mobile did not reveal a specific release date but said the Bold 9700 would be available in time for the holidays for US$199.99 with a two-year contract.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.com. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products or telcos in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.

Design

The RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 looks nothing like its predecessor. Gone is the wide, masculine body and in its place is a more svelte, compact smartphone that should fulfill RIM's hope of attracting both men and women, and consumers and professionals. At 109 x 60 x 14.1mm and 122g, the Bold 9700 is certainly more pocketable and is even smaller and lighter than the BlackBerry Tour. It feels solid in the hand and features a similar leatherette backing as the original Bold to give it a classy touch. In addition, the chrome edges and lines between the keyboard rows add to the handset's appeal.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 has a leaner and less masculine look than its predecessor. Here it is pictured next to the BlackBerry Curve 8900.

Given the smaller size, you do lose a little bit in screen real estate. The Bold 9700 has a 2.44-inch display (compared with 2.75 inches) but its 480 x 360-pixel resolution at 245 pixels per inch certainly keeps things clear and sharp. It's the same as the Tour's and while we did miss having the larger screen when viewing Web pages and videos, overall we had no complaints. Text was easy to read and images looked crisp with vibrant colors.
The user interface is largely unchanged, though BlackBerry OS 5.0 brings some slight refinements. For example, the calendar has an easier to use system for creating new appointments with drop-down lists, and you can set your alarm clock using a spinning wheel. The home screen and main menu will be familiar to previous owners, though; you can customize the home screen with different themes and background images as well as six different shortcuts.
Below the display, you get the standard BlackBerry controls: Talk and End keys, a menu shortcut, and a back button. However, like the BlackBerry Curve 8520, the Bold 9700 replaces the traditional trackball navigator with an optical trackpad. The move from trackball to trackpad is surprisingly easy, and we were impressed by its responsiveness (you can also adjust its sensitivity to your liking through the Options menu). Scrolling through lists and navigating menus feels smoother using the trackpad and you can select an item simply by pressing down. RIM plans to use the trackpad in all its future devices, and that's fine by us. Like we mentioned earlier, the transition from one to the other felt easy and natural; plus, perhaps this will eliminate the issue that some users have had where the trackball stops working for whatever reason and needs to be replaced.

Like the Curve 8520, the Bold now features an optical trackpad instead of a trackball navigator.

Just below is the Bold 9700's 35-key full QWERTY keyboard. Though not as spacious as the original Bold's, the large and comfortable buttons are ideal for typing both short text messages and longer emails. The individual keys have raised ridges so they're easier to use compared to completely flat buttons, and they provide a nice springy feedback. If anything, they were just a touch stiff to press, but overall, we're very happy with the keyboard.
On the left spine, there's a 3.5mm headphone jack, a microUSB port/power connector, and a customizable shortcut key. You get a second convenience key on the right side, which is designated to the camera by default, and a volume rocker. The top holds a mute and lock buttons, and the camera and flash are located on back.
Our review unit from RIM included an AC adapter, a USB cable, a 2GB microSD card, a wired stereo headset, and a belt holster in the box. However, T-Mobile's final sales package may vary. For more add-ons, please check our cell phone accessories, ringtones, and help page.

Features

The RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 marks the first 3G (UMTS/HSDPA 900/1700/2100) BlackBerry for T-Mobile. The carrier's been on a tear lately to launch its 3G network in new markets, which now reaches 170 million people in more than 235 cities nationwide. It still trails behind the other major service providers in terms of coverage, but it's certainly good to see T-Mobile ramping up its efforts and bringing more 3G handsets to the lineup, particularly full-featured ones like the Bold 9700.
Like the RIM BlackBerry Storm 2, the Bold 9700 is shipping with BlackBerry OS 5.0 (version 5.0.0.330 to be exact), which brings some enhancements to the messaging and calendar capabilities as well as to the BlackBerry browser.
Although BlackBerry 5.0 doesn't bring tabbed browsing or dramatic navigation improvements, it offers faster JavaScript (now enabled by default) and CSS processing for quicker page loading. In addition, the browser supports BlackBerry widgets and Google Gears as well as the real-time streaming protocol, so you can watch streaming videos from sites like mobile YouTube. While the BlackBerry browser has made small steps forward, it's still leaps behind the likes of the iPhone, Palm Pre, and Android devices. We understand that RIM has invested in improving its browser with its recent acquisition of Torch Mobile (developers of a WebKit-based browser) and by joining Adobe's Open Screen Project; we just hope it doesn't take too long to play catch up.
In addition to 3G, the Bold 9700 has Wi-Fi and UMA (unlicensed mobile access) support, which means you can make and receive unlimited calls over a wireless network without using calling plan minutes. Just be aware that in order to do this you will need to sign up for T-Mobile's Unlimited HotSpot Calling plan, which starts at US$10 per month