Review: BlackBerry Bold 9700

Overview:
The BlackBerry Bold 9000 was was the first 3G/ HSDPA capable phone from Research In Motion, causing quite a stir in boardrooms around the world. RIM had set the bar high for its successor the BlackBerry Bold 9700, wanting to create a handset that is smaller, sleeker, faster and stronger. So is the Bold 9700 worth parting with your annual bonus for? Let’s find out.

Review:
In upgrading the old BlackBerry Bold 9000 to the BlackBerry Bold 9700, RIM has done a pretty good job of tweaking here and there to create a very desirable handset.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 has been put on a diet, now weighing in at 122g instead of the 133g you used to have to carry in your pocket in the form of a 9000.

Being slightly narrower than its predecessor, the Bold 9700 may not offer the reliable sturdiness that BlackBerry handsets are known for, but on the plus side there’s more chance of it fitting in the phone section of your briefcase.

The screen and QWERY keyboard have also reduced in size but it’s hardly noticeable with the new display measuring in at 2.4 inches diagonally, compared to the old handset’s 2.6 inch screen. To make up for the loss of 0.2 of an inch, the Bold 9700 has much improved graphics, with a screen res of 480 x 360, making pictures and text extremely sharp.

The phone has a 3 megapixel camera with flash and video capabilities, which isn’t the best on the market but is a definite upgrade from the underwhelming 2 megapixel camera on the Bold 9000.

There is also and standard 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can use your top of the range Sennheisers to listen to your tunes.

One feature that may divide BlackBerry faithfuls, is RIM’s decision to move from the standard navigation trackball in the middle of the handset, to a new and improved trackpad.

RIM has also gone to work on the battery of the 9700, which will come as welcome news to everyone who had faced a blank screen just as they needed to confirm the whereabouts of that important meeting in an hour. The new battery boasts a whole day of use without needing to be plugged in- executives rejoice.

We think the new BlackBerry Bold 9700 is a noticeable step up from its predecessor, both in terms of features and design. It’s a handset that actually makes you want to do some extra work at home.

Blackberry Bold Available at MobileShop.com

The Gaj-It Verdict:
Design: 9/10
Usability: 9/10
Features: 8/10
Value: 9/10

We Say:
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is a definite step up from the old model, both on the surface and under the hood. The new design itself is reflective of a more modern day handset and there have been many reports of people appreciating the trackpad over the old ball for day to day use. Overall, the Bold 9700 makes for a great handset for those that haven’t been seduced by the flood of touchscreen handsets now on the market.