RIM Blackberry 8700g smart phone

Posted by T3 Online on Mon 22 Oct 2007

Blackberry ripens its latest email-friendly handset.

It's been under attack from a spate of keyboard-equipped Windows Mobile devices recently, but RIM is back with a new, improved version of its wireless messenger, a better screen and a cleaner, more angular design.

This retains the great email features of its older siblings, working with software on the mobile network so that incoming emails are automatically forwarded to it. You can reply to them using the tiny-but-useable thumb keys that adorn the front.

It does boring stuff like making phone calls as well, and PDA features include a memo pad and a calendar that you can sync with programs such as Outlook. They're more basic than those available on Windows Mobile devices, however.

The screen is a vast improvement over those on previous models. It's pin-sharp, bright and colours are vibrant. It also has a backlight that automatically adjusts its brightness level to suit the conditions.

Thanks to a speedier Intel chip, the well laid-out OS can be swiftly navigated, and you also get more memory for storing emails, documents and pictures.

Overall, this is still the best choice for mobile emailing, although there are better all-rounders out there.