RIM BlackBerry 9530 Smartphone
- Screen Size (Diagonal): 3.25 inch
- Installed Memory: 1000 MB
- Operating System: BlackBerry OS
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
- Performance: Quad Band
- Design: Mobile
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640
More like a tempest in a teapot
Pros
great browser
Cons
terrible input; easily overloaded
Recommended it?
No
The Bottom Line:
The browser is nice, but the input is a pain and the inability to answer a call when the device is overloaded is frustrating. This product should have been better.
I bought a Blackberry Storm and switched my cell service to Verizon a few months ago.
I was looking for improved browsing and phone service in an organizer phone. Right now, I'd give the browsing a strong plus, and Verizon's service has been reliable, but the rest of the phone has been disappointing.
First, it was easy to set up the applications, and activate the phone. The instructions were clear. It was also very easy to synchronize this with my contact and calendar data in Microsoft Outlook. I effectively moved the data from the predecessor unit, a Blackberry 8703, by syncing that unit with Outlook and then syncing the new unit.
The browser is lovely. On the 3.25" color display, resolution is beautiful. On any particular web site, the unit can zoom through a click of the display. It was easy to configure my email accounts. Reading emails is a breeze. I accessorized with a screen protector to preserve the display.
Unfortunately that is not enough and the more I use this, the more I feel like it is a compromise.
I had migrated from the 8703 looking for better phone service and better input. I was having trouble dealing with the little buttons in the 8703.
Well, this input is considerably worse. It has a virtual keyboard which fits on the screen when input is necessary. It will work with the screen in portrait mode or in landscape mode, depending on how the device is held. I prefer landscape because the keys are larger. Supposedly input should be faster because the keyboard lights the letter about to be pressed when the finger is near. Well, that does not work well because it's easy for the finger to slip and hit the key next to the intended target. Worse, the numbers and the letters are not on the same keyboard screen. A key has to be pushed to access the number screen when inputting text and then it reverts to the letter screen. This makes inputting numbers into a web site or email extremely difficult. In fact, I generally do not respond to emails because the input is so frustrating.
I've also started updating my calendar in Outlook instead of on the Blackberry because of the frustrating input. This is clearly a problem as I use my organizer to help schedule my music business. The 8703 could be used for updates. The Storm, with its frustrating input, has led me to do most input on Outlook on my desktop.
I tried the Freedom Slim (Bluetooth) keypad to help with input, but that was only a modest improvement. Plus, I couldn't use that and my wireless Bluetooth headset at the same time.
Lately, I have had trouble answering the phones and doing other functions. The unit apparently keeps a lot in cache and is easily overloaded. I often get the clock on the screen indicating too much activity for memory. Well, when the phone is vibrating and I cannot answer, that is a frustrating feeling. Verizon suggested that I take the battery out and reset the device more often. Well, if it's necessary, fine, but this is worse than with my 8703 and it indicates that the Storm isn't a sufficiently mature product. I've tried deleting some superfluous applications and that has not helped.
The 3.2 megapixel camera works well.
Battery life has generally been fairly solid but I do monitor the battery level and charge overnight and during the day as needed.
I got this for $199 and I could have gotten another free, but all Mrs. Saxguy needed was a straight phone.
So, while the browser is nice, the input and the overload problem isn't. I'll have to make do until my contract is up and I can upgrade.
2 stars.
Thanks for reading. God bless!
I have a new live CD release, with samples on my Epinions member page. Please check them out!
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I was looking for improved browsing and phone service in an organizer phone. Right now, I'd give the browsing a strong plus, and Verizon's service has been reliable, but the rest of the phone has been disappointing.
First, it was easy to set up the applications, and activate the phone. The instructions were clear. It was also very easy to synchronize this with my contact and calendar data in Microsoft Outlook. I effectively moved the data from the predecessor unit, a Blackberry 8703, by syncing that unit with Outlook and then syncing the new unit.
The browser is lovely. On the 3.25" color display, resolution is beautiful. On any particular web site, the unit can zoom through a click of the display. It was easy to configure my email accounts. Reading emails is a breeze. I accessorized with a screen protector to preserve the display.
Unfortunately that is not enough and the more I use this, the more I feel like it is a compromise.
I had migrated from the 8703 looking for better phone service and better input. I was having trouble dealing with the little buttons in the 8703.
Well, this input is considerably worse. It has a virtual keyboard which fits on the screen when input is necessary. It will work with the screen in portrait mode or in landscape mode, depending on how the device is held. I prefer landscape because the keys are larger. Supposedly input should be faster because the keyboard lights the letter about to be pressed when the finger is near. Well, that does not work well because it's easy for the finger to slip and hit the key next to the intended target. Worse, the numbers and the letters are not on the same keyboard screen. A key has to be pushed to access the number screen when inputting text and then it reverts to the letter screen. This makes inputting numbers into a web site or email extremely difficult. In fact, I generally do not respond to emails because the input is so frustrating.
I've also started updating my calendar in Outlook instead of on the Blackberry because of the frustrating input. This is clearly a problem as I use my organizer to help schedule my music business. The 8703 could be used for updates. The Storm, with its frustrating input, has led me to do most input on Outlook on my desktop.
I tried the Freedom Slim (Bluetooth) keypad to help with input, but that was only a modest improvement. Plus, I couldn't use that and my wireless Bluetooth headset at the same time.
Lately, I have had trouble answering the phones and doing other functions. The unit apparently keeps a lot in cache and is easily overloaded. I often get the clock on the screen indicating too much activity for memory. Well, when the phone is vibrating and I cannot answer, that is a frustrating feeling. Verizon suggested that I take the battery out and reset the device more often. Well, if it's necessary, fine, but this is worse than with my 8703 and it indicates that the Storm isn't a sufficiently mature product. I've tried deleting some superfluous applications and that has not helped.
The 3.2 megapixel camera works well.
Battery life has generally been fairly solid but I do monitor the battery level and charge overnight and during the day as needed.
I got this for $199 and I could have gotten another free, but all Mrs. Saxguy needed was a straight phone.
So, while the browser is nice, the input and the overload problem isn't. I'll have to make do until my contract is up and I can upgrade.
2 stars.
Thanks for reading. God bless!
I have a new live CD release, with samples on my Epinions member page. Please check them out!
Please check out these related reviews
SanDisk Sansa M240 1GB MP3 Player
Bose Triport Consumer Headphones
Sony CFD-G500 Boom Box
Yorkville Y-115 Speakers
Fender 1270P Powered Monitor Speaker
Shure SM-57 mike
AKG C1000s Twin Pack Microphones
Audix 0M3 mike
Audix D4 mike
AMT Roam 1 wireless mike
Audio Technica Pro-35x wireless mike
US Cellular Cell Phone Service
Sony Walkman Personal CD Player
Gator's 2W Case for 2 Wireless Mikes
