RIM BlackBerry 8703e Smartphone

Just recently my company bought me a Blackberry. In fact, a new company policy requires that people at my level have a Blackberry or other handheld device for work use. My Blackberry utilizes Verizon Wireless phone service - which is the same service that I now use for my personal cell phone. While my company got a discount on these "smartphones" because they were ordered in bulk, base prices can be anywhere from $200-$400 depending on if you're a new user, what your contract looks like, etc.

The Blackberry 8703e is a black phone that takes the shape of a curvy rectangle. The size is slightly larger than something that could comfortably conform to the grip of my hand, so when using it I usually find myself making sure that I don't drop it - which is something that could easily happen because of the odd shape and size.

While the machine seems durable - the plastic is hard and it is well-built - the "carrying case" (and I use that term loosely) is inconvenient; it naturally covers some of the buttons on the key pad, and it doesn't do much to protect the Blackberry other than offer just another covering for the backside of it. There is a clip on the back which can easily attach to a bag or a pant pocket, which is a good feature to have. However, no buttons can be used while the Blackberry is in the case except to answer an incoming call; in other words, the carrying case acts like a "hold" button. I guess I have yet to get used to this feature, though I think it is a little bit flawed.

Here are some specifications and other mechanical properties concerning the Blackberry 8703e:

Weight: approximately 4.7oz. (135 g) including lithium-ion battery
Size: 4.3 (L) x 2.7 (W) x 0.77 (H) in. (110 x 69.5 x 19.5 mm)
Memory: 64-MB flash memory, 16-MB SRAM
Battery: Removable, rechargeable lithium-ion cell
Port: USB-compatible port for data synchronization and charging

Possibly the most important part of the Blackberry is the call quality. I mostly use the Blackberry in Downtown Manhattan - I'm not supposed to use it for personal calls - so I can only comment on the quality that I get in the city. Call quality while on city streets, inside office buildings and restaurants, as well as in cabs and Penn Station all seems to be very clear. In fact, I find the call quality to be of a higher degree than that of my normal cell phone. In addition, unlike most cell phones, the Blackberry gets reception on the higher levels of my office building. While the connection is not as precise as it is on the ground, it still is adequate for business use. I would assume that the 8703e's advanced calling quality is probably one of the better selling points.

The Blackberry is different from other palm devices in that it does not have a handheld pointer to control the different functions on the menu. Instead, it has a trackwheel on the right side that lets you move around to the different features. In order to select a feature, all you have to do is push the trackwheel in, which is more convenient than pressing an "enter" button on the keypad or something like that.

The 8703e comes with a good amount of accessories, unlike most cell phones out there. I guess you get what you pay for:

Synching/Charging USB Cable
Holster
Documentation Kit (Desktop Software CD Rom)
VZAccess Manager CD
Removable Battery
Quick Reference Guide
Travel Charger

The bright high-resolution LCD screen (320 x 240 pixels) is impressive. Unlike the older Blackberry models, its color and brightness allows for easier reading and managing of the features. All images are impeccably clear and I have yet to see the screen "freeze" in the middle of a function, etc. The brightness and clarity of the screen's images do not change once a non-menu page pops up; the quality is kept throughout all features.

There are some amazingly convenient features that the Blackberry offers for businesspeople of small businesses and even big corporations. You see, the Blackberry allows for multi-person conference calls, which is made even more convenient using the speakerphone function. While I don't necessarily recommend conference calls while walking down Fulton St., if in a quiet atmosphere it works just fine.

In addition, the Blackberry can receive applications and PDF documents using its 64MB of flash memory and Blue Tooth technology, which is impressive for such a small device. You must have BroadbandAccess Connect, which is supplied through Verizon, in order to access the Internet and e-mail features. I certainly recommend that most companies offer this because it helps maximize Blackberry efficiency and convenience. I have found that the BroadbandAccess is incredibly quick - much faster than the Trio that Cingular offers. It also catches connections in most above-ground facilities, and I haven't seen any effect on its speed because of differences in location.

The cool thing about the text messages - which can function like conventional ones - is that you can also attach and send or receive multiple files. Messages are separated by date, and the time and subject are both displayed. The actual message page has a large enough font and is not at all complicated - unlike normal cell phones. All messages can be forwarded, deleted, or used as a reference to call the sender. There are certainly more features than the typical cell phone, that's for sure.

Besides messages, there is also an e-mail function which allows you to log into your specific vzw.blackberry.net account. It works like a traditional e-mail system, though I don't find much use for it because messages (SIM) seem to be the most preferred method for quick communication. Nevertheless, you can easily create an e-mail address and password if you so desire.

Besides messaging and e-mailing, you can also access your call log, address book, calendar, tasks, memo pad, alarm settings, calculator, password keeper (to change passwords), pictures, and search bar. As mentioned earlier, you can put the Blackberry on lock by slipping on the case or by choosing the feature on the menu; a simple click on the trackwheel turns the lock feature off.

The Internet is very quick for a handheld device and the incredibly clear LCD makes it even more convenient to use. The keypad takes a little getting used to since all numbers, letters and symbols found on a traditional keyboard are located on a 1.5"x2.5" platform; in other words, the buttons are so small that you may hit some by accident. However, practice makes perfect. Typing in numbers requires pushing a shift button since the numbers double up with some letters, though this isn't terribly inconvenient - especially if the person you're calling is in your address book.

As far as the battery life goes, it's obvious that the Blackberry 8703e is not going to be as efficient as most cell phones, though it seems to be much better than the Trio that I used to have. A full charge will give you a good two or three hours of use and call time, though putting the device in the lock function while not using it will certainly yield rewards for the battery life. I certainly recommend bringing the charger to the office as well as to your home - especially if you plan on using it a lot; a device with so many features will naturally be inclined to use up a lot of battery power.

Overall, I really do like my Blackberry 8703e. The call quality is truly impeccable; I don't think it could have been made any better. The machine is durable and will certainly last you a good couple of years. The Internet, messaging and e-mail features are all convenient and easy to use; the bright and precise LCD screen makes such features even better. While it may take some time to get used to the small keypad or the wheeltrack, I do find them to be adequate for accessing different features of the machine. I would certainly recommend the Blackberry 8703e to anyone who is looking for a phone with many capabilities.