BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Verizon)

RIM may have scored a bull’s-eye with the Pearl. But it was the Curve that brought multimedia enhancements to corporate and power users who needed a full QWERTY keyboard. Alas, Verizon and Sprint subscribers were left out of the action—until now. Curve fans finally have CDMA versions available on both carriers. (Also check out our full review of the Sprint 8330.) Last year’s BlackBerry 8830 is a powerful handset but lacks a camera and a standard headphone jack, among other things. By comparison, the new Curve 8330 piles on the features, including a 2-megapixel camera with an enhanced LED flash, stereo Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headphone jack, video recording, and a microSDHC-compatible memory card slot.

The Curve 8330 gives BlackBerry buyers on Verizon an ideal balance of messaging, voice quality, and top-notch design.

The Good- Near-perfect design, including an exceptional keyboard. Stellar voice quality. Well-balanced feature set, including integrated GPS.

The Bad- Still no document editing. IM client is weak. No Wi-Fi or mobile TV. Poorly placed microSDHC card slot.

Specs:

  • Price: $169.99 - $419.99
  • Service Provider: Verizon Wireless
  • Operating System: BlackBerry OS
  • Screen Size: 2.5 inches
  • Screen Details: 320×240 TFT LCD display, 65K colors
  • Camera: Yes
  • Megapixels: 2 MP
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Web Browser: Yes
  • Network: CDMA
  • Bands: 800, 1900
  • High-Speed Data: 1xRTT, EVDO
  • Processor Speed: 312 MHz
  • Special Features: Music
Front Back with Case Earphones

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