BlackBerry 8800 Review - Software
|
Alfredo Padilla Published on May 22, 2007 Comment on this |
|
|
|
|
OS (8.0)
The BlackBerry 8800 runs RIM's BlackBerry OS. This is an extensible Java based operating system that provides very good performance and multitasking capabilities. Compared to previous Blackberries that use only a scroll wheel and back button, we found that the interface was easier to navigate using the trackball, menu, and back buttons. We like the fact that multitasking is more transparent with the "switch application" option available whenever you hit the menu button, allowing you to view and switch between running applications. The interface is quick and easy-to-use which is standard for BlackBerry devices. Our score for phones running BlackBerry OS is standardized.
Home Screen Score (5.5)
The home screen on the BlackBerry 8800 is the same as that found on other BlackBerry devices. The top third of the screen is used for indicators such as battery, signal strength, time, and date. The bottom two thirds of the screen is where you will find the scrollable list of icons for programs and folders. We were pleased to see that you can use the menu key on the home screen to move icons around. You can also change the background picture on the home screen by selecting the appropriate option from the menu when viewing a picture in the album software. Overall, we found the home screen on the 8800 to be very usable; however, we prefer the active home screens found on Windows Mobile and Series 60 devices. Extensibility (7.0)
As a smart phone operating system, BlackBerry OS has a wide array of native third party applications available that add functionality to the device. You can also install Java programs like Opera Mini. Although the selection of native applications for BlackBerry OS is not as large as Windows Mobile or Palm, you still have quite a few to choose from.
Customizibility (6.0)
BlackBerry OS provides you with a good selection of options to customize the look and feel of the phone. You can change the default font and font size in the settings. As we mentioned above, you can change the home screen background picture and rearrange the icons. You can also change the theme, which changes both the icon layout and background picture on the home screen. We found the customization options on the 8800 to be very good, with the ability to change display text especially useful.
OS Responsiveness (10.0)
As with previous BlackBerries, the 8800's operating system is extremely responsive. In a sharp contrast to Windows Mobile and Series 60 smart phones, we rarely experienced lag when launching an application. We appreciate the responsiveness of Blackberries, and we're sure that it's one of the things that keeps users so loyal.
Gaming (5.0)
Browser Features (7.0)
Browsing Interface (7.0)
Browser Access (5.0)
To test how easy it is to access the web browser on a device, we count the number of steps it takes to go from the home screen (unlocked) until we have browsed to our website. We use steps rather than a timed test to take the network out of the calculation. Entering the web address is counted as a single step. The BlackBerry 8800 took eight steps to reach our web page. This is one step more than the 8700 and is slightly slower than the T-Mobile Dash's 6 steps and Treo 750's 5 steps. We found the process quick and easy. Despite the fact that we counted four steps to launch the browser, this took only a short amount of time.
Calculator (9.0)
Alarm (2.0)
The alarm on the 8800 is the same as that found on the 8700. You can only set a single alarm that goes off either every day or on weekdays only. There are none of the advanced features for having the alarm go off on only certain days as found on the Treo 750. You can choose the alert that goes off with the alarm, which is a nice feature. But, we were disappointed that you can only set a single alarm.
Document Software (3.0)
As with the BlackBerry 8700, we were able to view Excel, Powerpoint, and PDF files but curiously not Word documents. The viewers are integrated into the messaging software, so you cannot simply load a PDF onto the phone's memory and then access it. Rather, you have to email it to yourself. The 8800 does not include any software to edit office documents; however, you can purchase third party software such as eOffice. As a business oriented device, we were rather disappointed by the dearth of support for Office documents. Windows Mobile devices, of course, have an office suite, and most Series 60 devices come bundled with a version of Quick Office. Still, we suppose some viewers are better than nothing.
Other Software (2.0)
In addition to the software we discussed above, the 8800 includes the same excellent search application that we found on the 8700. This allows you to search your messages, calendar, contacts, notes, and tasks. The 8800 also includes a password management applications that allows you to securely store passwords. | Previous Next | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
