BlackBerry 8800 Review - Tour & Design
Front Closed
From the top of the front side, we have the speaker grille, the 2.4-inch screen (which has a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels), and the keyboard. Above the keyboard are the control keys, which are from left to right: send, menu, the trackball, escape (to move back a screen or close a menu), and the end key. Previous BlackBerry models (such as the 8700 we reviewed
here) had only three keys above the keyboard, but the 8800 has four keys and the trackball. The trackball is illuminated when you press it inward.
Left
On the left of the 8800, from left to right are: the headset socket (a 2.5-mm socket), the mini USB port, the PTT (Push-to-talk) key, and the two contacts which connect to the hands-free car kit.
Top
Two controls are present on the top of the 8800. The power switch is on the left of the shiny metal bar, while the mute button is on the right. This mutes the microphone if you press it during a call; otherwise, it switches the phone to standby mode if you press and hold it down.
Bottom
The bottom of the 8800 has no major features.
Right
There is only one control on the right side of the 8800, and that is the volume control. Other blackberries have a scroll wheel here, but this is replaced by the trackball on the 8800.
Back
The back of the 8800 seems to be a featureless place, but there are a few features hidden underneath the battery cover on the bottom of the device, which is removed by pressing the metal plate in the middle and sliding the cover down.
Battery Out
The battery cover slides off to reveal three main features: the battery (a 1400mAh Lithium Ion model), the SIM card slot, and the MicroSD card slot. The latter of these is a little awkward to access since you have to slide the metal clip down and lift it to remove the card. You can, however, remove the card without having to remove the battery, so you can swap out the memory cards in the middle of a call if you need to.
In the Box (5.5)
A good selection of accessories are supplied with the 8800. You get a stereo headset with the microphone built into the cable, a travel charger that includes US, European, and Asian-style power plugs, a USB cable, and a holster that can clip onto the belt. A CD-ROM with the BlackBerry desktop software and a basic getting started guide are also included.
Handling (5.0)
On one hand, the 8800 is on the large side of things, but it is still small and thin enough to be comfortably held against the ear. The index finger can easily reach the volume controls, so you can adjust the call volume without taking the phone away from your ear. But, you need the other hand to use the other controls since you can't reach the call or hangup keys with just one hand. But, that's the way that BlackBerries are designed to be used with both thumbs falling naturally onto the keyboard when you hold it in both hands. And, like all BlackBerries, the keyboard is excellent. It is small, the keys are well-spaced and are easy to find by touch.
Portability (8.0)
At around 4.8 ounces, the BlackBerry 8800 is light enough to fit into a pocket without dragging you down. At .55 inches thick, it should fit into most pockets without causing too much of an unsightly bulge. A plastic belt holster is also included as standard, and there are no shortage of covers and cases for BlackBerries.
Aesthetics (6.0)
BlackBerries don't tend to be stylish devices. If you choose a phone on looks rather than features, you'll want to consider a more design-focused phone such as the Motorola Krzr. RIM has obviously been putting in some effort into aesthetics since the edges are curved, and it has less of the brick-like design of previous BlackBerries.
Durability (9.0)
The BlackBerry 8800 feels like it should stand up against daily use. There are few moving parts, and there are no bits that are likely to be torn off or otherwise broken. The battery cover fits on tightly, and it should keep dust and moisture away from the battery and memory card. Our only major concerns are the durability of the trackball, which might get gummed up with dirt and dust.
|
Previous Next
|
| Shop
|
 |
Family |
550 |
0.1091 |
59.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
700 |
0.1000 |
69.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
1400 |
0.0643 |
89.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
2100 |
0.0524 |
109.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
3000 |
0.0500 |
149.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
4000 |
0.0500 |
199.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
6000 |
0.0500 |
299.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Data |
0 |
0.0000 |
59.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Data |
0 |
0.0000 |
44.99 |
| Shop
|
 |
Individual |
300 |
0.1333 |
39.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Individual |
600 |
0.0833 |
49.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Individual |
1000 |
0.0600 |
59.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Individual |
1500 |
0.0467 |
69.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Individual |
2500 |
0.0440 |
109.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
700 |
0.1000 |
69.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
1000 |
0.0800 |
79.99 |
| Shop
|
|
Family |
2000 |
0.0550 |
109.99 |
|
|
|
|
