The Blackberry 9700 Bold Unlocked Quad-Band Smartphone is part of Research in Motion (RIM) long list of offerings that are capable of operating on the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands as GSM devices that support AT&T and T-Mobile networking.
The Blackberry 9700 Bold Smartphone, offered by RIM, is a pioneering smartphone as it was introduced about two years ago. Operating on the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands in GSM/EDGE mode and now offering access to 3G/HSPDA/UMTS capability on the 850, 900, 1700, 1900 and 2100 MHz segments, RIM has broadened the ability of one to the ISP of one's choice. As long as the ISP's network supports these operating modes, one can use the Bold and its long-list of features.
Network-capable, the Bold is compatible with the 802.11 b/g WiFi modes. These modes will allow the Bold to interface with many public hotspots that offer 802.11 g capability, while the older b mode will allow one to use the Bold with an older home router that may support the b/g standard. This gives one the opportunity to use the Bold directly with one's home network. Or, if one has a Bluetooth-capable desktop, one can sync the Bold to the desktop and use this capability to update files, video or music.
Contrary to the smartphone market which seems to be rushing headlong into the open-architecture of the Android operating system, RIM still maintains tight control over the Bold by using a proprietary 528 MHz ARM processor and RIM's Blackberry 5.0 operating system. To its credit, RIM does make API (programmable interface) ability available to users who can then write their own apps to run under the Blackberry operating system and there is even a RIM-sponsored app that allows users to connect to Android devices, so one is not totally locked into RIM's proprietary architecture. However, this is an issue that one must know before exploring the highly capable Bold.
The Bold supports only 256 MB of onboard flash memory, however, a microSD card interface allows one to expand the amount of memory available to 32 GB. One will find that this is the type of memory needed if one is going to use the video imaging capability of the 3.2 MP autofocus camera with which the Bold is equipped. With this amount of memory onboard, one can also write or edit documents from the built-in QWERTY-style keyboard that sits below the 2.44-inch high-resolution screen. The TFT screen supports up to 65,000 colors. The Bold's video modes include DivX/WMV/XviD/3gp, while its audio mode supports MP3/WMA/AAC+, all major sound modes. One will find it plays up to 35 hours of audio.
The central feature of the Bold is its laptop-derived touchpad. One will find that if one uses a laptop and its touchpad than navigating the Bold's variety of preinstalled applications and menus is done with just a slid of the index finger and a tap. It is quite easy and intuitive to use. In addition, the keyboard allows easy access to email and texting because the keys, while not large enough for touch-typing, are big enough to allow one to use fairly speedy two or three-finger keying. The key action is quite positive.
The Bold is preloaded with a Word, Excel, PowerPoint, a PDF file viewer and offers excellent email access to one's home or corporate network device. RIM does maintain its own server center for the Blackberry network which now boasts up to 70 million users worldwide, as well as access to many apps that work with the Blackberry. The Blackberry Bold, which was once the top of RIM's line, but which has been joined by other compatible Blackberry devices offers up to 480 hours of standby time.
Altogether, one will find it easy to edit files, upload them and share them with others, as well as take either single images and look at them for instant review on the 480 by 360 screen. The screen offers rich color saturation and excellent contrast.
The Bold is not a heavyweight device, although it's images make it look like it is. It is 4.3 inches deep by 2.41 inches wide and.6 inches thick and weighs about 4.8 ounces. If one is looking for a quality and reasonably priced smartphone then the Bold is well worth a look.
Klipsch Quintet 5.0 Speaker System
Continuing a tradition of providing fine sound that began more than 60 years ago, the latest generation Klipsch surround sound is available with some very impressive statistics that will keep even the pickiest HDTV user happy.
Nikon Waterproof Digital Camera
Believe it or not, there are times when you want to operate when the weather is cold and wet or warm and wet, and you need a camera that can operate on either extreme, that is easy to operate and simple to maintain.
2012 Honda Civic
The last time Honda decided to make a "really big change" with its highly popular Civic line was in 2006. Indeed, the look caught so many people by surprise that the automaker is taking a "go-slow" approach with any changes they are making now.
