BlackBerry Phones

New software meets the old keyboard you loved.

BlackBerry 10 fixed most of the problems, but poor battery and a lack of apps still linger.

In another world, one where Google stuck to search and Apple kept its eye on the iPod, BlackBerry's Torch 9850 would be an amazing phone. But this isn't an alternative dimension, and the Torch is stuck in the middle of the road, even though if it's a radical departure for RIM.

The size is smaller and the screen is brighter, but wait for BlackBerry 10.

The BlackBerry Curve 9360 takes baby steps in the right direction, but it's severely outdated compared to the iPhone and Android, with a noticeable deficiency of apps.

It's not a bad phone, but it's more of the same in a slightly slimmer package.

What do you want out of a smartphone? Same thing you had in the past, wrapped up in a new box? Or do you demand innovation, new features -- phones that give you something you've never had -- that you never even knew you wanted?

It's fast, and the best BlackBerry yet, but alas -- avoid it unless you need a phone now.

BlackBerry. The very name inspires intense emotion for almost everyone who owns a smartphone. For its fans, "BlackBerry" brings to mind words like functional, dependable, workhorse, indispensable. For its detractors, the words are more like ugly, old, out-of-date and passe.

The BlackBerry Storm 2 is the same size and has a design similar to its predecessor, the Storm. But as with most things, the difference is on the inside. The Storm 2 has more storage space, quicker response to touching the screen, and technology that helps make typing and selecting accurate. It also has high-speed Internet via Verizon's 3G service and Wi-Fi, handles up to 10 email accounts and has Microsoft Office editing, creation and viewing capability.

A phone with fast Internet and email, message and entertainment features is good -- a phone that can use them simultaneously is better. Marketed as a "global phone," the BlackBerry Tour can access high-speed 3G service worldwide. You can check messages from up to 10 email addresses without opening a Web browser and view and edit Microsoft Office documents on the handset.

Amid anticipation for BlackBerry Storm, there was speculation about whether the first BlackBerry touch screen phone would be a strong rival to the Apple iPhone. While RIM built innovative technologies in the Storm, currently offered by Verizon, this phone has its quirks -- some cutting edge functions don't come together as seamlessly as they should.

Outstanding messaging, paired with multimedia features, make it the best BlackBerry yet.

It didn't take long for T-Mobile and Research in Motion (RIM) to release a new BlackBerry. In fact about six months to be exact. After consumers complained about the easily scratched screen and poor outdoor conditions, RIM and T-Mobile added a few upgrades and improvements and introduced the new and improved BlackBerry 7105t.

Releasing the BlackBerry 7100i, RIM adds the new device from its popular 7100-series on Sprint Nextel's nationwide iDEN network. Virtually similar to the 7100t from T-Mobile and 7100g from Cingular, the 7100i combines good looks with popular BlackBerry functionality.

Just the mention of "BlackBerry," and people either swear by it, or cringe at the thought of it. Such polarizing opinions are partly due to RIM placing importance on function rather than form; with powerful email functionality and business productivity tools aimed at business users horribly packaged in an aesthetically unappealing design.

Released for T-Mobile, the RIM BlackBerry 7100t is the latest in the new 7100-line of devices; offering complete BlackBerry functionality so consumers can wirelessly connect with important communications and information.