Basic Features

Released for T-Mobile, the BlackBerry 7100t is quad-band GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz) making it compatible with most GSM networks in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific; provided the device is network unlocked.

Running the BlackBerry OS, advanced security features enable business users to safeguard sensitive corporate data. Featuring password protection and keyboard lock, information located locally, such as messages, address book entries, calendar entries, memos and tasks, can also be encrypted.

Additionally, when paired with BlackBerry's Enterprise Server software, installed on existing corporate servers, the 7100t can be centrally managed and administered by IT departments. And when installed behind firewalls, BlackBerry users can securely access Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Domino ISP email accounts, remote address book look-up, single mailbox integration, attachment viewing, and more.

An additional layer of protection can also be added to emails through using S/MIME (Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) technology through Enterprise, using public-key cryptography, digital signatures, and writer-to-reader authentication. Furthermore, end-to-end Triple DES and AES encryption guarantees private information stays secure at all points between the server and the 7100t.

Rating the 7100t's 960 Li-Ion battery at 4 hours of talk time, and 8 days (192 hours) of standby, actual times will be slightly less. When handset manufacturers and cell phone carriers list talk time and standby time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times.

Screen

Including a large 240 x 260 px screen, the BlackBerry 7100t allows users to comfortably read and write emails, surf the web, and text message. Capable of displaying 65K-color, the STN (Super Twisted Nematic) screen, although inferior in technology, consumes less power to prolong battery life.

And since the 7100t is primarily used for business applications rather than programs requiring fast refresh rates, STN is actually more beneficial than the more energy-consuming TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology.

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