Audio
Handsfree functionality can be accessed through headphones connected
to the 2.5 mm audio jack, a Bluetooth wireless headset, or speakerphone
grill situated on the back.
However, the BlackBerry 7100t lacks fun audio features becoming more
popular among phones on the market today, Features such as an MP3 player
or FM radio, found on some high-end phones are missing. To be expected,
the 7100t is targeted more towards business consumers. But through the 32
chords synthesizer, the 7100t is still capable of reproducing harmonious
ringtones.
Messaging
With the reduced 20-key QWERTY keypad, many keys contain two letters
and a number; such as the '1' key used for letters 'E' and 'R.' Distinguishing
between what is meant to be typed depends on the sequence of key presses;
matching the combinations to a 35,000 word dictionary. Even though each
key represents multiple entry possibilities, the English language has a
finite number of acceptable arrangements.
 With
SureType predictive text technology, 7100t users are able to type as if
it were a full QWERTY keyboard; pressing each key only once per letter.
Aside for typing, shortcuts even allows users to perform common tasks
such as opening websites and applications. For instance, typing the letters
"word\" anywhere can launch Microsoft Word. Similarly, typing "address\"
will have the full address entered on-screen. To avoid mistakenly opening
shortcuts, only when the special expansion key is typed after a word (by
default, backslash) will SureType take effect.
Additionally, with mobile versions of AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger,
and ICQ included on the BlackBerry 7100t, users are never far away from
their buddy list; keeping in touch with family and friends no matter where
they are on the road.
Entertainment
Many common preinstalled PIM (Personal Information Management) tools
come bundled on the BlackBerry OS. Through Address Book, users can call,
email, SMS, or schedule meetings from one centralized location. Up to eight
phone numbers, an email address, and two postal addresses, can be attached
to a contact.
Through the Calendar, Day, Week, and Month views show all appointments
in one convenient view, while Agenda view shows the schedule in a list.
Alarm Clock and Calculator, and Memo Pad and Tasks are other miscellaneous
programs to assist users in organizing their busy lives.
Extra software can be added as well. Through J2ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro
Edition), consumers can download and install Java games and applications
on the 7100t. Being the most popular platform for Java applications, there
are an abundance of applications and games already out on the market.
Supporting a broad range of file types, the 7100t can open and view email
attachments from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Corel WordPerfect, Adobe
PDF, Zip Archives, HTML, and ASCII documents.
But the 7100t's most attractive feature is its ability to connect with
Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes servers through Enterprise Server. Managing
email accounts from a single location, the 7100t supports email delivery
in real time using "push" technology. From the user's desktop, email can
be automatically "pushed" to the BlackBerry 7100t without needing to be
prompted.
But if users don't work for a company with Enterprise Server installed,
they can still check email through the BlackBerry Web Client. Using the
web client, email messages can be wirelessly forwarded and retrieved every
3 to 15 minutes from up to 10 POP3 or IMAP4 accounts.
< Prev Next
>
This article is Copyright 2002-2008 Mobiledia Corp. and the review in
part or in whole may NOT be reproduced in any electronic or printed
medium without prior permission from Mobiledia. For information on
reproducing any part of this review (or any images) please
contact us. |
