Connectivity

The Torch can connect to your local wireless network via Wi-Fi b, g, and even the newer, faster "n" specification. You can also use various hands-free devices over Bluetooth 2.1.

The Torch can also run on AT&T's 3G wireless data network. It has a pretty wide range of wireless network connection possibilities.

As mentioned earlier, the Torch can connect to your computer via the included micro-USB cable. This charges the phone as well as allows you to use the wonderful BlackBerry Desktop software. You can move pictures, videos, and music to and from the phone this way.

Conclusion

The Torch presents a true dilemma. It is a beautiful phone, easy to handle, easy on the eyes; it has thoughtful hardware, an interesting form factor, and best-in-class button layout. The keyboard is also best-in-class; no keyboard on any other phone even comes close; on-screen keyboards aren't even in the same league.

If this review ended at hardware, the Torch would earn a perfect ten. Unfortunately for RIM, however, software matters. While the Torch performs admirably with simple tasks like email, SMS, and MMS, the rest of the package just doesn't cut it. The app situation is atrocious; the interface can be clunky; the Web browser is barely useable.

In addition, the phone's software feels unfinished -- there is no consistency to the user experience. Some apps feel like they were written in 2006, some in 2009. None feel ultra-modern.

The best parts of the phone are the ones RIM has had a full decade to perfect -- the keyboard and the Messages app. These items are nearly perfect. Everything else, however, is sub-par.

Should you buy the Torch? If you are an email or SMS addict, and you don't use your phone for Web browsing, then absolutely. I recommend the Torch whole-heartedly. You can even use the Torch if you do some light Twitter or Facebook use on the side -- nothing heavy, just updating your status every now and then. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then the Torch is probably the best phone for you.

But if you need your app fix, or you use your smartphone to do complex Web browsing, or you have some advanced social networking needs, then you should look elsewhere -- like the Samsung Captivate or iPhone 4.

< Prev Next >

This article is Copyright 2002-2012 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.