I have an emotional response whenever I write an overview of a new BlackBerry. Part of the reason is because I have been a loyal BlackBerry user for several years, and partly because I have watched as RIM has gone from "Trailblazing" status to playing catch-up to a new market with new benchmarks.
The BlackBerry Torch illustrates my point about playing catch-up because the Torch offers some fantastic features which, unlike the trailblazing days of "Push Email", are more akin to just getting even with what Apple and Android have been offering for some time.
There are four key features offered on the Torch that are excellent, and none of them are new to the market... just to BlackBerry. Here's a brief breakdown of those features:
1. Two-finger Tap: Allows you to select multiple things simultaneously, similar to holding down the "command" key on your home PC.
2. Comprehensive Universal Search: The Torch is able to expand searches to include contacts, apps, bookmarks, emails, etc, based on whatever search string you type.
3. Wireless Sync: This feature allows you to browse your home computer's music on your phone and download it, as long as you are on your home wireless network.
4. Photo Folders: Using geolocation, the Torch is able to sort your photos based on where you took them.
In keeping with the theme of "keeping up", the Torch now offers cover flow, which Apple has had for some time. The Torch has auto-wrapping (which reformats text to fit whatever level you zoom to), which Android already offers, and they offer fully integrated social media, which Microsoft has already done.
Add to all of this RIM's third attempt at a touch screen, this time on a vertical slider which you will either love or hate, and you end up with a fine effort from RIM to, well, bring to market a device that is decidedly "caught up".
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Top Ten Reviews Team, Top Ten ReviewsWe wish the battery life were stronger on this multimedia cell phone, but with the features provided, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 turns business into entertainment. Even though this device doesn’t feature the strongest multimedia features, this is a good effort to turn a business-oriented device into...
- What Mobile, What MobileWith a brand new touchscreen operating system, formidable features and a full slide-out keyboard, the BlackBerry Torch is a pocket powerhouse.
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopThe BlackBerry 9800 Torch with BlackBerry OS 6 and the new WebKit browser on board together make for the best BlackBerry yet. BlackBerry OS 6, in particular, pushes the Blackberry platform back into the fray with Apple and Google. But I'm not sure BlackBerry OS 6 has much of a fighting chance....
- Todd Haselton, MobileBurnThe BlackBerry Torch 9800 offers a few firsts for RIM and AT&T. The Torch is RIM's first attempt at a BlackBerry that sports both a full QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen. It's also the first commercially available BlackBerry that runs the new Blackberry 6 operating system, which offers a ho...
- PhoneArena Team, PhoneArenaFirst things first, traditional BlackBerry users will find the Torch 9800 as a worthy device to continue RIM's legacy as it easily maintains all the aspects about BlackBerry with a dash of some new features. RIM's attempt in attracting new users might prove difficult despite boasting a prized fo...
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Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 user manual here.
BlackBerry backs up the Torch 9800 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Torch 9800 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact BlackBerry support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find BlackBerry's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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