Project PDA

Travelling a long way from the basic attributes that were offered by the wireless handheld device introduced by the Canadian company 'Research In Motion (RIM) in 1999, brand BlackBerry has transformed itself into a supreme and high-end gadget that can easily rub shoulders with the contemporary techno-generation. With the launch of its new BlackBerry 8800 version sporting stunning looks and wooing features, on April 11, 2007 RIM has attained a whopping figure of 8 million subscribers.

BlackBerry since its inception has always been an awesome combination of mobile telephone, e-mail service, text messaging, internet faxing, web browsing and other wireless information services teaming up with PDA applications. But moving much ahead, 8800 has not only revolutionized the concept of mobility but has also craved a style-statement for its proud owners. This new power-packed palm-gear is incredibly precise, elegant yet performance-driven to go with a look that is chiseled to perfection. This version is the slimmest on the ramp measuring a wee 0.55 inch from front to back. At 4.4x2.6x0.5 inches and 4.7 ounces, it's slightly taller than the 8700c ( 4.3x2.7x0.7 inches; 4.7 ounces).

It's a simple phone for intricate purposes working on Quad band network, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900. The package is composed of the handset, a mono headset, a mini USB cable, a pouch, a charger with universal connecters, CD and well-explained user's manual. The phone flaunts a mind-boggling list of additional features that include GPS, BlackBerry Maps, a multi-media player, expandable memory, Voice Activated Dialing and the trackball navigation, not compromising on the core functionalities however. The techno-trousseau isn't also devoid of the goodies like email and text messaging (SMS and MMS), instant messaging, organizer, web browser and several other advanced phone features that complies to the BlackBerry tradition.

Considering the fast-increasing demand for smart bizphones that would dissolve all boundaries and dismiss limitations, BlackBerry has been created for efficient message management. It features instant notification on receipt of new mails and smooth unfolding of attachments even while you are on move. Peace of mind as incentive as the user is able to manage up to 10 email accounts (supported) , replying and composing as per choice and also stay connected globally through the SMS and MMS services. The instant messaging facility on 8800 gives you the unlimited freedom to connect. Sign on to your communities on Yahoo Messenger or Google Talk for instance, whenever you are craving for a round of chat or need to make an urgent business conference away from your desk.

Empowered by the EDGE connectivity BlackBerry 8800 is optimized for high-speed networking. Its efficient browser offers bookmark setting for a single-click access to your chosen sites opening up for you the virtual world of knowledge. Surfing is now far smoother with the trackball navigation system that 8800 boasts of and is a replacement of the previous signature side navigation wheel. The high-speed wireless modem that the smartphone carries facilitates in uploading and downloading of oversized files when connected to the laptop while you are traveling.

The organizing capability of BlackBerry is also at its pinnacle with the integrated address book, the expedient calendar, the seamless Memo Pad and the amazing Task controller. These elements as a team synchronize with your desktop computer for groundbreaking performance.

The new BlackBerry 8800 has lined up a sparkling list of advanced phone features. Its sound technology is programmed to correct background noise and echo as it couples with dedicated volume and mute key to ensure premium sound receipt and delivery. The Voice activated Dialing (VAD) not only put your fingers to rest but also enable you to stay seamlessly integrated to a built-in speakerphone or a Bluetooth headset.

Enhancing acceptability across the subscriber base some BlackBerry 8800 phones come with inbuilt GPS (Global Positioning System) used in combination with the BlackBerry mapping application. It has the ability to pick up signals from GPS satellites. The facility makes you confident as you are allowed viewing of your current location with better accuracy and steer your way towards the target destination, are provided driving directions, and can also send a map via e-mail, besides catering you with a whole platter of Location Based Services (LBS) like employees and resource tracking, social networking and more.

For ultimate comfort in commanding and agility in typing, the BlackBerry 8800 is equipped with a full, highly tactile QWERTY keyboard where the "Alt" key is used to enter numbers and special characters. A self-configurable "AutoText" feature can be used for frequent words or easier input of special characters like umlauts. It is worth mentioning here that the built-in keyboard of a BlackBerry is optimized for 'Thumbing' which is the use of only the thumbs to type.

The ultra-thin battery with high inbuilt capacity belongs to the same uncompromising lot that has always boosted the BlackBerry phones. It is made especially for the robust performance that BlackBerry has unflinchingly delivered down the years. The gadget is priced at $300 and comes attached with a two-year contract commitment.

Despite a seemingly unending list of flashing positives, the smartphone has not been able to do away with its flipside. It is incompatible on Cingular's 3G network and is also devoid of integrated Wi-Fi. The call quality has also been identified as slight muffled.

Dampening its specially crafted designer image the phone is a little on the wider side and thus faintly awkward to hold. The media player still has room for some refinements. It is also an unfortunate revelation that the instant messaging service of 8800 is limited to the BlackBerry messenger client.

BlackBerry 8800 features a vibrant 2.5 inch, 65,000-color display with a 320x240 resolution. However, the screen and the casing tend to hold a lot of smudges and fingerprints.

For those connoisseurs, it is now even easier to access music and videos through a dynamic media player. Music and videos can also be played back in all popular formats, making further provisions to save the selected lot on a microSD card by the virtue of an expanded memory. This extended memory besides making room for more also enhances the speed of file transfer between your phone and desktop computer.

Therefore, the music file, news bytes, sports clips are all transferable via USB cable, smartphone browser or Bluetooth. However, the clarity of the video performance is at time disturbed by pixilation especially during action sequences.

To sum it up, this new introduction is capable of delivering responsive and vigorous performance. Ignoring some minor issues, 8800 is a well-rounded smartphone catering convenience and satisfaction to mobile professionals.