BlackBerry Curve Review

The good:
The RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 offers integrated GPS, Bluetooth 2.0, and EV-DO. The compact smartphone continues to offer solid messaging capabilities and includes support for a number of features that the Verizon model does not.

The bad:
The BlackBerry Curve 8330 lacks Wi-Fi, and call quality wasn't the greatest.

The bottom line:
Despite some spotty call quality, the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 for Sprint is a great messaging device with the bonus of EV-DO and integrated GPS. Plus, it offers more services than the Verizon BlackBerry Curve.

Price range: $99.99 - $749.99

Telecom:
* Email protocols supported POP3 , IMAP4
* Data services MMS , SMS , WWW , E-Mail
* Modem Integrated Wireless cellular modem
* Cellular enhancement protocol CDMA 2000 1X EV-DO

General:
* Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.2 in
* Weight 4 oz
* Built-in devices Camera
* Color Black
* Packaged contents Stereo headset

Operating System / Software:
* OS provided BlackBerry Handheld Software
* Software included Microsoft Windows Media Player , Microsoft Office

Input Device:
* Input device type Keyboard, Trackball

Cellular:
* Band / mode CDMA 800/1900

Display:
* Display type TFT active matrix
* Color support 16-bit (64K colors)
* Max resolution 320 x 240

Power:
* Battery installed ( max ) 1 Lithium ion
* Max supported batteries 1
* Talk time Up to 260 min
* Standby time Up to 264 h
* Power supply device Power adapter

Expansion / Connectivity:
* Wireless connectivity Bluetooth 2.0
* Port / Connector Type:Interface 1Headset , 1USB
* Expansion slot(s) total (free) 1 MicroSD
* Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable

Call quality on the Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330 was about the same as on the Verizon Wireless version. In fact, we had both of them in our labs this week, and we couldn't hear any quantifiable difference between the two. They both could sound better, and the Sprint version seemed to have the same deep, bassy quality we found on the competitor device. Thankfully, it also gets all of the great calling features, including a fine speakerphone, Bluetooth for handsfree calling, conference calling and speaker-independent voice dialing. Most importantly, though, the Sprint BlackBerry Curve maintains RIM's impressive track record for battery life, easily topping eight hours of talking. It died a few minutes before the Verizon Wireless version, but it also got consistently better reception, so we consider this an even trade.

General performance on the Curve 8330 was good. There were a few instances where we watched the hourglass do a few rotations (mostly when trying to use the multimedia functions), but other than that, the Curve was quite responsive. Web browsing was pleasant thanks to EV-DO; however, accessing some of the Sprint TV and Sprint Music Store content took a bit of time. As for multimedia performance, it was a bit mixed. Music playback through the phone's speakers sounded a bit hollow, and the sound tends to get blown out when you have the volume set at high. However, we don't suspect a lot of people listen to their music through the speakers, and, fortunately, the Curve is equipped with a 3.5mm jack so you can plug in a nice pair of headphones.

Over all we give the BlackBerry Curve 4.5 out of 5 starts.