The Blackberry Curve 8530 is the capable smartphone offered for $99.99 on a 2 yr contract. However for a few dollars more you can get the other one with better keypad, camera, display as well as international support, the Blackberry Tour 9630. Further more you also can find both devices for free on contract. The 9630 more price seems to be for WiFi and optical trackpad.
Compared with 8520, the Blackberry 8530 offers you the GPS and runs on EV-DO Rev. 0 networks.
Hardware
The built is well designed with only 105 g of weight and feels solid and comfortable. It has the rubberized sides along with battery cover made from faux carbon fiber plastic that result in nice grip without moans and creaks. Having the similar keypad to 8300 and 8900, it is easy to adjust. Unfortunately this phone has the poor camera without flash as well as the wobbled trackpad.
A/V
The Blackberry 8530 has the good call, however it has more hiss than the other handsets. The speaker is relatively good in its price range. However, we can’t say it is a good idea to see YouTube video on its QVGA size.
Performance & Software
The OS 5.0.0.337 seems to run smoothly with 528MHz processor. However it has an issue of freezing up on some occasions. So we can wait for the first maintenance for fixing. The browser looks not so good. The QVGA display can’t help out this.
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BlackBerry Curve 8530 says:
I had a chance to play with the Curve 8520, I have held a special place in my BlackBerry heart for the revamped 85xx series devices. It flashes me back to the days of my 8830 and being a new BlackBerry user. I think the Curve 8530 would have been a much better starting point, and is definitely a great choice for those entering the BlackBerry world for the first time. The smooth design and lightweight build make the device one that just feels good. Its easy to hold, has great trackpad navigation and sports the familiar Curve keyboard. The addition of the dedicated media buttons along the top of the device are an added bonus as well. So lets jump in and find out why the Curve 8530 is not a step back like some may think, and rather a great “starter” device for new BlackBerry users and “dumbphone” converts.
March 25, 2010, 8:47 am