Blackberry 9000 Bold deals & review

The Bold 9000 features the iconic and user-friendly BlackBerry keyboard, with 35 buttons laid out in the traditional QWERTY format. This makes it an ideal phone for those who text, e-mail and produce documents regularly such as professionals who are always on the move. It is available on most networks including T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange and O2.

The BlackBerry Bold range is noted for its distinctive black-and-chrome style and broad keyboard interface. The handset is very broad to allow for this, and for the screen from which the Bold derives its name. The "Bold" appellation certainly applies, as display images are clear and vivid. Although it is not a touchscreen, a navigation trackball is fitted below the screen, which allows easy control when traversing the web. The handset is only 15mm thick, a very pocket-friendly size. On the sides of the phone are the typical volume, camera shutter and voice-dialing controls, as well as a USB port, MicroSD memory card slot, and 3.5mm headphone jack. On the rear, the faux-leather textured back is home to the 2 megapixel camera.

The Bold 9000 utilises 3G HSDPA, allowing high speed internet connectivity and e-mailing. The excellent BlackBerry e-mail facility means your mail is pushed to the handset the instant it hits the server. Of course, there is also the famous BBM service for sharing typed messages with other BlackBerry users without affecting data or text allowances. On top of this, the Bold 9000 comes with software that allows for viewing and creation of most office documents, while the media player delivers clear visuals and sound. The music player is basic, but useful enough, and sound quality from the built-in speakers is surprisingly good. If you wander off the beaten track, the Bold 9000 also features GPS, although the response can be a little sluggish compared to more powerful smartphones.

The processor is reasonably quick, and provides a decent browsing experience with easy operating and navigation systems. The HSDPA takes its toll a little on battery life, with moderate usage draining the battery in around a day. In terms of memory, the Bold 9000 has 1GB built-in, which gives the Bold owner a lot to play with in terms of media storage plus there is the option of expansion via a memory card. In terms of media recording, the 2 megapixel camera is unspectacular, but effects can be added to pictures and GPS allows for easy geo-tagging. It won’t give the effect of a professional camera - indeed few phones do - but it will allow you to share moments easily.

Some say the Bold 9000 is a little bulky and heavy in comparison to other handsets. However it does have a solid, well-built feel that slighter phones often lack. Although its net browsing generally gains favourable reviews, one negative of the browsing experience is that the phone doesn't support Flash. Then again neither do Apple products, and their users don’t seem to complain much. The 1600 mAhr removable battery could be better, as sustained internet usage will drain it in less than a day. Overall however, the phone offers a unique and competitive take on the typing interface, which some people may prefer to touchscreen smartphone keyboards, especially given the difference in price.

For sharper internet browsing and a better operating system, consider the descendants of the Bold 9000, such as the Bold 9900. If you really must have a touchscreen, BlackBerry’s Storm has eschewed the QWERTY keyboard in favour of a unique touchscreen with two levels of touch, and feedback that makes it feel like you are using a real keyboard: the best of both worlds.