BlackBerry Torch 9800

“Rubberized battery door and volume rockers ensure a solid grip. Great clarity and call quality. Features du jour are in attendance: GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Sports an impressive set of EQ options for music playback. The definitive upgrade for hardcore BlackBerry users. Not quite on the same level as an iPhone or Droid X. Ships with a paltry 4-GB memory card. 5-MP camera is behind the pack with washed out photos and 640 x 480 video. Not really a chatterbox at just over five hours of talk time. Next-gen face with a last-gen ticker.”

“First 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 form factor and revamped platform that play to the strengths of the everyday consumer. When comparing the Torch 9800 to some of the big guns in the mobile world right now, such as the HTC EVO 4G, iPhone 4, Motorola DROID 2, it is difficult to fathom for someone to jump with the Torch – even more when all are priced accordingly at $199.99 on-contract. From a hardware perspective, it painfully cringes in the presence of some high-powered devices sporting 1GHz processors, high-resolution displays, and industrial designs that exhibit quality form. But digging around deeper into BlackBerry OS 6 also doesn't boast a level of confidence in attracting non-BlackBerry users since opposing platforms substantially place a lot of emphasis on presentation and integration. Sure there is finally social networking integration with the platform, but it's only getting into that space right now. In closing, the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is able to keep that fire going for RIM, but until they get serious about getting the platform into the same league as its competitors, that fire might someday become extinguished.”

“It's tough to feel really excited about the BlackBerry Torch and OS 6 after heavy testing. We had high hopes coming into this review that the new operating system would be more than a fresh coat of paint on an aging user experience -- that we were going to see substantial changes in the attitude and direction of the company. While there are notable improvements here and much that is laudable, what we're ultimately left with is, at its core, more of the same. For all the improvements in the browser, the more upscale fit-and-finish of the UI, and the thoughtful changes in basic functionality, we still feel like this device is a generation behind the market. Instead of meeting the rising stars of the smartphone world (Apple and Google) head-on, RIM has taken something more like baby steps toward innovation. The company seems convinced that it's got a better idea about what its customers want and how a smartphone should act in 2010, but we can't say we agree. The Torch seems sluggish, underpowered, and dated from a hardware design standpoint, and BlackBerry 6, despite its new features and polish, still feels woefully behind the curve.”

“We 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 something a little more.”