Rumors have been flying that a BlackBerry aimed to compete with the Treo 600 is soon to launch on T-Mobile USA. While the rumor that it would launch today is not correct, Walter Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal has a review in today’s issue and notes that the device will be available early next month (from T-Mobile).
The big news is that the BlackBerry 7100t will sell for $199, well below what the Treo 600 is selling for without rebate. The 7100t is also the first device from Research In Motion without a QWERTY keyboard–it sports a 20-character keyboard that has a more conventional phone layout. RIM developed a predictive text technology called SureType to help out users.
Business or pleasure? BlackBerry is taking aim to satisfy both in a smaller package depending on your needs. BlackBerry drops the old school brick design and makes an attempt to become an everyday user’s companion with the 7100 series. A big leap in becoming the next Treo competitor; a champion who has yet to fall. Depending on what you are looking for in a PDA/phone combo device, decisions may vary on who the unanimous winner is in this bout. I have my opinion, but I will save that for later.
Coming fresh off of a 7290 review, I had my mind set on the way a BlackBerry should look, perform and feel; a two handed device that was to be left at the office when the clock strikes 5. With a catchy jaw line, speakerphone and Bluetooth I found myself using the 7100t with ease in a matter of time; however, looking for more out of it as an all-in-one device in the end.
Taking a change from convention, the condensed 7100t measures 119 x 59 x 21 mm and weighs 120 g. Aggressive styling and angular lines give it a more aesthetic appeal; more similar to a phone than a blue box.
The front contains a 240 x 260 px screen capable of displaying 65K colors; rather large compared to other devices on the market. Below the display, a QWERTY keypad is flanked by Send and End, and a Convenience Key used to open a list of useful links or open selected lists. With just 20 keys, each key shares two letters; requiring up to two key presses to choose a letter. However, when combined with RIM’s SureType predictive technology, users can text message normally, with one press, as the predictive text guesses what word is being typed.
A Power On / Off button and LED indicator are located on top; notifying users when new information has arrived. While the left side contains a standard 2.5 mm headset jack and USB port allowing data synchronization and battery charging. Meanwhile, on the right side, an End button and navigational trackwheel offers flexible navigation through the menu structure and email messages. On the back, a speakerphone port is located just above the removable battery door.
Out of the box, the RIM BlackBerry 7100t comes with a standard 960 mAh Li-Ion battery, handsfree headset, international travel charger, USB data cable, BlackBerry Desktop software, SIM card, and user manual.