The BlackBerry Curve 8520 hit U.S. shelves earlier this week, and though it certainly won't send hard-core CrackBerry addicts rushing to T-Mobile stores to scoop one up--it's an entry-level device, meant for new smartphone users--the handheld actually has more "new" BlackBerry features and hardware tweaks than any other device Research In Motion (RIM) has released in a year.
I attended RIM's Curve 8520 launch event on Tuesday in Manhattan, and I've been using the device constantly since then. Here's my list of nine Curve 8520 features you won't find on any other current BlackBerry device--though some will no doubt make their way to upcoming BlackBerrys.
For more specifics on the BlackBerry Curve 8520, read: "BlackBerry Curve 8520: How to Tell if New Curve's Right for You."
1) BlackBerry "Trackpad"
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is the first smartphone from RIM to feature an optical "trackpad." The new trackpad replaces the traditional BlackBerry "track ball" found on the majority of RIM's device since the Pearl 8100 was released back in September 2006.
I've only had the device for a couple of days now, but it didn't take me long at all to get used to the new trackpad. In fact, I really like it. I'm unsure of how durable it will prove to be, but RIM's intention in debuting the trackpad is to avoid many of the performance issues associated with track ball--dirty, stuck or impeded track balls are very common, just ask any BlackBerry power user. So I'm hoping the trackpad will stand up to the test of time.
(Curious why RIM chose to ship the new trackpad on its cheapest BlackBerry to date? Check out both the BlackBerry maker's official explanation and my own personal take.)
2) BlackBerry Curve 8520 Dedicated Media Keys
In another first, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 sports dedicated media keys: one button to Play/Pause music files or video clips; and two buttons for Track Forward/Previous Track.
The media keys are easily accessible atop the device. And as far as I can tell, they work well. (Note: Depressing the Play/Pause button for more than two seconds puts the device into standby mode.)
3) Display, Navigation/Call Buttons All One Surface
Unlike any other current BlackBerry model, the Curve 8520 has navigation and calling keys that are literally part of the display. The Curve's 320 X 240 display extends downward and becomes the Call Send and End keys, as well as the BlackBerry Menu and Escape buttons; they're all one single piece of plastic. The new BlackBerry trackpad, mentioned above, sits directly below the display area, set in between the Send/Menu keys and Escape/End Call buttons.
4) Curve 8520 A/* Key Gets Lock Icon
All modern BlackBerry devices feature a keyboard shortcut that lets users lock their keyboards via one key: the A/* button. Simply hold the A/* key for a couple of seconds and your smartphone locks up. The BlackBerry Curve 8520's no different, but it is the first BlackBerry to feature a lock icon on the A/* key.
5) Integrated Volume/Convenience Keys on Curve 8520
Like many of its BlackBerry-brethren, the new Curve has two customizable "convenience keys" that you can program to initiate a wide variety of BlackBerry actions. It also has volume up/down keys that are similar to the current crop of BlackBerry smartphones.
What sets the new Curve apart are its "integrated" volume/convenience keys, or buttons that are literally part of the device itself and not separate components. The Curve 8520's side buttons are set into the rubbery hard-plastic that surrounds the device. (Note: Leaked images of unannounced RIM devices like the BlackBerry "Storm 2" and "Onyx" suggest that future BlackBerrys could also follow in the Curve 8520's footsteps and feature integrated volume/convenience keys of their own.)
6) BlackBerry Curve 8520's Itty-Bitty LED
One of the BlackBerry's most popular--and addictive--features is its Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a wireless coverage indicator, new message alert, Bluetooth connectivity signal and low-battery alert.
The Curve 8520 has the traditional BlackBerry LED, but it's significantly smaller and less bright than any other BlackBerry's LED indicator--at least that I've seen. It's also round, as opposed to the oval shaped LEDs found on most current BlackBerrys.
7) BlackBerry Curve 8520 Gets "Curve Logo"
Each and every modern BlackBerry device features RIM's well-known BlackBerry name and "seven-dot" logo--sometimes in multiple places--but the Curve 8520 is the first BlackBerry device that feature a model-line logo. Specifically, the new device has the word "Curve" set into the hard plastic of the device's upper-rear panel.
RIM has a handful of BlackBerry model lines including Pearl, Curve, Storm and Bold. And if the Curve 8520's any sign of things to come, we just might see RIM start to promote those brands in new and different ways, including the addition of model-line names and logos on new devices.
8) No Latch on BlackBerry Curve 8520 Battery Door
RIM's new Curve also has a unique--actually flimsy and cheap--battery door, in that it doesn't have any sort of latch to keep it in place. Instead, small pieces of plastic on the door's underside snap into place. And you remove the door by prying it up from its bottom, where there's a slightly-uplifted section.
I appreciate the Curve 8520's battery door, in that it stays sturdily in place and doesn't shift at all while in use--I'm looking at you Curve 8900. But it's a real pain to remove, especially if you're a fingernail-nibbler like me.
9) Curve 8520's 2.0 -Megapixel Camera Has No Flash
Finally, the Curve 8520 is the only BlackBerry RIM has ever released with a digital camera but no flash. And that's not at all a good thing.
RIM's high-end BlackBerry Bold also has a 2.0 megapixel shooter, but it does have a flash. I can tell you from lots of experience that the Bold's camera isn't great, to put it lightly. Without a flash, it would be near useless.
RIM says it skipped the camera flash on the Curve 8520 for cost-savings, and the device is notably cheaper than most of the company's latest BlackBerry devices--Wal-Mart's got it for under $US50 with a new contract and Amazon's practically giving the thing away. But I'm fairly certain the lack of a camera flash will become a pain-point for many Curve 8520 owners.
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