New "Lackberry" Curve Models Debut
Well RIM, you’ve really done it this time. Congratulations on releasing a phone with specs comparable to high end devices of 18 months ago. RIM was a heavily influential during the emergence of the affordable smart phone era, but has since lagged behind hardware competitors such as Apple and HTC and OS competitors like Android and iOS. The Blackberry line was turning grey and although this model update brings a fresh industrial design, it still may not be enough to recapture the prominent market share RIM once had.
I will admit, however, that I love the thinner, sleeker, design. Blackberry has finally reached “ultra-thin” status with this model renovation. The screen is 2.44in (480x360) - still small compared to iPhone and other Android devices, and probably won’t stand up to the iPhone’s crystal clear retina display. As expected, the new Curve models include WiFi, GPS and a 5MP camera. I would have liked to see an 8MP camera, as RIM is still going to be in Apple’s wake when they release an 8MP iPhone.
Storage capacity is a meager 512MB for the 9350/60 and jumps to a whopping 1GB for the 9370. Again, the new models are lacking in the storage department. When will RIM realize that people want comparable built in storage?
RIM is positioning the new Curve as an intermediate device for those who want more functionality than a feature phone but aren’t ready or willing to upgrade to a full-fledged smartphone. There will be social integration and “a faster Web browsing experience.” That faster experience must be due to the “upgraded” 512MB of RAM and 800MHz processor. *rolls eyes*
The new Curve model lineup runs on Blackberry 7, a much needed upgrade to Blackberry’s antiquated and clunky OS.
The new Curve will launch in Canada this month and worldwide in September. Take a look at the CNET article here for more photos.
Follow Technorati