Table of Contents
amazon BlackBerry Bold 9700 reviews
Compact in the pocket
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 and BlackBerry Curve 8900 are two of the smallest BlackBerry smartphones currently available at 4.39 inches long and 2.36 inches wide. The Bold 9700 is 0.56 inches thick and weighs 121.9 grams (including batteries). The Bold 9700 looks like a “supermodel” like the Curve 8900.
Fully equipped with the latest technology
Without considering external features, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is very similar to its predecessor (BlackBerry Bold 9000) with full connectivity features such as 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS … 2.6 inches screen. Half-VGA (480 x 360 pixels), 3.2 megapixel camera, better than the traditional camera of the Bold (2.0 Megapixel). The internal memory is 256MB, with an external memory of 2GB (microSD). The card slot is quite smart, it can be easily removed without removing the battery. Maximum memory capacity that the 9700 supports up to 32GB, an impressive number but not very practical.
The operating system running on the Bold 9700 is version 5.0 of the BlackBerry OS. Basically, it is no different with previous versions of 4.X but there are some changes that have been noted, such as the Resize function of the image before sending it.
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Some other highlights
Trackpad replaces Trackball: Trackball is a feature that is unique to all BlackBerry models, but with the BlackBerry Curve 8250, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 uses a lightweight TrackPad.
This is an interesting improvement, you can use the finger to control the trackpad as when hovering on the laptop. Although not as flexible as the trackball, but the trackpad is accurate, convenient, difficult to stain and not easy to degrade as a trackball. That’s why the Trackpad dashboard phones have received positive reviews from tech enthusiasts.
The Bold 9700’s keyboard is a bit hard to find: a slightly smaller keyboard size is the biggest downside with the slimness of the Bold 9700. However, RIM’s smart design keeps you entertained. Work easily. Three keypads are separated by metal dotted lines while each button is nicely cut, while also enhancing comfort in confined spaces, as well as providing users with the ability to edit text. Instant messaging and accurate.
High capacity battery: RIM equipped with Bold 9700 battery capacity 1,500 mAhr enough to talk in 6 hours or put the standby machine in 21 days.
Call quality: Although the small keypad makes it a bit difficult to make dial-up calls, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 speaks for itself when it comes to voice quality. Several tests have been conducted to test the Bold 9700’s sound optimization capabilities, and the results have confirmed the quality of the call is another strong point of the Bold 9700.
Performance
Processor and Memory
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 was equipped with a 624 MHz Marvell Tavor MG1 processor, which was a capable choice for the device’s intended tasks. The processor was complemented by 256 MB of RAM, which allowed for smooth performance in handling emails, text messages, and basic applications.
The Bold 9700 came with 256 MB of internal storage, which was expandable via microSD cards up to 16 GB. This expandable storage option allowed users to store additional files, including music, photos, and documents.
Operating System
The device ran on BlackBerry OS 5.0, an updated version of BlackBerry’s operating system that included several enhancements and improvements over previous iterations:
- Email and Messaging: The Bold 9700 continued BlackBerry’s tradition of offering a superior email and messaging experience. The device supported multiple email accounts, SMS, MMS, and BlackBerry Messenger (BBM). The email client was known for its speed, security, and reliability, making it a preferred choice for business users.
- Web Browser: The BlackBerry OS 5.0 included an updated web browser that improved performance and rendering capabilities. While it was functional for basic web browsing, it struggled with more complex websites and modern web technologies.
- Applications: The BlackBerry App World provided access to a range of applications, though the selection was limited compared to modern app stores. The Bold 9700 supported various third-party applications, including productivity tools and games.
Performance and Usability
The performance of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 was generally smooth for its intended use. The device handled emails, text messages, and basic applications efficiently. The 624 MHz processor and 256 MB of RAM were sufficient for managing typical business tasks and communication needs.
The Bold 9700’s physical keyboard was a key highlight, offering a tactile and responsive typing experience. The keys were well-spaced and provided good feedback, making typing quick and accurate. This was particularly appreciated by users who preferred a physical keyboard over virtual keyboards.
User Interface and Features
Physical Keyboard
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 featured a full QWERTY keyboard, which was one of its defining characteristics. The keyboard was well-regarded for its ergonomic design, tactile feedback, and ease of use. The keys were well-spaced and provided a satisfying typing experience, which was ideal for composing emails and text messages.
Touchpad Navigation
In addition to the physical keyboard, the Bold 9700 included a trackpad for navigation. The trackpad was a significant improvement over the trackball used in previous BlackBerry models. It offered smooth and precise cursor control, making it easier to navigate menus and interact with applications.
Multimedia and Entertainment
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 included several multimedia features:
- Media Player: The device came with a built-in media player that supported various audio and video formats. The media player was functional but lacked some of the advanced features found in more modern devices.
- Camera: The Bold 9700 featured a 3.2-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash. The camera was capable of capturing decent quality photos and videos, though it was not on par with the higher-resolution cameras found in contemporary smartphones.
- Music and Video Playback: The device supported music and video playback, allowing users to enjoy their media files on the go. The experience was satisfactory for its time, though it lacked some of the advanced multimedia features of newer devices.
Battery Life
Battery Specifications
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 was equipped with a 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery. This battery capacity was relatively modest but adequate for the device’s specifications and usage patterns.
Battery Performance
The battery life of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 was generally satisfactory for typical use. Users could expect around 6-8 hours of talk time and up to 17 days of standby time. Battery performance was influenced by factors such as screen brightness, network usage, and application usage. Overall, the Bold 9700 offered reliable battery life that met the needs of most users.
Connectivity
Network and Connectivity Options
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 supported a range of connectivity options:
- Cellular Connectivity: The device supported 3G networks, providing reliable mobile data access for web browsing, email, and other online services. 3G connectivity was adequate for the time but has since been surpassed by newer technologies.
- Wi-Fi: The Bold 9700 included Wi-Fi support, allowing users to connect to wireless networks for faster internet access. This feature was useful for data-intensive tasks and reduced reliance on cellular data.
- Bluetooth: The device featured Bluetooth 2.1, enabling users to connect to compatible devices for wireless audio streaming, file transfer, and other purposes.
GPS and Location Services
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 included built-in GPS functionality, providing users with location-based services and navigation capabilities. The GPS performance was generally accurate, allowing users to utilize mapping applications and location-based services effectively.
Software Updates and Support
Software Updates
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 initially shipped with BlackBerry OS 5.0, but it received updates to improve performance, add new features, and address bugs. Notable updates included BlackBerry OS 6.0, which introduced various enhancements to the user experience and system stability.
Support and Ecosystem
The Bold 9700 was supported by the BlackBerry App World, which offered a range of applications and games for users to download and install. While the app ecosystem was limited compared to more modern app stores, the Bold 9700 supported a variety of third-party applications, including productivity tools and games.
Impact and Legacy
Market Impact
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 was a significant device in BlackBerry’s lineup, catering to business users who valued a reliable and efficient smartphone. The device’s combination of a physical keyboard, trackpad navigation, and robust email and messaging features made it a popular choice for professionals.
Legacy and Influence
The legacy of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 lies in its role as a key player in BlackBerry’s efforts to cater to business users. The device’s physical keyboard and robust communication features continued the company’s tradition of providing productivity-focused smartphones. The Bold 9700’s influence is seen in the subsequent evolution of BlackBerry devices and the continued emphasis on business-oriented features.
End of Life
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 was eventually succeeded by newer models and marked the end of an era for BlackBerry’s flagship devices. As technology evolved, so did consumer preferences and expectations, leading to significant changes in the smartphone market.