Table of Contents
amazon BlackBerry Bold 9790 reviews
Design and Build Quality
The BlackBerry Bold 9790 was a compact and stylish smartphone, reflecting BlackBerry’s classic design philosophy. It featured a combination of a physical QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen, which was a hallmark of the Bold series. The design was sleek and understated, making it an attractive option for business professionals and those who preferred a more conservative look.
Materials and Finish
The device was built using high-quality materials, with a rubberized back that provided a good grip and a durable plastic frame that added to its robustness. The front was dominated by the screen and the physical keyboard, with a glossy finish that gave it a premium feel. The back cover, while not made of metal like the Bold 9900, was still solid and felt comfortable in hand.
The phone’s compact size (110 x 60 x 11.4 mm) and lightweight nature (107 grams) made it easy to carry around and use with one hand, a feature that many users appreciated, especially in an era when smartphones were gradually becoming larger and bulkier.
Keyboard and Controls
One of the standout features of the Bold 9790 was its physical QWERTY keyboard, which was a key selling point for many BlackBerry users. The keyboard was well-designed, with slightly curved keys that made typing comfortable and efficient. The keys had good tactile feedback, and the layout was familiar to long-time BlackBerry users.
Above the keyboard, there was a row of control buttons, including the call, menu, back, and end buttons, along with a centrally placed optical trackpad. The trackpad was responsive and offered an alternative way to navigate through the device’s menus and applications, complementing the touchscreen.
Display
The Bold 9790 featured a 2.45-inch TFT capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 480 x 360 pixels. While the screen was relatively small by today’s standards, it was quite adequate for the time, especially considering the device’s focus on messaging and communication rather than media consumption. The display was sharp and offered good color reproduction, though it wasn’t as vibrant as the AMOLED screens found on some competing devices.
The touchscreen was responsive and supported multitouch, allowing users to perform basic gestures like pinch-to-zoom. However, given the small screen size, most users relied on the physical keyboard and trackpad for navigation and input.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the BlackBerry Bold 9790 was powered by a Marvell Tavor MG1 1 GHz processor, which was paired with 768 MB of RAM. For the time, this was a respectable configuration, especially for a device that was optimized for communication and productivity rather than gaming or heavy multimedia use.
Processor and RAM
The 1 GHz processor, while not as powerful as the dual-core processors found in some of its competitors, was more than capable of handling the BlackBerry OS 7.0, which was the operating system the Bold 9790 shipped with. The device was generally smooth in operation, with minimal lag when navigating through menus, typing messages, or running apps.
The 768 MB of RAM was sufficient for multitasking, allowing users to keep multiple apps open and switch between them without significant slowdowns. However, the device could struggle with more demanding tasks, particularly when dealing with large media files or when trying to run several apps simultaneously.
Storage
The Bold 9790 came with 8 GB of internal storage, which was expandable via a microSD card slot that supported up to 32 GB. This provided ample space for storing emails, documents, and a modest collection of media files. The inclusion of expandable storage was a welcome feature, especially for users who needed additional space for their files and media.
Connectivity
The Bold 9790 offered a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP, and NFC. The device supported quad-band GSM and tri-band HSPA, making it suitable for use in most regions around the world. The Wi-Fi connectivity was reliable, and the inclusion of NFC allowed for easy pairing with other devices and the use of mobile payment services, though NFC was still in its early stages of adoption at the time.
The microUSB port was used for charging and data transfer, while the 3.5mm headphone jack allowed users to connect their headphones for media playback or hands-free calling. The call quality on the Bold 9790 was generally good, with clear audio and strong signal reception.
Operating System and Software
The BlackBerry Bold 9790 ran on BlackBerry OS 7.0, which was the latest version of BlackBerry’s proprietary operating system at the time. While BlackBerry OS was starting to show its age compared to the more modern iOS and Android platforms, it was still highly optimized for communication and productivity, which were the main selling points of BlackBerry devices.
User Interface
The user interface of BlackBerry OS 7.0 was familiar to long-time BlackBerry users, with a focus on efficiency and ease of use. The home screen featured a customizable dock at the bottom, where users could place their most frequently used apps for quick access. The main menu was accessible via the trackpad or touchscreen, and it was organized into different categories, such as All, Favorites, Media, Downloads, and Frequent.
One of the strengths of BlackBerry OS was its messaging capabilities. The unified inbox brought together emails, SMS, MMS, and social media notifications in one place, making it easy for users to stay on top of their communications. The physical keyboard, combined with the OS’s robust email client, made the Bold 9790 an excellent device for those who needed to manage multiple email accounts on the go.
Pre-installed Apps
The Bold 9790 came with a suite of pre-installed apps designed to enhance productivity. These included Documents to Go, which allowed users to view and edit Microsoft Office documents, and a range of BlackBerry-specific apps such as BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), BlackBerry App World, and BlackBerry Protect.
BBM was a particularly popular feature, offering secure messaging and the ability to share files, photos, and voice notes with other BlackBerry users. It was one of the key differentiators of BlackBerry devices at the time, though its appeal waned as messaging apps like WhatsApp and iMessage gained popularity.
Battery Life
The BlackBerry Bold 9790 was equipped with a 1230 mAh removable battery, which was on the smaller side compared to some of its competitors. However, thanks to the device’s efficient hardware and software, battery life was generally good, especially for a device of its size.
Usage and Standby Time
Under normal usage conditions, which included sending and receiving emails, browsing the web, making calls, and using apps, the Bold 9790 could easily last a full day on a single charge. For users who primarily used the device for communication and productivity tasks, the battery life could extend even further, often lasting a day and a half before needing to be recharged.
The device also performed well in standby mode, with minimal battery drain when not in use. This was particularly beneficial for business users who needed their phone to be ready at all times without worrying about frequent charging.
Charging
The device charged via a microUSB port, and while it didn’t support fast charging, the battery was small enough that it could be fully charged in a couple of hours. The removable battery also meant that users could carry a spare battery with them if they needed extra power while on the go.
Camera
The BlackBerry Bold 9790 featured a 5-megapixel rear camera, which was fairly standard for smartphones at the time. The camera was capable of capturing decent photos, though it wasn’t the device’s strongest feature. BlackBerry devices were never known for their camera quality, as the focus was more on communication and productivity.
Image Quality
The camera on the Bold 9790 produced images with good color accuracy and sharpness in well-lit conditions. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggled, with images often appearing grainy and lacking detail. The lack of a front-facing camera also meant that the device wasn’t ideal for taking selfies or making video calls, which were becoming increasingly popular.
Camera Features
The camera app offered a few basic features, such as autofocus, LED flash, geo-tagging, face detection, and image stabilization. There were also options for adjusting the white balance, ISO, and scene modes, giving users some level of control over their photos. Video recording was limited to VGA resolution, which was adequate for casual use but far from the high-definition standards that were becoming common at the time.
Multimedia
While the BlackBerry Bold 9790 wasn’t primarily designed for multimedia consumption, it did offer some features for playing music, videos, and viewing photos. The device had a built-in media player that supported a range of file formats, including MP3, AAC, and WMA for audio, and MP4, H.263, and WMV for video.
Music Playback
The music player on the BlackBerry Bold 9790 was functional and straightforward. It allowed users to create playlists, shuffle songs, and adjust the equalizer settings to enhance the audio experience. The device also had a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a standard feature at the time, enabling users to connect their favorite headphones or earbuds for private listening.
While the built-in speaker wasn’t particularly powerful, it was clear enough for casual listening and hands-free calls. For those who preferred a more immersive audio experience, the device supported Bluetooth A2DP, allowing for wireless streaming to compatible headphones or speakers.
Video Playback
Video playback on the Bold 9790 was limited by its small 2.45-inch screen, making it less suitable for watching long videos or movies. However, for short clips or viewing videos shared via email or messaging apps, the screen was adequate. The device supported several common video formats, but the resolution and screen size meant that watching videos was more of a secondary feature rather than a primary use case.
Photo Viewing
The Bold 9790’s gallery app was well-organized, allowing users to easily browse through their photos and albums. The small screen size limited the viewing experience, but the display was sharp enough to show details in images. The app also allowed for basic photo editing, such as cropping, rotating, and adjusting brightness and contrast.
Productivity and Business Features
As with most BlackBerry devices, the Bold 9790 was geared towards productivity and business users. It came equipped with a range of features designed to enhance work efficiency and communication.
Email and Messaging
The Bold 9790’s email capabilities were one of its strongest points. The device supported push email, allowing users to receive messages instantly from multiple accounts. Setting up email accounts was straightforward, and the device supported popular services like Gmail, Yahoo, and Microsoft Exchange.
The unified inbox was a standout feature, consolidating emails, SMS, MMS, and social media notifications into a single view. This made it easy for users to manage their communications without having to switch between different apps. The physical keyboard made typing emails and messages a breeze, and the predictive text feature helped speed up the process.
BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) was another key feature, offering secure, instant messaging with other BlackBerry users. BBM was highly popular at the time, particularly in business circles, where privacy and security were paramount. The app also supported group chats, file sharing, and voice notes, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional communication.
Calendar and Contacts
The Bold 9790 included a robust calendar app that was well-integrated with the device’s email and contacts. Users could easily schedule meetings, set reminders, and invite attendees via email. The calendar supported multiple views, including daily, weekly, and monthly, making it easy to manage appointments and tasks.
The contacts app was equally well-designed, allowing users to store detailed information for each contact, including multiple phone numbers, email addresses, and notes. The app also integrated with social media, pulling in profile pictures and status updates from linked accounts.
Documents and Office Apps
The inclusion of Documents to Go was a significant advantage for business users. This suite of apps allowed users to view, edit, and create Microsoft Office documents, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. While the small screen made editing documents a bit challenging, the app was functional enough for making quick changes or reviewing files on the go.
For those who needed to access PDFs, the Bold 9790 included a PDF reader that handled most documents well. The device also supported cloud storage services, allowing users to access and store files online, though the integration was not as seamless as on modern smartphones.
Web Browsing
Web browsing on the BlackBerry Bold 9790 was functional but limited by the small screen and the device’s processing power. The BlackBerry Browser was the default web browser, and while it had improved significantly over previous versions, it still lagged behind the browsers found on Android and iOS devices.
Performance
The browser was capable of rendering most websites accurately, and it supported features like tabbed browsing, bookmarks, and private browsing. However, the browsing experience was hindered by the small screen and the lack of support for Flash, which was still commonly used on many websites at the time.
Loading times were generally acceptable for mobile-optimized sites, but more complex pages with heavy multimedia content could be slow to load. Scrolling through pages and zooming in on text was smooth, thanks to the combination of the touchscreen and the optical trackpad, but the overall experience was not as fluid as on devices with larger screens and more powerful processors.
App Ecosystem
One of the challenges for BlackBerry at the time was the limited app ecosystem compared to iOS and Android. While the BlackBerry App World offered a selection of apps, it was nowhere near as extensive as the App Store or Google Play.
Available Apps
The apps available for the Bold 9790 were primarily focused on productivity, communication, and business needs. Popular apps included social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, as well as a range of utility apps such as weather, news, and navigation.
However, the lack of popular games and entertainment apps was a significant drawback, especially as smartphones were increasingly being used for multimedia consumption. This limitation was one of the factors that contributed to BlackBerry’s decline in the consumer market.
Side-loading and Third-Party Apps
For users who wanted to expand their app selection, side-loading apps was an option. This involved downloading Android apps and using third-party software to run them on the device. However, this process was cumbersome, and the performance of side-loaded apps was often inconsistent. Additionally, the limited internal storage meant that users had to be selective about which apps they installed.
Security and Privacy
BlackBerry was known for its focus on security and privacy, and the Bold 9790 was no exception. The device offered several features that were designed to protect users’ data and communications.
Encryption
The Bold 9790 supported full-device encryption, which ensured that all data stored on the device was protected. This was particularly important for business users who needed to keep sensitive information secure. The device also supported encrypted email and messaging, providing an additional layer of security for communications.
BlackBerry Protect
BlackBerry Protect was a built-in app that allowed users to remotely locate, lock, and wipe their device in case it was lost or stolen. The app also provided backup and restore features, allowing users to save their contacts, calendars, and other important data to the cloud.
App Permissions
The operating system allowed users to control the permissions granted to apps, such as access to the camera, microphone, and location services. This level of control was ahead of its time, as similar features only became standard on other platforms years later.
Market Reception and Legacy
When the BlackBerry Bold 9790 was released in late 2011, it received generally positive reviews, particularly from BlackBerry loyalists who appreciated its compact design, physical keyboard, and business-oriented features. However, the device faced stiff competition from the growing dominance of iOS and Android smartphones, which were rapidly gaining market share.
Competitive Landscape
By 2011, the smartphone market was shifting towards larger screens, more powerful processors, and an increasing focus on apps and multimedia. The iPhone 4S, released around the same time, featured a larger Retina display, a faster dual-core processor, and access to the vast App Store. Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S II, were also pushing the boundaries of what smartphones could do, offering cutting-edge hardware and software features.
In comparison, the Bold 9790 felt somewhat dated, particularly in terms of its app ecosystem and multimedia capabilities. While it was still an excellent choice for business users and those who valued communication and security, it struggled to compete with the more versatile and entertainment-focused offerings from Apple and Android manufacturers.
Impact on BlackBerry
The Bold 9790 was one of the last devices to run on the BlackBerry OS before the company transitioned to the BlackBerry 10 operating system in an attempt to revitalize its fortunes. Unfortunately, BlackBerry 10 failed to gain significant traction, and the company eventually shifted its focus away from hardware to become a software and services company.
The Bold 9790, along with other devices in the Bold series, is often remembered fondly by those who used them. The physical keyboard, in particular, remains a feature that many users miss in modern smartphones, and the Bold series is often cited as one of the best examples of BlackBerry’s design and engineering prowess.
Conclusion
The BlackBerry Bold 9790 was a solid, if somewhat understated, entry in the Bold series. It offered a compact design, a comfortable physical keyboard, and a range of features that were well-suited to business users and those who valued communication and productivity. While it lacked the multimedia capabilities and app ecosystem of its competitors, it excelled in areas that mattered most to BlackBerry’s core audience.
In hindsight, the Bold 9790 represents both the strengths and the challenges that BlackBerry faced in the rapidly evolving smartphone market. It was a device that stayed true to the company’s roots, offering a secure, reliable, and efficient tool for communication and business, but it was also a device that struggled to keep up with the changing demands of consumers.
For those who used the Bold 9790, it remains a reminder of a time when BlackBerry was a dominant force in the smartphone industry, and its legacy continues to influence the design and features of modern smartphones, particularly in the areas of security and productivity. While the days of physical keyboards and small screens may be behind us, the Bold 9790 stands as a testament to BlackBerry’s commitment to creating devices that were more than just phones – they were tools for getting things done.
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