Blackberry Bold

Editor's Review

Lightweight and slim for a customary PC-like smartphone, the Blackberry Bold measures 114 x 66 x 14 millimetres and weighs 133 grams. The smartphone is clad in a black casing, designed with chrome edges that give it the edgy and classy look. The Blackberry Bold has a user interface that....
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Recent User Reviews

Reviewer: carl toffolo - hull
Reviewed on: 1st October, 2008
Rating: 8/10
Coming from an N95 I think I have been spoilt but the Bold seems to hold it's own despite some misgivings as I opened the slightly naff packaging and pulled out the equally slightly naff accessories. I have had to return one handset already since the sat nav caused all sorts of freezing problems and i'm still not convinced that the bluetooth is functioning correctly - but maybe i'm a technofart and can't get to grips with it. I'm really impressed with the email and internet accessibility and the package through Vodafone - 700 x network; unlimited landline, texts and internet plus Vod GPS all for £40 per month (18 month contract) - is a great deal, currently. I dont envy any left handed users since the keyboard leans heavily towards the (majority, I suppose) right handed user. It's a big beast and literally a handful but this is certainly offset by the quality of the picture available if you are sad enough to load a few films onto your £17 8gb card - and I am sad enough. Izzard and Peter Kay, so not too sad I hope. And it was very easy to do with a direct usb link to the memory card without having to navigate through a programme like PC suite. Just as well since the card can only be removed by people with itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot fingers, together with a grip that an orang utang would be proud of. Remove once, replace and then stick to cable loading. Believe me.

Reviewer: Paul Simpson - Derby UK
Reviewed on: 23rd August, 2008
Rating: 8/10
Well the wait is over and I received my shiny new Blackberry Bold yesterday on the Orange network. It is my first Orange contract and my experience was very positive. I put in the sim and the phone started up straight away. Going through the setup process was very easy and impressive with the amount of control is afforded the user.
I was not ready for the quality of the display. I had heard it is good but seeing it in living colour was an experience on its own.
I was gutted that the signal strength was wavering on 2 bars and am worried that this might force its return. I am a bed-bound paraplegic with poor eyesight and was excited to find that there are extensive font options. User Selectable Fonts should be the standard of all phone makers. If RIM can do it why not all the others. I found the keyboard easy to get to grips with and there is ample spacing of the keys. The camera is reasonable and surprised me how well the pictures came out. Built in flash is a must and is provided. Next I wanted to check out the GPS and maps but there was no icon. The GPS failed to find any satellites and the maps were missing although the sofware was supposed to be loaded. I am informed that there is a software update on the way to correct this. I also liked the feature to set times when the phone was on or off. I found the browser to be tiny and wonder how long it will be before reducing mobile phone sizes will have a negative effect on our young peoples eyes. In any case it was too small for me to see and use. It is a pity the Font setup does not include all fonts including menu's and browser. Each Blackberry has a unique PIN number and this can be user to send sms and email without going through the email system. I was surprised when Edge was not listed as a connectivity option. Mine only lists 2G & 3G. So in all mine leaves a few problems but I love the Blackberry Bold and will only return it to Orange to get another one on a network with better coverage for me.


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