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RIM BlackBerry Bold

The BlackBerry Bold (aka RIM BlackBerry 9000) is the latest smartphone (available August 21, 2008) from RIM to be released by AT&T on November 4th 2008, for $299 with a 2-year contract. Earlier retail estimates were expected to be around $300 - $400, but this latest release hints that it will probably be much higher. The Bold has high-speed data connectivity with support for 3G networks (quad-band EDGE and tri-band HSDPA) and WiFi (802.11 a/b/g). Other improvements over the BlackBerry Curve including a doubling of CPU speed to 624 MHz and a doubling of screen resolution to 480 x 320 resolution display (Half-VGA). The BlackBerry Bold is a competitor to the latest 3G version of the Apple iPhone announced on June 9th, 2008.

Where to Buy

BlackBerry Bold
MSRP $350.00
Release date August, 2008
Brand RIM
love!
want it
have it
tag it
Pros & Cons38
Reviews18
Details
Buy It
Competitors14
Comments3
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
16 reviews
73
negative
mixed
positive
10 positive
3 mixed
3 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
3G network connectivity
+14agreedisagree

•
Built-in GPS
+9agreedisagree

•
Tactile keyboard is faster typing than iPhone touchscreen
+9agreedisagree

•
WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
+8agreedisagree

•
Faster CPU @ 624 MHz
+8agreedisagree

•
Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
+8agreedisagree

•
Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
+7agreedisagree

•
Very similar in size to the Apple iPhone
+6agreedisagree

•
Much larger contact area and layout of keyboard
+6agreedisagree

•
Copy and paste function!
+6agreedisagree

•
Feels very solid in your hand.
+5agreedisagree

•
Great battery life
+4agreedisagree

•
Comes with a free case!
+4agreedisagree

•
Super reliable
+3agreedisagree

•
Care power charger works very well.
+3agreedisagree

•
Web browser renders most web pages in a usable fashion. (still not as clean as iPhone though)
+3agreedisagree

•
Loud speaker-phone
+2agreedisagree

•
Nicely integrated messaging and audible notifications from IM services and social networks (ex. GTalk, Facebook)
+2agreedisagree

•
Nice "bedside" alarm clock mode. Looks pretty
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Immature app-store
+2agreedisagree

•
Browser isn't as good as the iPhone's
+1agreedisagree

•
locking the phone does not disable volume/track control button on side
+1agreedisagree

•
Small display compared to iPhone
0agreedisagree

•
Same Size as 8800, Larger than 8300
0agreedisagree

•
Unintuitive menu layout
0agreedisagree

•
Drops calls more often than my curve did.
0agreedisagree

•
No where close to the intuitive experience on the iPhone
0agreedisagree

•
No dedicated lock or mute buttons
0agreedisagree

•
Track ball is kind of loud and doesn't feel that good to use
0agreedisagree

•
* + Green button is a really annoying way to unlock the phone
0agreedisagree

•
Keyboard is cramped - especially for number dialing
0agreedisagree

•
Unpolished interface
-1agreedisagree

•
No touchscreen sucks for the web
-1agreedisagree

•
Loses 3G network often.
-1agreedisagree

•
Large and bulky
-1agreedisagree

•
Pointer scrolls too slowly
-1agreedisagree

•
No external lock button
-1agreedisagree

•
Not a touch screen
-4agreedisagree


18 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

Features

  • 624MHz Intel PXA270/Marvell Tavor PXA930 processor (increase from 312 MHz)
  • data connectivity: 3G (HDSPA + EDGE), WiFi (802.11 a/b/g)
  • screen: 480 x 320 (up from 320 x 240) (size ??) with 65,000 colors
  • operating system: BlackBerry OS 4.6
  • redesigned keyboard
  • memory: 1 GB built-in + expandable microSD up to 16 GB
  • dimensions: 4.5" H x 2.6" W x 0.5" D
  • weight: 4.7 oz
  • 2 megapixel camera + flash
  • GPS functionalities
  • price: $300 - $400
  • release date: August 21, 2008

Submit a link

This report was started June 10, 2008 at 10:58 am by Erik
with the last edit occurring September 29, 2009 at 7:29 pm by Yale
This page has been viewed 4876 times, with 275 edits by 24 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

RIM BlackBerry Bold

• Research In Motion Blackberry Bold 9000 Quad Band Cellular Smart Phone -Unlocked

• 156140ST

UPC: 843163037328

EAN: 843163037328

MPN: 159085

RIM BlackBerry Bold

• BlackBerry Bold 9000 Black Smartphone

UPC: 843163037564

MPN: 9000BLACKGSM

RIM BlackBerry Bold

EAN: 843163038233

Competitors

RIM BlackBerry Bold is ranked 5th among it's competitors.  See the top picks in Smart Phones »
HTC Dream

HTC Dream

MSRP  $179.00    Released  October, 2008
Pros
  • Large touch-screen
  • Integrated GPS including Google StreetView
  • Dedicated full QWERTY keyboard
Cons
  • No headphone jack
  • weak battery life with use of 3G
  • No camera flash
ProSCORE
28 reviews
67
Vote! (8 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 12% vs. vote HTC Dream 88%
Palm Pre

Palm Pre

MSRP  $199.99    Released  June, 2009
Pros
  • full 3.5mm headphone jack
  • removable battery
  • backlit QWERTY keyboard
Cons
  • no higher capacity models
  • exclusive to Sprint for the first half of 2009
  • no expandable memory
ProSCORE
23 reviews
75
Vote! (5 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 20% vs. vote Palm Pre 80%
Apple iPhone 3G

Apple iPhone 3G

MSRP  $199.00    Released  July, 2008
Pros
  • GPS Support
  • High speed 3G
  • Good selection of free apps available
Cons
  • Can't replace the battery yourself, can't replace with a "spare"
  • Crippled Bluetooth (only hands-free devices supported)
  • Battery life is disappointing when using 3G
ProSCORE
75 reviews
49
Vote! (18 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 28% vs. vote Apple iPhone 3G 72%
Apple iPhone 2G

Apple iPhone 2G

MSRP  $399.00    Released  June, 2007
Pros
  • Innovative touchscreen gesturing UI
  • Two-finger interface to resize images
  • Great web browser for such a small device
Cons
  • Not 3G yet
  • Expensive.
  • Cannot replace battery - soldered to the motherboard
ProSCORE
58 reviews
59
Vote! (9 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 56% vs. vote Apple iPhone 2G 44%
HTC Touch Pro

HTC Touch Pro

MSRP  $800.00    Released  October, 2008
Pros
  • Expandable storage
  • Integrated GPS
  • QWERTY keyboard
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Battery Life not so great when using Data; even in the background
  • Removal of Tilt features compared to HTC TyTN II
ProSCORE
21 reviews
81
Vote! (5 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 60% vs. vote HTC Touch Pro 40%
Samsung Instinct

Samsung Instinct

MSRP  $129.99    Released  June, 2008
Pros
  • Standard headphone jack - no need for adapter
  • Visual voicemail lets you choose the messages you want to listen to
  • Comes with 2 batteries
Cons
  • Slow web browser
  • GPS maps don't go into landscape mode
  • short talk time
ProSCORE
6 reviews
78
Vote! (3 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 67% vs. vote Samsung Instinct 33%
HP iPAQ 910c

HP iPAQ 910c

MSRP  --    Released  January, 2001

The iPAQ 910c is HP's answer to Apple and BlackBerry's multifunctional smartphones. The 910c has a touchscreen, scroll wheel, as well as a full QWERTY keyboard.

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (4 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 75% vs. vote HP iPAQ 910c 25%
hp ipaq 614c

hp ipaq 614c

MSRP  --    Released  --
ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (4 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold 75% vs. vote hp ipaq 614c 25%
Nokia N97 Mini

Nokia N97 Mini

MSRP  $700.00    Released  September, 2009
Pros
  • 3.2" touchscreen display
  • full QWERTY keyboard
  • 8GB of internal storage
Cons
  • not much smaller than the N97
  • no lens cover
  • keyboard is worse than that on the original
ProSCORE
3 reviews
68
Vote! (0 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold   vs. vote Nokia N97 Mini  
Kogan Agora

Kogan Agora

MSRP  $299.00    Released  December, 2008
Pros
  • features Android
  • $299AU without contract
  • best of both worlds - keypad with tactile response and touchscreen
Cons
  • not a well known manufacturer
  • cannot be serviced or replaced very easily in NA
  • no camera, GPS or WiFi connection
ProSCORE
2 reviews
40
Vote! (0 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold   vs. vote Kogan Agora  
Sony Ericsson W995

Sony Ericsson W995

MSRP  $539.99    Released  February, 2009
Pros
  • interchangeable/expandable memory with memory stick micro card slot
  • 8.1MP digital camera
  • WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G connections
Cons
  • uses proprietary memory card
  • memory stick micro has a capacity limit of 32GB, currently very expensive (8GB is ~$50)
  • very limited internal memory
ProSCORE
6 reviews
80
Vote! (0 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold   vs. vote Sony Ericsson W995  
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2

Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2

MSRP  --    Released  September, 2009
Pros
  • high quality, high resolution 8.1MP camera
  • large 3.2" WVGA touchscreen (480 x 800px)
  • microSD/microSDHC card reader for external storage
Cons
  • lacks internal storage
  • runs Windows Mobile 6.5
  • heavy and large
ProSCORE
2 reviews
72
Vote! (0 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold   vs. vote Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2  
Nokia E63

Nokia E63

MSRP  $280.00    Released  December, 2008
Pros
  • 3G data connectivity
  • WiFi enabled
  • full QWERTY keyboard
Cons
  • poor image quality when using the 2MP camera
  • looks like a BlackBerry knock off
  • micro-USB cable not included
ProSCORE
5 reviews
79
Vote! (0 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold   vs. vote Nokia E63  
HTC Snap (S522)

HTC Snap (S522)

MSRP  --    Released  May, 2009
Pros
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Trackball
  • GPS functionality
Cons
  • no internal storage
  • no touch screen
  • no 3.5 headphone output
ProSCORE
1 review
62
Vote! (0 votes)
vote RIM BlackBerry Bold   vs. vote HTC Snap (S522)  

Suggest a new competitor to add to the list of competing products.
If the product hasn't yet been added to ProductWiki, submitting it here will also start the product report.

Comments

17 taps
show more
1.  avatar Whipdaddy said:

I just went to FutureShop and played with the Bold that one of the employees had. Its very slick, however the main reason I have for not jumping on it right away is that it is the same size as the 8800 and compared to my current 8300 curve it seems behemoth in size.

I also don't like that they have centered the camera on the back, because when you are holding the phone to your ear, I find my index finger naturally going to that part of the phone which will cause added wear to the camera lens area.
Aug 25, 2008 5:12pm
2.  avatar Omar said:

I've had the opportunity to use a Bold a few times now, since a few of my friends have them. Overall I say it's the best Blackberry that RIM has produced until now and I can appreciate why it's so popular. If you prefer the hard keypad to a touchscreen then there's no real better alternative to the Bold. The hardware itself is very solid with a crystal clear screen, VERY loud speakers for music and speakerphone, clear microphone, clear reception, and just a solid reliable feel.

However, the Bold isn't for me since Internet browsing is my #1 use for my mobile device. And the browser just sucks. I know that there are alternative browsers which are a big step-up from the atrocious built-in one. However, fundamentally the scroll-ball and orientation of the screen make the browsing experience sub-par. A good browser NEEDS some kind of touch pointing device to be tolerable to me.
Apr 17, 2009 10:35am
3.  avatar Erik said:

I've been borrowing a Bold for a few weeks, and I have to say this device has grown on me. I came to the Bold, with my only real smart phone being the iPhone 3G. At first I HATED the bold. The user interface drove me nuts. But then something happened. I began to forgive the Bold for all of its shortcomings. It's lack of intuitive interface somehow became endearing. Functionally it can do everything I used my iPhone for, but usually in a less slick, unintuitive way. However, I find myself reaching for the Bold OVER the iPhone on occasion, and that confuses me.

Do I just like underdogs? Or am I playing favourites with the hometown company? (I live in Waterloo along with RIM HQ)
Jul 14, 2009 9:35pm
Some HTML is allowed. Your comments remain editable after you post..

Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Omar

avatar
April 17, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
54
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
6 cons
trustedtrusted
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • Faster CPU @ 624 MHz
  • Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
  • Super reliable
  • Loud speaker-phone

Cons

  • Immature app-store
  • Browser isn't as good as the iPhone's
  • Small display compared to iPhone
  • Unintuitive menu layout
  • Unpolished interface
  • No touchscreen sucks for the web

Comments

"I've had the opportunity to use a Bold a few times now, since a few of my friends have them. Overall I say it's the best Blackberry that RIM has produced until now and I can appreciate why it's so popular. If you prefer the hard keypad to a touchscreen then there's no real better alternative to the Bold. The hardware itself is very solid with a crystal clear screen, VERY loud speakers for music and speakerphone, clear microphone, clear reception, and just a solid reliable feel.

However, the Bold isn't for me since Internet browsing is my #1 use for my mobile device. And the browser just sucks. I know that there are alternative browsers which are a big step-up from the atrocious built-in one. However, fundamentally the scroll-ball and orientation of the screen make the browsing experience sub-par. A good browser NEEDS some kind of touch pointing device to be tolerable to me."

Competitors

Omar prefers Palm Pre, Apple iPhone 3G over RIM BlackBerry Bold
Omar prefers RIM BlackBerry Bold over Apple iPhone 2G, Samsung Instinct, HTC Dream
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Erik

avatar
July 15, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
48
negative
mixed
positive
13 pros
14 cons
kind of have itkind of have it
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • Tactile keyboard is faster typing than iPhone touchscreen
  • WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
  • Faster CPU @ 624 MHz
  • Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
  • Copy and paste function!
  • Feels very solid in your hand.
  • Great battery life
  • Comes with a free case!
  • Nicely integrated messaging and audible notifications from IM services and social networks (ex. GTalk, Facebook)
  • Nice "bedside" alarm clock mode. Looks pretty

Cons

  • Immature app-store
  • Browser isn't as good as the iPhone's
  • Small display compared to iPhone
  • Unintuitive menu layout
  • No where close to the intuitive experience on the iPhone
  • No dedicated lock or mute buttons
  • Track ball is kind of loud and doesn't feel that good to use
  • * + Green button is a really annoying way to unlock the phone
  • Keyboard is cramped - especially for number dialing
  • Unpolished interface
  • No touchscreen sucks for the web
  • Pointer scrolls too slowly
  • No external lock button
  • Not a touch screen

Comments

"I've been borrowing a Bold for a few weeks, and I have to say this device has grown on me. I came to the Bold, with my only real smart phone being the iPhone 3G. At first I HATED the bold. The user interface drove me nuts. But then something happened. I began to forgive the Bold for all of its shortcomings. It's lack of intuitive interface somehow became endearing. Functionally it can do everything I used my iPhone for, but usually in a less slick, unintuitive way. However, I find myself reaching for the Bold OVER the iPhone on occasion, and that confuses me.

Do I just like underdogs? Or am I playing favourites with the hometown company? (I live in Waterloo along with RIM HQ)"

Competitors

Erik prefers Apple iPhone 3G, Palm Pre, HTC Dream over RIM BlackBerry Bold
Erik prefers RIM BlackBerry Bold over hp ipaq 614c, HP iPAQ 910c, Apple iPhone 2G, Samsung Instinct, HTC Touch Pro
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

bandman

avatar
June 5, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
61
negative
mixed
positive
11 pros
7 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Tactile keyboard is faster typing than iPhone touchscreen
  • Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
  • Very similar in size to the Apple iPhone
  • Much larger contact area and layout of keyboard
  • Copy and paste function!
  • Feels very solid in your hand.
  • Great battery life
  • Comes with a free case!
  • Care power charger works very well.

Cons

  • Immature app-store
  • Browser isn't as good as the iPhone's
  • locking the phone does not disable volume/track control button on side
  • Small display compared to iPhone
  • Same Size as 8800, Larger than 8300
  • Drops calls more often than my curve did.
  • Loses 3G network often.

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

KylePorter

avatar
January 8, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
11 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • Tactile keyboard is faster typing than iPhone touchscreen
  • WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
  • Faster CPU @ 624 MHz
  • Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
  • Very similar in size to the Apple iPhone
  • Much larger contact area and layout of keyboard
  • Copy and paste function!
  • Super reliable

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Whipdaddy

avatar
August 25, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
50
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
1 con
want itwant it
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Much larger contact area and layout of keyboard

Cons

  • Same Size as 8800, Larger than 8300

Comments

"I just went to FutureShop and played with the Bold that one of the employees had. Its very slick, however the main reason I have for not jumping on it right away is that it is the same size as the 8800 and compared to my current 8300 curve it seems behemoth in size.

I also don't like that they have centered the camera on the back, because when you are holding the phone to your ear, I find my index finger naturally going to that part of the phone which will cause added wear to the camera lens area."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

McMav

avatar
April 17, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
71
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
2 cons
have ithave it
love itlove it
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
  • Very similar in size to the Apple iPhone
  • Copy and paste function!

Cons

  • Small display compared to iPhone
  • Same Size as 8800, Larger than 8300

Competitors

McMav prefers RIM BlackBerry Bold over Apple iPhone 3G, Apple iPhone 2G
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

feiry

avatar
July 10, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
  • Faster CPU @ 624 MHz
  • Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

ukexpat

avatar
July 12, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
17 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
have ithave it

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • Tactile keyboard is faster typing than iPhone touchscreen
  • WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
  • Faster CPU @ 624 MHz
  • Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
  • Very similar in size to the Apple iPhone
  • Much larger contact area and layout of keyboard
  • Copy and paste function!
  • Feels very solid in your hand.
  • Great battery life
  • Comes with a free case!
  • Super reliable
  • Care power charger works very well.
  • Web browser renders most web pages in a usable fashion. (still not as clean as iPhone though)
  • Loud speaker-phone

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Boldly Going...

avatar
November 16, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
9 pros
0 cons
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
  • Tactile keyboard is faster typing than iPhone touchscreen
  • WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
  • Faster CPU @ 624 MHz
  • Expandable memory with microSD cards up to 16 GB
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
  • Very similar in size to the Apple iPhone
  • Much larger contact area and layout of keyboard

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

tyguyone

avatar
November 27, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
0 cons
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • 3G network connectivity
  • Tactile keyboard is faster typing than iPhone touchscreen
  • WiFi access (802.11 a/b/g)
  • Twice the resolution @ 480 x 320
  • Very similar in size to the Apple iPhone

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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