SmartPhones - The BlackBerry Curve 8900

RIM threw a curve at the smartphone market and hit one out of the park. The BlackBerry Curve 8900 proves it. Chock full of nifty features, this cell phone is a genuine power hitter. Sporting a fast processor, a full HTML browser, and 3.2 megapixel digital camera, this unit is a home run for sure.

The 8900 features a full QWERTY keyboard with easy-to-operate keys. Among them is a user-programmable shortcut key that launches the Voice Dialer by default. All keys have an ergonomic tactile feel and good backlighting lets you see them in dim light conditions. The number keys are highlighted in red, too, a nice distinction that adds to the user-friendliness.

It didn't have to blow up the form factor to achieve that functionality, either. This model measures only 4.2 in. high x 2.3 in. wide x a slender 0.5 inch thick and weighs a mere 3.8 ounces. Slip this phone into a pocket and you'll barely know it's there.

Despite the comfortable dimensions, you won't have to worry about the unit. Solid construction and good materials make this one of BlackBerry's - and therefore the industry's - sturdiest phones. Tapered edges help ensure reliability as they lend style.

Not only does it look good, what it displays looks good, too. The 2.4 inch LCD supports 64K colors at a healthy 480 x 360 resolution, beating even the well-regarded BlackBerry Bold 9000 (480 x 320). That's a big help when it comes to viewing the photos you snap with the superb onboard digital camera.

Using other media is equally easy. You can edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files courtesy of the included DataViz Documents To Go software suite. To create new documents you have to upgrade to the Premium Edition, though.

It also ships with an easy-to-use Calendar, memo pad, password keeper, voice recording software, and many other applications. Though nowhere near the power of, say, a Nintendo, you can also download and play any number of games.

The onboard browser is an especially nice improvement over older models like the 8300 line. The full HTML rendering web app includes RSS support and the ability to view streaming media, including YouTube videos. The onscreen cursor helps with navigation and the Page and Column options increase the usability manyfold. Zoom (In and Out) helps in numerous situations, as well.

Connectivity options abound. You can opt for T-Mobile's EDGE network or sign up for AT and T. You can also use the built-in Wi-Fi support to make calls across a wireless network and save on calling minutes. Sorry, no 3G support on this model.

You also get GPS built-in, along with maps and text-based driving directions from applications like BlackBerry Maps or Google Maps for Mobile. Real-time tracking is available via the optional TeleNav GPS Navigator service.

A truly smart player in the fast-growing smartphone market, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 might just deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.