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BlackBerry 8703e Review - Conclusion



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Noah Kravitz
Posted on Thursday, January 04, 2007
by Noah Kravitz, Senior Editor, Consumer Products and Services
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Conclusion

 
Editor Rating: 4.5
4 
4 
Conclusion
RIM's BlackBerry 8703e brings the latest in a basically unchanged line of mobile communication devices to Sprint's Power Vision Network, with the notable addition of integrated GPS capabilities.  While RIM now offers a plethora of BlackBerry models, with the exception of the Pearl (and, to a lesser extent, the other SureType-equipped models), the core functionality of the company's push email technology hasn't really changed over the years.

The 8703e makes the BlackBerry experience comfortable, thanks to a crisp QVGA display, capable processor, and roomy, easy-to-use QWERTY thumbboard.  Sprint makes the BlackBerry experience faster thanks to its EV-DO data network.  There are no frills here - save for the GPS features - it's voice, messaging, email, and Web, and all as efficiently as possible.

That being said, as a business device the 8703e is top-notch.  The handset is comfortable to hold and use and relatively lightweight considering the room its QWERTY board takes up.  If you're already on the BlackBerry platform and use or are considering Sprint, the 8703e is well worth a look.  It's bigger than the Pearl, but much more comfortable for long-term messaging use, and coupled with EV-DO data speeds it really just might unchain you from that office chair at long last.

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BlackBerry RIM 8703e Introduction & Design

BlackBerry 8703e in-depth review - Introduction & Design

IntroductionBlackBerry's 8700 series has been a hit with power email users who want always-on, real-time access to their email on the go.  Research In Motion initially released the 8700 in GSM-only configurations, but recently brought the handheld's roomy but compact form factor and big, bright display to EV-DO users.     The RIM BlackBerry 8703e for Sprint combines BlackBerry's beloved push email technology, QWERTY...
BlackBerry RIM 8703e Features

BlackBerry 8703e in-depth review - Features

FeaturesIf the Pearl was BlackBerry's foray into multimedia on a handset, the 8703e is their return to communication and nothing but communication.  There are virtually no multimedia features to be found on the 8703e, as music and video players are eschewed for a focus on flexible and speedy access to voice, email, messaging, and Web data.  One game, BrickBreaker, does allow for breaks from all that high-powered...
BlackBerry RIM 8703e Display & Audio

BlackBerry 8703e in-depth review - Display & Audio

DisplayThe 2.5" TFT display on the 8703e is capable of 320x240 resolution at 65,000 colors.  While this isn't quite state of the art compared to high-end multimedia phones, it's more than capable for everything the 8703e is meant to do.  The screen looks great in most lighting conditions, and an configurable backlight makes for easy adjustments. BlackBerry's user interface isn't going to win any awards, but it's not as bad as I...
BlackBerry RIM 8703e Messaging, Internet, & Connectivity

BlackBerry 8703e in-depth review - Messaging, Internet, & Connectivity

MessagingBlackBerry's push email system is legendary, and the 8703e delivers on the BlackBerry email promise with the added benefit of Sprint's high speed EV-DO data network.  Push email automatically retrieves your messages from the server without the need for manual connection/disconnection refreshes.  The 8703e can handle connections to BlackBerry Enterprise servers as well Microsoft Exchange, Novell GroupWise, and IBM Lotus Domino...
Alltel Wireless Offers BlackBerry 8703e with Wireless Broadband Service and GPS Navigation

Alltel Wireless Offers BlackBerry 8703e with Wireless Broadband Service and GPS Navigation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. and WATERLOO, Ontario - Alltel Wireless, America's largest network, and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced that the BlackBerry® 8703e wireless handset is available to Alltel customers. The BlackBerry 8703e supports phone, e-mail, messaging, organizer, browser and other mobile applications that work on Alltel's next generation high-speed Axcess Broadband network and supports turn-by-turn...
BlackBerry 8703e coming to Sprint

BlackBerry 8703e coming to Sprint

Sprint has announced the upcoming arrival of the new BlackBerry 8703e by Research in Motion (RIM).  Sprint will begin offering the new BlackBerry device October 1st, 2006.  With a new two-year agreement consumers can get the 8703e for $349.99.  The BlackBerry 8703e includes Bluetooth® wireless technology, e-mail, organizer, QWERTY keyboard, and integrated GPS (assisted-GPS). With assisted-GPS users can receive turn-by-turn...

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