BlackBerry 8703e 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 productivity.
As mentioned, the 8703e is Sprint's first GPS-enabled BlackBerry. The TeleNav GPS system works on the 8703e and provides location-based services such as 2-D and 3-D maps, turn-by-turn driving directions, and information on local services and attractions. The software worked pretty well, though I must admit that I'm fairly new to GPS systems and my first instinct was to get similar information from Web-based services like Google Maps, MapQuest, and the like. Of course, with those you have to enter your location information manually; GPS systems like TeleNav take care of that part for you.
In addition to the 8703e's Email, Messaging, and Web capabilities (which we'll get to in a bit), the device also features integrated attachment viewers that can handle most office document formats. I was able to view PDF files and Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on the device with success, though BlackBerry could learn a thing or two about user interfaces from a company like Apple. I'm not saying that business users need a fancy GUI on their BlackBerry, but it would be nice if intuitive actions like zooming in/out of a PDF using the scroll wheel were handled a bit more smoothly.
BlackBerry's PIM applications are also found on the 8703e. The calendar, contacts manager, to-do list, and alarm functions all work well. Each contact can accommodate multiple phone numbers and addresses in addition to email addresses, notes, and other pertinent information. The number of contacts is limited only by the handset's available memory.
Camera
There is no camera on the 8703e. RIM traditionally does not equip BlackBerry devices with cameras, true to their all-business design. The BlackBerry 8800 "Pearl" is the only BlackBerry to currently offer a camera.
Next: Display & Audio » Reviews by manufacturerVerizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, LG, Sanyo, HTC, Palm, BlackBerry, Sharp, Pantech, BenQ, Apple, Eten, o2IntroductionBlackBerry'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... 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... 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... ConclusionRIM'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... 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... 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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4.5
