Buying a BlackBerry Help (continued)

BlackBerry's are designed to work great with email, and most people are aware of this. You first want to consider if you are going to be using the device primarily for email, or mostly for media. ALL of the models currently offered do email well, but only the newer ones have the better media capabilites. In addition, all of the models previously mentioned do have media features, but the newer models work better in that area.

Again, here is a recap of the newest:

-Pearl Flip 8220: SureType Keyboard, with WiFi, no GPS, GSM provider
-Curve 8900: QWERTY Keyboard, with WiFi, with GPS, GSM provider
-Bold 9000: QWERTY Keyboard, with WiFi, with GPS, GSM provider
-Storm 95xx: All Touch Screen, no Wifi, with GPS, GSM and CDMA

These have newer and more capable operating system versions than their predecessors. Also, they have faster processors, with an exception of the Flip, which has the same as the previous models at 312MHz. The 8900 will clock at 512MHz, the Storm at 528MHz, and the Bold at 624MHz. The combination of the revamped OS and higher processor speeds allow the unit to work faster in general, especially with high-speed browsing, loading media (pictures/videos/music), saving media, playing media, and fast forwarding and rewinding media. There will be less lag time and a nicer, more user-friendly interface to work with. The Flip and Bold have 2 megapixel cameras, while the 8900 and storm have 3.2 megapixel cameras with AutoFocus. Of course, neither will take breathtaking shots, but it's nice to have something decent to snap a few quick pics with when you don't have your SLR handy!

As for the keyboard on the Storm, I am not a fan of a virtual keyboard, but it is certainly innovative the way RIM implemented this one. You have to click in the screen to 'press' keys. I prefer a tactile keyboard but many find they can type just as fast, if not faster, on a Storm or iPhone. The SureType keyboards are great, as they only have one or two characters per key, making the predictive text more accurate. Still, there will be some corrections that have to be made as you 'thumb' through those emails.

Well, that about wraps up the basic guide for buying a BlackBerry. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments. Also check out a great review at engadget comparing the Bold, Curve 8900, and Storm here: "BlackBerry Blowout: Storm vs. Bold vs. Curve 8900".