If you have read my previous post here, you might knew that I was in the market for a smartphone. Well, I have decided and bought a neat smartphone – the BlackBerry Torch 9800.
Lemme be clear on this again. My posting is not a detailed review of the Torch 9800. If you wanna a review, you can click here, as Crackberry.com has a very thorough and detailed review of the unit.
The black box
You must be wondering why I have chosen this phone, especially that this Torch version has been upgraded to Torch 9810 (or Torch 2) that comes with BlackBerry OS 7. Honestly, this is more like an economical choice. Being a year older (Torch 9800 was launched on August 2010), the price has dropped from RM2,499 during launch date to about RM1,700 now (or even cheaper if you shop around).
Cherry red Torch!
I’m not too worried about the phone being obsolete and all, as I felt that the phone design and the BlackBerry 6‘s interfaces are still fresh and relevant. And getting the red cherry colorway really makes the experiences fresh and new.
My first BlackBerry - the Bold 9000
My last BlackBerry was the Bold 9000 (known as Bold 1 now), which I bought new in 2009 for about RM2,199. It’s a little special as the Bold is white, which is rare at that time. And for that, I have to pay RM200 more than the normal silver/black version. And at that time, being different is a premium in the sea of silver/black Bolds. And I’m the only one in the office (and among my non-office friends as well) that used my own set instead of given by the office.
Ahhh, the memories….
Touchscreen and slider keypad
Anyway, back to the Torch. I’ve specially picked the colour red to adorn my Torch, as red is my favourite colour. And red too looks awesome on the Torch (see it for yourself and get ready to be awed).
Full-sized BlackBerry QWERTY keypad
Since I’m really into QWERTY keyboards, getting the Torch is some sort of a no-brainer kinda decision. Don’t get me wrong. I simply adores the new technology of touch screens and can’t wait to have one for myself. So why not get it from both worlds – touchscreen and a keyboard?
I’m a bit optimistic as first to try the touch-type combo, but hey, the technology won’t wait for you. So let’s embrace the technology and use it now.
I’m imaging myself being a RIM designer and was tasked to create a new BB design. That’s would be a lot on my shoulder. That’s why I must applaude the geniuses at RIM for coming up with a product that people (or users) will like. I, for one, is in love with the Torch’s design.
Right side of the Torch
To combine the phone with a slider is very difficult. There are a lot of manufacturers that came up with slider phones before, but RIM has perfected it. The slider slides with a reassuring tiny ‘click’.
On the right side on the Torch, there are three concealed buttons (not exposed like previous models) – the volume buttons and dedicated shutter button for the camera (RIM called it ‘convenient key’), and the earphone 3.5mm socket.
Left side of the Torch
While on the left side, there’s only the mini USB charger/communication port, and this time it’s exposed (where normally on other phones, there’s a rubber cap to cover the hole).
The position of the charger port is a little weird, as for my previous phones, all of them have charging ports either on top of the phone or at the bottom. So, this is something to get used to.
Ribbed battery cover
Other than the slider and touchscreen, the other best part of the Torch that I like is the back battery cover. It was designed to be ribbed for easy gripping, and it looks great in cherry red.
Bundled accessories
My only wish is for RIM to bundle the leather case (like my old Bold) together with their packaging (charger, mini-USB cable, earphone and literature). It is sadly missing. What an obvious omission, and a stupid one on that.
Anyway, I like the Torch very much, and after using it for several weeks, I’m happy to say that RIM at least can partially compete with other manufacturers in the smartphone war. But I can’t guarantee that RIM can maintain the 21% share anymore. Buckle up – increase your processor to duo-core, higher RAMs, better camera, quality apps and cheaper phones.
I will write a long-term review (if you would like to call it that) in a couple of months. And I’m also looking for some leather covers or something like that, and would post an entry once I bought one. Stay tuned!
Pros: Cheaper price now; solid build; best of both world (touchscreen+keypad); stable OS 6; a lot more quality apps nowadays; BBM is a killer app; all telcos now offer cheaper BIS.
Cons: Start price of RM2,499 during launch is farking ridiculous; touchscreen a heartbeat slower than iPhones or Androids; no bundled leather case/cover; body is easily scratched; thick & heavy; long charging time; touchscreen sometimes freeze; long update cycle; need to reboot after every software installation (wtf?); battery-hungry; original accessories are expensive & not many around.
Me and My Nike Air Force 1 