Review: BlackBerry Curve
Alarm
The Curve offers a solid alarm application. You can set multiple alarms with reminders and alert tones and even turn on a snooze button.
Bluetooth
Pairing with both stereo and standard Bluetooth headsets was no problem at all. Sound quality through both was good. The echo that we heard through the ear piece was not present in Bluetooth headsets. Pairing with a PC took several attempts, but once it was paired, we were easily able to send picture or music files back and forth. You can also export your address book from the Curve to the PC (or other device). You can also use Bluetooth the pair the Curve with a PC for an Internet connection, but it is painfully slow.
Calendar
The Curve's calendar is robust. If it is attached to an Exchange server, all the appointments in your Outlook calendar automatically appear on the Curve. If you are not using Exchange, the Curve's calendar can sync with your PC's no sweat so you can stay up to date with all your appointments and meetings. Any changes you put into the Curve are eventually reflected in Outlook whether it is via Exchange or syncing to your desktop. From the calendar application, you can send MMS messages inviting people to meetings, or providing them the basic information for the meetings. Each appointment lets you set reminders, add notes, set time zones and more. The one hitch we found is when traveling across time zones. The BlackBerry calendar system doesn't seem to be able to figure out that you're in a new time zone and adjust the calendar appointments accordingly.
Clock
A digital clock automatically appears in the upper left-hand corner of the Curve's home screen. You can alter the format of the clock setting, but that is about it.
File Management
Since the Curve is a smartphone, it offers a reasonable file management system for your media. You can set it up for USB mass storage mode to move files between the Curve and a PC. Using the media applications, you can choose where to store files (the card or the phone itself) as well as move things around.
Third-Party Applications
There are a host of third-party applications available for the Curve, such as Google's services or Yahoo Go!. The download and installation process is the same no matter what application you choose to install. Once an app is installed, it appears as an icon on the home screen. After it is there, you can choose to hide it or move it as with the native apps.
Et cetera
The Curve has a wide assortment of other productivity tools, including a solid voice-activated dialing system and calculator. It comes preloaded with TeleNav maps, a memo pad for taking notes, and a "safe" that helps you manage passwords. There is also a great search application that helps you find things on your phone.
Summer 2007
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BlackBerry Curve 8300
