Phone Scoop - BlackBerry Curve 8300 Info

User Review: Good, solid every day phone

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:21:58 GMT

imakethings submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Before the 8300 Curve, I owned an LG Vu (which I ended up losing). So I bought a used 8300 Curve.

===PROS

- Bright screen (great in the day time)
- Auto adjusting screen brightness
- Loud ringtones
- Small, light and sturdy build
- Great out-of-the-box software
- Email and SMS in one place
- Ringtones are great
- Signal and sound quality is great (AT&T in Minnesota, US)
- Good quality photo from camera
- Camera has flash (doesn't work that well in pitch black darkness though)
- Easy to get around the phone
- Email client supports IMAP and POP3

===CONS

- Battery lasts one day under heavy use
- Original themes suck
- No external SD slot
- Cheap plastic ring around trackball
- Sometimes there are short delays when moving around the phone (nothing to get frustrated about though as most phones do this).

All in all, the curve 8300 is a great phone. After using a crappy lg touch phone for 6 months, the curve was a breath of fresh air.

If you're into social networking (i.e, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace), this phone is a great choice. Everything on the curve is reasonably customizable and the community surrounding blackberry devices are second to none. You're never alone if something goes wrong.

If you want a phone that has great support from both developers and users, Blackberry is the way to go.

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User Review: Great Business Phone

Tue, 27 May 2008 04:10:10 GMT

precipice submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

Great business phone for corporate email and all around business use.
Pros
Size
Email integration
Camera
Music Player
PDA features
Nice screen and backlight
Cons
No Video
No G3 - Edge is slooow
No YouTube
Memory card behind battery
No WiFi

But, for everday business use, it is hard to beat. Might eventually updgrade to newer Curve models

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User Review: # 1 BB curve owner

Mon, 26 May 2008 06:17:41 GMT

rluv627 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

I have to say that i was always skeptical about a big clunky BB phone as in the past. I go thru alot of phones and yes i need all the gadgets because it fits my life style.
to make this short
Pros: Really to easy to get set up and going. As a former treo user this phone kicks butt.Emails and text messages are in real time and the camera is awesome. I honestly haven't used my expensive digital camera since I purchased it.
Cons:
Unfortunately the only dissapointment is theres no GPSS and Navigation in this phone but with a free google map downloaded it give's you a pretty close location of where you are.
summary it's a really good purchase overall over the iphone and treo

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User Review: The best phone ever!

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:45:38 GMT

Americanstud1987 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

Overall the phone is one of the best devices I have ever owned. I went from the MDA to the Blackberry thinking it would be a downfall. However, losing the touch screen and gaining the RIM OS has been wonderful. I really like the way the text messages are laid out as a chat so you can see the recepients responses as well as the senders. You can also sync with your computer which is easier with Blackberry Desktop. You can enjoy crisp pictures and screen resolution as you navigate the phone with a ball on the front. The internet lacks some and I hope they devise a way to surf the web faster and full web sites. The e-mail capability is magical as everything comes up as it hits your account. A must have if you are on the run or just don't have time check your accounts.

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User Review: Good, but not what I had hope for.

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 13:06:25 GMT

miteymitey submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

This is my first true "smart phone" and I've had my AT&T 8300 for about 6 months now. While it's an OK phone, Blackberry has some issues that I find quite annoying.

Pro's:
Good as a phone with decent call quality.
Fantastic display.
Love the trackball.
Very comfortable to hold and use, even one handed.
Great hardware accessories (skins, case, etc.)
Fantastic as an e-mail solution.

Con's:
My biggest gripe is with the antiquated BB software. The BB calendar, task and contact software look like something you might have expected in early monochrome Palm PDA's. Very, very limited in their utility. And it appears as though their primitive nature keeps after-market software writers from being able to present anything better. Either that or the after-market people are just as unimaginative as BB. I've tried after-market solutions to the calendar and none of them overcome the basic flaws. For instance, on my Palm TX I can color code types of events in the calendar. Just looking at the month view I can tell what type of activity I have scheduled for a particular day, and even see if there is more than one type of event for that day. On my BB calendar all I can see in the month view is that something was scheduled for a day. You have to go to each individual day to see what the event(s) are/were. In the Palm contacts you can enter a birthday or anniversary and it will show up on the calendar and send you a reminder. You have to use a separate program on the BB for that. You have to spend $99 to get an OFFICE type solution on your BB. Palm includes one.
And if you have any plans for using that SD Micro card for anything other than music, photos or videos, forget it. You can't put programs on it.
In short, in my opinion, the hardware is pretty darned good. The included software is stuck somewhere in the 1980's. I had hoped the BB would allow me to carry just one device. So far, No Joy on that wish.

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User Review: Great Blackberry Service - but POOR Phone.....

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:55:44 GMT

Austiniter submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 2.5 (out of 5)

I've been using Blackberry phones for a number of years, let's face it Blackberry service is great however their phones really lack in quality and workmanship. Most wear out very quickly (just a few months after ownership). I have had to replace way too many due to either bad software or hardware failure/issues.

PROs: Light weight, good clear display, voice quality is 'adequate' at best. Phone is easy to use.

CONs: EDGE Technology (why is RIM still using EDGE when everyone else is using 3G)? Speakerphone is horrible, very difficult to understand callers. Battery life is horrible and doesn't last very long compared to similar PDA's. Software is unpredictable and can stop operating whenever requiring reboot.

I'd recommend using a different phone and adding Blackberry Connect so one can utilize Blackberry on their phone. RIM really needs to put some craftsmanship and reliability into their Blackberry phones.

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User Review: Worst Phone and Cell Carrier !!!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:48:01 GMT

Deech019 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 0 (out of 5)

I made the switch to ATT because of the better selection of phones and rave reviews from countless research and customers. I am on my 7th, yes 7th, Blackberry Curve 8300 since August when I officially became an ATT customer. Each unit has been a nightmare. I haven't had one that has had full functionality out of the box. Problems include: frequent dropped calls, Internet freezing, inoperable volume rocker, stiff and inoperable trackball, random nonfunctional keys, icon selection software lag and nonfunctional headset jack.

When my 3rd unit went sour, ATT would not warranty exchange my unit even when I have one of their live in store reps speaking to them on the phone claiming that phone is swappable not "physically damaged". I resorted to writing a two page letter to the ATT CEO stating my issues. I was assigned a escalations representative who has sent me four units to date, I am currently awaiting my 8th unit, and have been cut off from further replacements due to the number of defective units they have replaced with another defective unit.

When I asked to be sent a different phone altogether, i was told i would have to pay for it as it was considered an upgrade. So i'm out $300 on the original blackberry plus whatever I spend on a potential new unit that may not work. I suggested that they credit me my $300 so i can purchase another phone like an iPHONE. I would pay the difference. I was informed that even if Apple CEO Steve Jobs called in that they couldn't do that.

Many other customer care reps were very willing to transfer me to cancellations rather than resolve my problems.

A close friend of mine has the Curve 8310 with T-Mobile service. He got his unit in October. He is on his 6th unit! It is clearly a Blackberry issue and the carrier customer service does everything but serve their customers with reasonable accommodations.

BUYERS and CRACKBERRY ADDICTS BEWARE !!!

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User Review: First Blackberry

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:20:41 GMT

jtc411 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

I am going to give this phone a 5 as I have never been more impressed with a phone than this. Everytime I think I have the best phone on the market I find something better.

Well this is different, this phone is unbelieveable

I switched from Verizon to get this Blackberry which I got free from ATT with the refurb discount and a coupon code. I was a litte worried about the network, but ATT isn't bad.

Pros;
Screen(beautiful)
Keypad
Reception is great
Battery life, holy cow i listen to music all day and browse the web and play around and still go home at night with a half of bettery(music is on ALL day at work). Very impressed.
Size, fits perfect in my hand.
OS(i downloaded the macberry tiger theme) the OS is quick and actually stable.
The media player is perfect what I'm trying to accomplish.

I seriously have no cons other than I wish it was 3g, but edge isnt HORRIBLE.

I cant comment on the camera as I havent used it yet.

Overall, I love this phone

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User Review: Should have went Blackberry Sooner

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:45:14 GMT

gdavid1 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

Went with a Windows PDA phone about 8 months ago and thought it was kind of slick when I first took possession. Well, after 8 months of "buggy use" and "buggy syncs" I decided to investigate some other options as I was growing tired of my "buggy", heavy and slow phone. I was actually actively looking for a more stable Windows device and was doing extensive research to find the BEST one out there. At the time I am writing this, it appears that the Moto Q world phone introduced by AT&T was the highest rated Windows mobile phone I could find for a road warrior like me. Through the course of my search I stumbled upon the Blackberry Curve reviews and the rest as they say "is history".

Wow. Light, feels great in hand. Downloaded latest Blackberry desktop software. Plugged it in and instantly synced with Microsoft Outlook. Perfect and seamless. Why is it the Microsoft based phone had trouble syncing with Microsoft software using Microsoft ActiveSync? E-Mail set up was a breeze. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have found a truly useful product, that functions exactly as I would expect. Call quality? Best I have owned so far (I have owned 20 or so cell phones). Great reception. Here is the best part, they are practically giving the 8300 away if you buy a refurbished one from AT&T (which I purchased online, and it was flawless).

The two best tech products I have ever owned: Blackberry Curve 8300 and a Tom Tom. I have written 2 reviews in my lifetime and one of them is in front of you. I am not a Microsoft hater at all. But, between Apple and Blackberry (RIM), Microsoft could do well to look at what really makes people want their competitors products.

I LOVE the Blackberry. Only one regret, should have done it sooner.

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User Review: Blackberry 8300 Curve

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:52:20 GMT

will54880 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 4 (out of 5)

I have had limited experience with Smartphones, the ones I have tried out prior to the BB Curve are:

BB Pearl (hated it, took it back in less than a day)
HP 6945 (loved it)

Anyways, onto the Curve

PROS

Great display (320 x 240)

Great camera (2.0 mega pixel with flash!)

QWERTY keyboard

Included Leather case puts phone on standby (I have read other reviews, and I guess not everyone received this with their Curve, but Dobson/Cellular One customers did)

Speaker is clear and loud

3.5" headphone jack

Call quality is great on Dobson/Cellular One network

Price

CONS

Blackberry OS. The application screen reminds me of a cluttered Windows 98 desktop (eewww).

Trackball is okay, but I would prefer a touch screen with stylus like the HP 6945.

No Wi-Fi, and no option to add it externally like you can with GPS

In conclusion, if the HP 6945 had a 320 x 240 display, and a 2.0 mega pixel camera, I would choose it over the BB Curve.

My 14 day trial is almost up, and I am still on the fence as to keep it or return it. Seeing the AT&T / Dobson merger was just finalized, I have been eying up the Motorola Q9m global and might go that route. I won't get a touch screen, but I will get the Windows mobile OS.

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User Review: Best Phone I Ever Had!

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 16:51:24 GMT

cellinator submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

I finally found the phone for me! This phone does virtually EVERYTHING I need. I use the Curve as a planner, address book, note taker, ebook reader (MobiReader), games (chess and BrickBreaker), and email (of course!). I have Opera Mini installed although the browser that came with the phone is no slouch! The reception is excellent! NO dropped calls, choppiness, etc. In the car, I'm hands free with the speakerphone. Even with the windows open in loud traffic I can hear the caller without any issues.

PROS
1) Great battery life. Also, charges very quick!
2) QWERTY keyboard can't be beat!
3) Great reception.
4) Loud and clear speakerphone.
5) Beautiful display!
6) Media player is excellent.
7) Video looks and plays great!
8) Versatility and multitasking. Listen to music while you surf the net, check email, etc.
9) Adaptive backlight. I can read the screen in the sunlight!
10) Music player pauses when you get a call. Resumes when you hang up!

CONS
1) No voice recorder to record straight to flash card. (Although a third party app took care of this).
2) No video recorder.
3) Can only fast forward music in two-minute increments.
4) SAR rating is high. The Curve is one of the "top ten" highest phones. This is why I use the speakerphone a lot so I don't fry my brain!

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User Review: New Convert

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 03:36:46 GMT

bmoner submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

Well, I must admit that I have been a windows smart phone user for the last 5 or 6 years. I have endured the Compaq IPAQ, the TREO and Samsung Blackjack but nothing has put my mind at ease like the Blackberry 8300.

I have used first generation blackberry technology in the past....the big blue clumpy nextel version and even had the Tmobile version but WOW this 8300 fromAT&T is impressive.

My girlfriend (soon to be wife) and business partner uses the Pearl and she convinced me to look into the 8300 after my Blackjack took its last breathe. I was concerned about the compatibility of products, what's on the market for blackberry users and further more, I thought I needed an enterprise server to enjoy the full benefit of the blackberry. Total opposite from what I thought. There are tons of apps for it and the email is seamless without an enterprise server.

Pros: Sleek, light-weight and easy to handle. Through the blackberry mail setup the phone can handle up to 10 email accounts, including gmail and yahoo. Crystal clear screen, easy to read and navigate. I also use it as a tethered modem to my laptop when I am on the road. Great media player and sound also excellent battery life. The back lite screen adjust to your lighted environment so fumbling through menus to adjust.

Cons: No WiFi, no 3G and you have to take the battery out to access the mirco SD chip. Trackball also sticks occasionally but hey....anything is better than the jogger wheel on the side of a phone.

Seeing as though my partner and I use high end technology and we are both very difficult to please in this area, I highly recommend this device over anything currently on the market.

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User Review: Truly Satisfied!

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:31:44 GMT

Norpino submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 4.5 (out of 5)

I used to own the Blackberry Pearl so I absolutely love the Blackberry Curve! It's just as I imagined after reading extensive reviews on this site/other sites. The Curve definitely keeps my life organized.

Pros:
+lightweight
+sound quality/reception (AT&T)
+very intuitive
+great organizational features
+high resolution screen
+decent 2.0 megapixel camera
+trackball easy to use
+QWERTY keyboard for texters
+battery life
+media player
+EDGE decent
+email capabilities
+expanded memory (mircoSD)

Cons:
-no embedded GPS (but not a huge deal)

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User Review: The Very Best Blackberry Has To Offer

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:47:32 GMT

jaskat submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

When it comes to cell phones I am a seasoned veterans. I average 3 cell phones a year. SO when I say that this is one of the best cell phones out there this is based on experience.

Pro: If you wanted reasonable inexpensive phone that can do everything that you need on a business and personal level and not feel like you are carrying a brick around that also has and excellent media capabilities for you entertainment purposes then this is the phone for you.

I would go so far as to say that this phones is just as good or better than the more expensive IPhone at a 3rd of the cost.

Cons: No Short Cut key to lock the key pad, have to go through the home screen icons. That is a small inconvenience for such a great phone.

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User Review: Blackberry Curve

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:52:05 GMT

VZMoney submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

I am an official Crackberry head. I used to have an 8703e with Verizon and when my contract ended I swtiched to at&t to get the Curve and couldn't be more happy. At&t and VZW have the same coverage in my area so I haven't noticed any difference in reception, dropped calls, etc. Even though the EVDO on VZW was faster that EDGE on at&t, for what I use my Berry for the difference is negligible.

Overall, I believe that this is the best device that I have owned yet with either company (albeit it's only my first with at&t, and I don't like the iPhone). Everything works like it should, no glitches that have annoyed me yet.

I know that there is an 8310 and 8320 on the horizon for those of you who would like WiFi or LBS, but for me it doesn't really matter.

The only thing that did bother me is that the first one I purchased was scratched but it was kindly exchanged for another one with no issues.

In conclusion, I really do like this device a lot. It does everything I need it to do and more. While I have never had a perfect device (and probably never will) this is as close as it can get for me.

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User Review: Blackberry Curve

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:36:36 GMT

Monkdizzle submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

Pros:
Spaced keys, a bit cramped for my fingers, but I test drove both the 8800 & 8830, & those should be the LAST RIM phones with un-spaced keys.

In West Mich, for whatever reason, EDGE seems as fast as VSW's 3G, + ref 8830 above.

Carrier coverage, phone & service plan pricing, as well as bundling with other services. Data plan with BB is over $15 less than other smart phone plans = $360 over 24 months.

Battery power & signal strength, I was surfing & emailing IN THE WOODS - ALL WEEKEND!

Bonus Pros:
Trackball. Coolest thing I never thought was cool. I would give up the red button on my ThinkPad for one if I could.

Software. You can scroll over a number in the text of an email & dial it. Are you kidding me?

Tech support. Clear, non-engrish English for tech support with little to no wait. Are you kidding me?

Camera, don't need it but it does take nice pics for a phone.

Fat Trimmings: Spare me the battery hogging 3G, (wi-fi = dealing with IT dept). No GPS, have you used cell phone GPS? Just get goggle maps.

Cons:
Software & Key size. The menu's are a bit confusing, but the help software has yet to disappoint & tech support took care of Gmail's simultainous use of the sent & in boxes (causes sent message duplication, easy fix with online filter settings.)

Camera protection. Note to mfg's - in general cell phones with cameras need protective covers. They're cell phones. Pocket lint kills exposed camera lenses.

Conclusion:
After playing with all the smart-type phones, I actually wanted the 8525 something bad. But then, instinct (& fear of Windows on something I need to be reliable) took over & I went with the Curve.

My previous phones include the fabled i1000s (back when Nextel worked), Moto E815 (3 of them) & several others in between.

But this phone has that something special that really gets it there. Synergy. The synergy of this thing takes it far beyond it's spec list.

In retrospect though, I almost want to doc a point for the name, Curve? Really?

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User Review: Back in Blackberry

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 23:30:58 GMT

mwo2616 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

After just returning the blackjack, and Exchanging it for the Curve, I must say that this is the most complete and awesome phone that I have EVER HAD!!!!!!! The Screen is incredible, the ease of setting up your email accounts, and the bluetooth connection just make this phone Great! Blackberry Desktop Software helps you transport music and photos to and from your blackberry! 2.0 mp camera takes good pictures, and the Telenav feature is DA BOMB! Sound quality and clarity here in the Dallas area is perfect! What more can I say????? I love this phone!

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Review: BlackBerry Curve

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 16:11:00 GMT

We just published our In-Depth Review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300.

(Follow link to read.)

User Review: Learning Curve.

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:14:49 GMT

Lie submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

I've never owned a Blackberry before. I'm glad I do now. This phone has just about every feature necessary you could ask for in a cell phone.

Pros:
- Unbelievable display. It's crystal clear. Equipped with light sensor to adjust screen brightness as needed.
- Thin and light weight.
- Very customizable.
- Battery life is great.
- Great media player.
- Blackberry one push button e-mail is fantastic.
- Good reception.
- Great call clarity.
- Nice camera.
- Trackball actually works out great.
- Edge is decent.
- Stereo Bluetooth
- Expandable MicroSD
- Countless options.

Cons:
- Alert volume can't be fine tuned. It has 4 settings. Mute, Low, Medium, High, Escalating. And frankly I find the Low setting a bit loud.
- No GPS or WiFi. But you can equip it with GPS with a $100 accessory. And WiFi isn't that important to me.
- AT&T doesn't offer insurance for their smart phones. That is a bummer. But you can't count that against RIM.

All in all, it really is fantastic. The unreleased as of yet Blackberry 8820 will solve the WiFi and GPS problem if you want to wait. But who knows at what price that will hit the market. I definitely recommend the leather case for the Curve. It saves battery life by making the phone sleep when it is in the case and wakes when you remove it from the case. This phone is a definite purchase.

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User Review: I'm in love!!!

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:11:06 GMT

vas729 submitted this review of the BlackBerry Curve 8300:

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

I have only written one other review here on phone scoop and that phone didn't even deserve the time that I put into it. I vowed that I wouldn't write a personal review about a phone again, but this Blackberry changed my mind.

I never thought that I would actually own a Blackberry device as they have always seemed marketed to the heavy business user. I did a lot of research on the Curve before and after it came out.

I love it. My only regret? Not buying it sooner. I didn't get it when it was released because I got rolled up into the iPhone hype machine.

Yes, I took back the iPhone, and finally got my Blackberry.

The device rules for these reasons:
PROS
The qwerty keyboard is pretty much perfect
The display is a pure work of art. Fabulous!
Texting and email is pure bliss.
Rim's integration of email is just wonderful
Incredible battery life
Lots of cool applications
Customizable beyond belief
Use any music file as a ring tone
Trackball is fantastic
Wonderful size

I could go on and on about all of the pros.

The only negative that I can think of is no 3g support on this model. But 3g is far from nationwide, and you can't miss what you don't have anyway.

Now I completely understand why everyone says "When you go Crackberry, you never go back."

It is the truth. I don't think I will ever own another device that isn't a Blackberry.

Why didn't I do it sooner???

My info:
Branded at&t Blackberry Curve
Edge at&t network
Using in the greater Pittsburgh area

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