BerryReview.com Giving Back to the BlackBerry Community

Review: The Slim BlackBerry Curve 9310 From boostmobile

Posted: 06 Aug 2012 06:58 PM PDT

RIM has a BlackBerry for every market with existing devices, and in the case of the BlackBerry curve line it hasn't been as popular with carriers in the US for the last couple of years. The curve line that RIM has re-launched is now looking at the prepaid market. The 9310 is a lower end device that takes you back to the popular 83xx series in a slimmer, and stylish design. RIM has released other versions of this device in the Asian market, but here in the US RIM has partnered with boostmobile, and Verizon to introduce these line of devices in the US market.

Packaging: I am used to the neat designed square boxes that RIM ships their devices; With the BlackBerry 9310 RIM and boostmobile have a new box that looks rather different than what you expect to see. This new box is bright orange, and features a flip open tab that showcases the devices, and as well as the specs, and features of the device. In the box you will find the normal accessories you will expect to find, a micro USB for pc which also connects to the wall charger. You can will also find a set of 3.5mm head set. One main difference I found is the wall charger is somewhat bigger than the one found with other devices like the 9900.

SPECS & Features:

Key Features:

OS 7.1
Slim, stylish design with 3G connectivity
Dedicated BBM key
BlackBerry 7.1 OS which supports the full complement of BlackBerry services
FM Radio
3.2MP camera with flash and video
GPS
Parental Controls
Best in class QWERTY keyboard for quick and easy typing
Longest lasting battery yet in a 3G Curve model
8 hours talk time, 18 days standby time
Built-in Wi-Fi® 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b
Bluetooth
Colors – Black/Gray
Primary orientation – Portrait
LED Flash

Device design: I mentioned earlier the 9310 reminds me of the 83xx series, maybe a blend of the 83xx and the 8900 when you look at it. This device differs a bit from the most recent devices in the curve line. The 9310 feels really nice in your hands because it is lightweight, and features a smooth curved back. The device is small enough that it does not feel uncomfortable in your jean pockets. One difference with these device compared to other high-end devices is the raised BlackBerry buttons next to the trackpad.

FM Radio: The BlackBerry 9310 features an FM radio that allows you to tune-in to your favorite local radio stations using your headphones. The cool thing about this is that it does not required a data plan because the device tunes in to the radio airwaves to pick up local stations through the built in FM radio. This means you can still listen to the radio anywhere even if data connectivity is not available.

Dedicated BBM Button:

RIM did away with the left side convenience key with the recent devices, and found a new creative way to introduce it back with the 9310 through a dedicated BBM button, and yes this can be changed to a different option, so you can technically set it for other apps such as voice controlled apps. Though RIM even named the button BBM next to it Smile .

Pros:

Overall the device is comfortable to use and is light weight combined with a low monthly plan, and a decent camera that snaps good pictures to share via twitter, Facebook, etc. You really can't go wrong if you are in a budget and want to stay connected with a device that does both social, and emailing.

Cons:

The device is somewhat compact so somebody with big thumbs may find it a bit uncomfortable at fist to type on it. After a while you get used to it, specially if you memorize the keyboard since it is the same keyboard style RIM is known for. Also, the device is CDMA only so you can only use it on CDMA carriers because it does not have a spot for a SIM card.

Pricing:

With this device RIM is gunning for the prepaid market, with a price of only $99.00 on a 2yr contract but it gets even better if you enter the code 25off at check out you get the device for only $74.99 from the boostmobile website. The plan also is at the low end, with unlimited BlackBerry at $45.00 with the option to shrink your bill by $5.00 each time you make your payments on time to a low $30.00 a month.