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BlackBerry Curve 8300 series
The best BlackBerry for Alltel and MetroPCS
- Superb full QWERTY keypad
- Excellent push email and data syncing
- Expandable memory
- Newer models have Wi-Fi connectivity
- Good call quality
- Doesn't render HTML email
- Sluggish web browser
- Some versions don't have Wi-Fi or GPS
- Uses poky EDGE network (not high-speed 3G)
The BlackBerry Curve 8300 series, which debuted in 2007, has consistently held its ground among reviewers and users as a serious business tool, with editors at MobileTechReview.com saying that BlackBerry devices "have the undisputed advantage in push email and corporate backend email integration." The Curve combines this messaging power with great ergonomic design and ever-improving multimedia features. The new Curve 8900 (reviewed separately) is poised to replace the 8300 series, but it's still no match for the Apple iPhone's multitasking functionality and fast 3G network.
The Curve 8300 series has had five successive models -- the 8300, 8310, 8320, 8330 and 8350i -- with each packing improvements. Compared to other BlackBerry devices, the Curve is closest to the 8800, but shares some features with the Pearl. The Curve is thicker than the stylish Pearl and has a full QWERTY keyboard, while packing the messaging support of the business-oriented 8800 plus the added benefit of a camera and cheaper price tag. All of the current Curve models use the EDGE network rather than high-speed 3G networks, which means slower web browsing.
The Curve 8300 models have full, backlit QWERTY keyboards, a 2-megapixel camera, a trackball, text and multimedia messaging, Bluetooth, a minimum 64 MB of flash memory and an expandable memory via a microSD card slot. All but the 8350i have 2.5-inch screens; the push-to-talk capable 8350i has a 2.4-inch screen. Push email and corporate integration are the Curve's strong suit, and the new BlackBerry OS 4.6 supports multiple document types and editing. However, the Curve can't render HTML emails without a third-party application, a definite drawback among reviewers. The web browser, is said to be slow-loading and hindered by fractured page rendering. According to PCMag.com, the browser is "not nearly as good" as those on the iPhone 3G, Nokia handsets or HTC G1 Android.
Differences exist among the Curve 8300 series models, and slight as they may be, they are worth consideration. For instance, only the 8330 and 8350i have a video recorder. Likewise, the 8350i is the sole model to offer push-to-talk functionality. If you want GPS, four options are available -- the 8310, 8330 and 8350i. But if you need both GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities, you're limited to the 8320 and 8350i. And while all have a minimum four hours of talk time, the average 17-day standby battery life drops 11 days on the 8330 and 7 days on the 8350i.
The individual Curve models are generally exclusive to specific carriers, at least initially. The 8310 is available only at AT&T, while Sprint is the sole carrier for the 8350i. The BlackBerry 8320 is available for AT&T and T-Mobile, while the 8330 is offered at multiple service providers -- Sprint, Verizon, U.S. Cellular and MetroPCS -- but each carrier has varying levels of network support and software for the devices. Prices for the handhelds and service plans differ as well.
Sprint has the lowest price for the 8330 (*est. $100 with contract) and one of the most affordable flat-rate plans on the market. Sprint's network supports EVDO, GPS, Sprint TV and over-the-air music downloads but not Wi-Fi. At Verizon, the 8330 costs nearly 50 percent more (*est. $150 with contract) and the plans are also more expensive. While call quality and coverage are top-notch, there's no access to Verizon's V Cast music and video. And at U.S. Cellular, the 8330 carries the highest price tag even though its network doesn't support GPS or Wi-Fi. MetroPCS, a prepaid carrier, offers the BlackBerry Curve 8330 (*Est $400) and it's compatible with their $50 unlimited plan. The MetroPCS Curve 8330 is not available in all of the carrier's markets, however - check the MetroPCS website for details.
The Curve 8300 series is considered a worthy contender by most reviewers. Multiple versions of the 8230 and 8330 have all nabbed editor awards at PCMag.com, Laptop Magazine, CNET and PC World. BlackBerry Curve models in general frequently receive praise from PCMag and CNET for stellar voice quality.
CNET and PCMag.com provide the most in-depth standalone reviews of individual BlackBerry Curve models and carriers, with detailed coverage about product design, text and multimedia features, processor speed, memory and network capabilities. MobileTechReview.com, Laptop Magazine and TopTenReviews.com look at some of the differences among the models in the Curve series. User reviews from CNET and Amazon round out the coverage.
Our Sources
1. CNET
CNET's Cha calls the Curve 8330 a "a nice compromise between the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and the RIM BlackBerry 8830," although she's "slightly miffed" that Verizon does not offer V Cast multimedia support. Over a hundred users chime in, giving the 8330 the same high score. Separate reviews cover the Curve 8320 and 8310.
Review: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Verizon Wireless), Bonnie Cha, May 20, 2008
2. PCMag.com
The 8330 is a favorite at PCMag.com, with Lendino praising its ease of use, excellent messaging support and improved multimedia functionality. The 8330 garners PCMag's Editors' Choice across three carriers -- Sprint, Verizon and Alltel.
Review: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Sprint), Jamie Lendino, May 22, 2008
The BlackBerry 8330 and 8310 receive Editors' Choice awards from Laptop Magazine for good call quality and sleek design. Cons for both are the placement of the microSD slot, which is located behind the battery.
Review: BlackBerry Smart Phone Reviews, Editors of Laptop Magazine, As of July 2009
Berne applauds the BlackBerry Curve 8330 for its extensive messaging capabilities, and Sprint for offering "loads of useful software" He also praises its excellent battery life, but is not impressed with its web browser or camera.
Review: Untitled, Philip Berne, May 23, 2008
Editors say the 8350i -- the sole smartphone in the BlackBerry Curve lineup with versatile push-to-talk capability, GPS and Wi-Fi -- is a great phone choice for the industrial, construction and public safety sectors.
Review: BlackBerry Curve 8350i, Editors of TopTenReviews.com
6. About.com
Cassavoy compares four BlackBerry devices -- the Curve, Bold, Pearl and Storm -- along with the services and support provided by AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon. (Note: ConsumerSearch and About.com share a parent company, but don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Before You Buy a BlackBerry Smartphone, Liane Cassavoy
In this roundup of Apple iPhone alternatives, reviewer Jeff Bertloucci notes that the Curve 8320 is easy to use but lacks the "fun factor" of smartphones like the Apple iPhone.
Review: The iPhone Challengers, Jeff Bertloucci, Jan. 2008
8. Amazon.com
The BlackBerry Curve, in its many different iterations gets a handful of reviews on Amazon.com. Each model gets an average at 4 or 5 out of 5 stars, but no one model gets more than 30 or so reviews.
Review: BlackBerry Curve, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of July 2009
