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The best messaging/communications smartphone for AT&T and T-Mobile
- 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 models lack Wi-Fi and/or GPS
- Uses poky EDGE network (not high-speed 3G)
The BlackBerry Curve 8900 is poised to replace the 8300 series, but it's still no match for the Apple iPhone's multitasking functionality and powerful 3G network. Available on T-Mobile and AT&T, the 8900 adds a number of improvements to the 8300 including a 512 MHz processor, 3.2-megapixel camera and a high-resolution 480-by-360 pixel screen.
Like the BlackBerry Curve 8300, the Curve 8900 has a full, backlit QWERTY keyboard, a trackball, text and multimedia messaging, Bluetooth, and expandable memory via a microSD card slot. The slot is located underneath the back cover, but you don't have to remove the battery for access as you do on the 8300 series. The 8900 also features a video recorder, Wi-Fi and GPS. 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.
The BlackBerry Curve 8900 is supported by a 2G EDGE network, which is slower and less powerful than a 3G network, used by many newer phones, including the ever-present Apple iPhone. T-Mobile offers the HotSpot @Home service that lets you make unlimited calls over your home Wi-Fi network for an additional $10 a month. While EDGE and Wi-Fi are fine for calling and text messaging, they fall short of the faster 3G network for video streaming and heavy multitasking, which are a breeze for AT&T's Apple iPhone 3G. Nonetheless, the Curve series is considered a worthy contender by most reviewers. BlackBerry Curve models in general receive praise from PCMag and CNET for stellar voice quality.
CNET is the only source that reviews both BlackBerry Curve 8900 models - the T-Mobile version and the AT&T version. PCMag.com provides an in-depth standalone review of T-Mobile's BlackBerry Curve 8900, with detailed coverage about product design, text and multimedia features, processor speed, memory and network capabilities. User reviews at CNET and ATT.com round out the coverage.
Our Sources
1. CNET
Reviewer Cha "absolutely recommends" the new Curve 8900 for its "better design, improved features and faster performance," even though she laments its lack of 3G support. The review is accompanied by a video review and photo gallery. More than 60 users give it a slightly higher rating. Negative reviews primarily refer to poor customer service.
Review: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 (T-Mobile), Bonnie Cha, Jan. 27, 2009
2. CNET
AT&T's version of the 8900 gets a less enthusiastic review from CNET, because, as Cha notes, "unlike T-Mobile, AT&T has a fairly good stable of QWERTY devices." For 3G support, Cha recommends the Samsung Jack or the BlackBerry Bold, both available on AT&T. The handful of user reviews are mostly positive and concur with Cha's findings.
Review: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 (AT&T), Bonnie Cha, June 9, 2009
3. PCMag.com
Reviewer Sascha Segan says the BlackBerry Curve 8900 bests its predecessor, the 8320, earning PCMag.com's Editors' Choice as the best smartphone for T-Mobile subscribers. The 8900 packs BlackBerry's messaging power while offering increased multimedia functionality.
Review: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 (T-Mobile), Sascha Segan, Jan. 28, 2009
Like most professional reviewers, Todd Haselton dings the Curve 8900 for its lack of 3G support, but he also lauds its many offers -- "first-rate e-mail and messaging capabilities, a spectacular design, comfortable keyboard, and an excellent user interface."
Review: BlackBerry Curve 8900 (T-Mobile), Todd Haselton, Jan. 28, 2009
5. Wired.com
Wired editors call the BlackBerry Curve 8900 slick and sexy, but bemoan the lack of 3G support. Reviewer Jinnett also likes its high res screen and long battery life.
Review: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900: One-Up Barack with RIM's Newest BlackBerry, Maren Jinnett, Jan. 28, 2009
For its GPS, autofocus camera, good web browsing, and WiFi support, the 8900 gets a "highly recommended" rating from MobileBurn. Editor Oryl also appreciates its good call quality and attractive interface.
Review: Review of RIM's worthy new BlackBerry Curve 8900 QWERTY smartphone, Michael Oryl, Feb. 12, 2009
7. PC World
PC World offers a brief review of T-Mobile's BlackBerry 8900, noting improvements over the 8300, but stating that it's not exactly "earth-shattering." In the end the 8900 is recommended for BlackBerry users looking for an upgrade.
Review: T-Mobile Refreshes the BlackBerry Curve, Yardena Arar, Jan 28, 2009
8. ATT.com
Over 45 BlackBerry Curve 8900 owners submit reviews to AT&T's retail site for an average 4.5 out of 5 stars, though ratings are all over the map. Some users complain that the phone freezes up on occasion. Not all users like the trackball navigation.
Review: BlackBerry Curve 8900, Contributors to ATT.com, As of July 2009
