Review: Blackberry 8530

Are you ready for a new Blackberry? The Curve 8530 may be a good choice for you. The biggest change is the introduction of a track pad rather than the trackball that has caused so much headache for so many people. You simply glide your finger over the track pad and you are able to navigate the screen smoothly and easily. This is a huge improvement over previous efforts.

Another improvement is the out of the box Mac compatibility. For years, anyone with a Mac had to search for compatible software and then download it before they were able to sync their Blackberry to their computer. This labor intensive step is no longer required. Not only can you backup your calendar, contacts and apps, but you can also sync with iTunes using Blackberry Media Sync. Mac users will be much happier with this Blackberry than any previous model.

For those who are using PCs, don't worry. You have not been forgotten. It is as easy as ever to backup your files, sync your information or download media. The team at RIM has done a great job of keeping in mind that not everyone is a computer genius. The software included with the Blackberry 8530 allows you to do all of this by simply plugging your phone in and clicking a button.

The Curve 8530 comes with a full QWERTY keyboard and the size of the phone is very comfortable in your hand. It is slightly smaller than the 8300 series and much slimmer but does not feel cheap or flimsy in any way. The 320x240 pixel screen displays over 65,000 colors making browsing the internet or viewing documents, emails or pictures easy and enjoyable. The dedicated media keys are a definite improvement. Located at the top of the device, these keys make it much easier to control music and multimedia playback. You no longer have to fumble with the awkward on screen displays.

The 8530 uses 3G technology, so you can be sure to have the fastest connection available. It is used with CDMA and GSM service providers making it easier for you to find the phone with your current cellular provider. Of course price and quality of service depends on which carrier you choose.

If you are in an area where your service provider has poor signal strength, you can use the Wi-Fi capability to connect to the internet. This comes in very handy for those who frequently travel and never know for sure when they will have 3G service or any service at all. The Wi-Fi not only allows you to access the internet but also give you access to Blackberry Enterprise Server and Blackberry Internet Server so you will continue to receive important emails and respond to them just as quickly.

The built in Blackberry Maps and GPS feature make it simple to locate your current location or get directions to any address. This feature is far beyond what has been offered on even recent models like the original Curve. You can click on an existing address from your contacts and get step by step directions or do a local search by typing in any term like “movies” to find local theaters. You can even send maps via email. The Blackberry App World offers a number of GPS capable applications that can help you find any business, restaurant or other location.

Using the 2 mega pixel camera you can take photos, record videos and send them to friends via email, Instant Messaging apps or Blackberry Messenger. You can also download social networking apps so you can update your status instantly right from your smartphone. Every major social networking site has an app available and they are simple to download and install instantly.

As with any Blackberry, sending and receiving email is still the best of any smartphone available. Every email is instantly sent directly to your messaging folder or email folder. From there you can read, reply, file, or delete from your handheld or both handheld and mailbox. With the continuing improvements made by RIM, they will dominate the business world with this easy yet effective tool.

If you have never owned a Blackberry before, you will be amazed at how user friendly this new device is. If you are a veteran Blackberry user, then you will be able to move into the 8530 with no problems.