GOOD TO KNOW:

• Optical trackpad navigation
• 3G capable, with HSDPA
• Blackberry OS version 5.0
• Extended battery life

Ever since I first picked one up about a year ago, I’ve been a BlackBerry fan.

This particular model addresses every single issue that I ever had with BlackBerry and completely reinforces the fact that it’s (highly) unlikely I will ever be happy using anything else.

It’s a smart phone (i.e.: not a dumb phone like the last phone I had to review), it’s user-friendly, it handles beautifully and I can do EVERYTHING with it. E-mail, web-browsing, social networking, blogging, chatting – and of course, those tasks that we always forget that a mobile phone is capable of, when we’re shopping for a new one – making calls and sending text messages.

This device makes use of the BlackBerry OS (operating system, just in case you’re confused) version 5.0, which when combined with a faster processor, makes for a very smooth user experience. The older version of the OS that I was used to on my Curve 8900 would freeze and hang quite often – but on the Bold 9700; I really had to try hard to get it to splutter even a little bit. The user interface hasn’t changed that much, and consists of an assortment of icons that let you access applications and functionalities via sub-menus.

3G capability is a seriously welcome addition, as I often get frustrated at the GPRS on the Curve. Web browsing on the Bold 9700 is quicker, although the standard mobile browser still leaves me unsatisfied.  The push e-mail experience is flawless, and often e-mails are delivered to my phone, before they’ve come to my inbox on my computer.  The battery life is pretty impressive too. I’ve gone from charging my Curve twice daily, to charging this Bold every two days – no complaints there, in other words.

If you were wondering if there was a girly angle to this device, it’s not immediately apparent but after fiddling a bit, you soon notice the small things that will make a difference for you, as a woman. First off, there’s BlackBerry Messenger that lets me chat with my friends (who also have BlackBerry devices) for free. I can send them pictures and voice notes as well – so if you’re like me, you can save a bundle on your phone bill.

It comes with full office and document-handling functionality – a Task Manager, Word To Go, Excel To Go and SlideShow to go – which is perfect for me, for when I’m out of the office, but still really need to get something done. (Here’s a hint: I’m sitting on the kitchen floor, typing this review on my BlackBerry while I supervise my Kid’s finger-painting expeditions, that’s how useful it is.)

It multitasks flawlessly. My favourite option on the menu? “Switch Application”. I’m always doing more than five things at once, and this phone is more than capable of running a few apps in the background and switches between easily.

To make my BlackBerry an even smarter smartphone, the first thing I downloaded was BlackBerry App World (which is the RIM app store), so that I could then download the rest of the apps that that turn this Bold 9700 into the ultimate power working-mom device. Syncing this device with my MacBook is easy, using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, which lets you import/export contacts and photos and to back up everything on your phone.

The 3.2MP camera is adequate, but doesn’t seem as versatile and as responsive as that on the Curve 8900. That being said, the flash works a lot better on the Bold, so I’m torn as to which I’d rather have.  

It’s the small things that make a difference and that make an existing BlackBerry fan like me, into an even bigger fan than before.  If you’re looking for a smartphone that can handle you, and your tendency to multi-task the f**k out of everything, you won’t be disappointed with the BlackBerry Bold 9700.

Turn ons:

• Keypad is slightly flattened, which is easier for typing
• Optical trackpad is a VAST improvement to the trackball.
• Threaded SMS-conversations make it easier to keep track of messages.

Turn offs:

• Camera not as good as older Curve 8900, autofocus doesn’t seem to actually work.
• Device takes an eternity to start up and run security checks, which is frustrating.
• Dedicated camera button needs to be pressed really hard before it works.

Overall rating: 4/5

SRP: R9000.00