NetworkWorld reviews BlackBerry 8700g and concludes that e-mail options are what you’d expect from a BlackBerry – you can grab e-mail from a BlackBerry Enterprise Server attached to an Exchange (or Lotus Notes) server, or you can use the desktop redirector software and forward Outlook e-mails to the device (but you have to leave your computer powered on for this option). Internet e-mail accounts (Yahoo, Gmail, etc.) are also supported, letting you have one device for multiple e-mail accounts. The phone service worked fine, whether a regular call or in speaker phone mode. The Web access and browser was what we expected, sort of a ‘meh’ experience, but useful in a pinch. The main purpose of this device is to receive e-mail, and this it did admirably.
BrightHand reviews BlackBerry 8700g and concludes that “while it wasn’t a terrible experience, overall I didn’t find the Blackberry to be that much easier to use than any of the Pocket PC phones or Treos I’ve used. I can only conclude that the big draw of the Blackberry platform was and is the fact that it was the first to do mobile and “push” email well. Otherwise, there’s not a huge amount to recommend it over the alternatives. Most of the things it does well are primarily the result of having software pre-loaded, while the deficiencies can’t be corrected at all. Perhaps it’s just me, but I’d rather have a Treo, or a Wizard, or a Windows Mobile Smartphone over the Blackberry. T-Mobile’s own MDA strongly outclasses the Blackberry in most uses, including web browsing, document editing, and voice. That’s not to say that the Blackberry is necessarily a bad device, but it’s hamstrung in a few critical areas, making it a better candidate for email and simple web use than as a full-scale data terminal.”
ComputerAct!ve (dead link) reviews 8700g and concludes with rating of 3 out of 5 that BlackBerry 8700g has the good points of solid build quality, crisp display and good keyboard plus able to collects email automatically, while the bad points are expensive compared with other handsets and price plans and keyboard not great for those with two left thumbs. Overall, it’s a great device but shame about the exorbitant cost and lack of POP email support.
TopTechNews (dead link) concludes with rating of 4 out of 5 that BlackBerry 8700g which is available from T-Mobile for $299.99 after rebate, is an enterprise-class handset that is more than up to the task of fulfilling the needs of most mobile workers. However, those who like to access Wi-Fi hotspots while on the go should consider the purchase of T-Mobile’s MDA smartphone.
TrustedReviews (dead link) concludes with overall rating of 8 out of 10 that BlackBerry 8700 is the most accomplished handset that RIM has produced to date, but it finds itself balancing between two camps. On one hand it wants to be a heavy duty corporate tool, but on another it offers great features and value for money for the small businesses and individuals. I still firmly believe that there is room for two BlackBerry models – a corporate unit and a more consumer focused version, complete with camera, full Bluetooth functionality and even Wi-Fi. As it stands though, the 8700 is the best option if you need your email sent to your pocket.
