My quick review of the Torch 9850

[Invader3K]

Since someone in another thread asked, here is my quick review of the Torch 9850, which I purchased less than 24 hours ago (but have had quite a bit of time to play around with).

Background: The Torch 9850 is actually only my second Blackberry smartphone. I am a convert from the old Motorola Q line, which used Windows Mobile. I considered my Tour at the time a huge step up from my Q9C, and the Torch is a huge step up from the Tour. I decided to purchase the Torch yesterday, as I had found my Tour to be increasingly slow and prone to crashing and other problems as time went on.

Build/Styling: As many others have commented, this is a very sexy Blackberry. Very sleek, but it's somewhat understated at the same time. It feels very solid, and I personally prefer the grip in landscape mode. I do worry about accidentally dropping the Torch, due to it's sleekness. I will be buying a case of some sort very soon (the store I bought from did not have any in yet).

The buttons: A huge issue has been made by some over the raised buttons below the screen. I really don't get what the big deal is. They are not obtrusive, and do their job well. The touchpad is very quick and makes navigation a breeze, though I don't use it much due to the presence of the touch screen. On the other hand, I have found the convenience key on the right hand side to be troublesome. I have only gotten it to respond a couple times. It seems like you really have to push in on it to get it to respond. The volume keys are fine, and I like that they don't stick out much.

Screen: Don't worry about the plastic screen. I find the screen very pleasing to the touch, and very responsive at the same time. It does not feel cheap at all. Frankly, you could tell me this was glass and I would probably believe you. It feels that nice. Video playback is also extremely good. Coincidentally, the audio quality is quite pleasant. I haven't had a chance to try playback via the headphone jack yet.

Keyboard: This is one thing I was pretty worried about. I had gotten very used to having a physical QWERTY keyboard. I'm self-employed, running a business with multiple locations. Consequently, I have to respond to numerous texts and emails throughout the day. So far I have found the virtual keyboard to be very accommodating. I prefer landscape mode on the Torch. Portrait mode's keyboard is a little bit too tight for me. I think I just find holding the Torch in landscape much more comfortable as well. If you own a Playbook like I do, you'll probably be using the Torch's keyboard with little problem.

Camera: I have only played around with the camera a little bit, but am glad they included a flash and auto focus. I didn't use my Tour's camera a lot, but let's face it, sometimes having a camera on your phone is just handier than taking out your digital camera or whipping out the Playbook. Picture quality seems very sharp.

Call quality: I regret to say I did encounter one dropped call already. This happened while I was in my home office, which does occasionally have some reception issues. The other calls I have made have been no problem. Audio quality seems very good. Probably an improvement from the Tour, though that could just be my perception. I also used the Torch in my VW Jetta, which is equipped with a Bluetooth link. Getting the Torch and my car to "recognize" each other was not a problem, and they connected very quickly. The Torch so far has seemed to eliminate an echo which some people told me they heard when I was calling on my Tour, so that is a bonus for me.

OS7: Coming from the Tour 9630, the jump to OS7 has been huge for me, as the Tour was not upgradable from OS5. Using the Torch with this operating system reminds me a lot of using my Blackberry Playbook. The screen and graphics are very smooth and responsive. I have also encountered very little slowdown. Occasionally the "hourglass" clock pops up, but it's usually for no more than a second or two. Downloads via App World are still a bit slower than I would like, but this isn't a huge problem. Rebooting is also MUCH faster than on OS5. It literally only has taken me a couple minutes to do a battery pull, and then be up and running again. On my Tour, this reboot process could literally last up to 10 minutes.

Web browser: This browser is fantastic, and a huge step up for RIM. Pages load quickly, and pinch to zoom and text enlargement seem to work very well. I almost found clicking links to be an easier task than on the Playbook's browser at times. Everything just seems to work, and that's all you can want when browsing on the go. I was also able to easily connect to my home WiFi network, which of course makes browsing much faster.

Battery life: It is what it is. I would say that the battery life is good, but not outstanding. Being on WiFi or browsing media content definitely drains the battery more quickly, but that is to be expected. The battery does seem to recharge with good speed, at least.

Summary: I hope this helps my fellow US Cellular users. It is great to finally have another Blackberry option on the carrier that has the best coverage in my area. If you are looking to upgrade from an older Blackberry, my advice is to go for it. I'm thus far very happy with my purchase.

[brento]

As a fellow US Cellular customer I have been debating whether or not to grab this phone. I am a current Bold 9650 user and I worried about going to an all touchscreed device, but it doesn't appear the newest bold will be available soon if ever from USCC.

[trsbbs]

Originally Posted by brento

As a fellow US Cellular customer I have been debating whether or not to grab this phone. I am a current Bold 9650 user and I worried about going to an all touchscreed device, but it doesn't appear the newest bold will be available soon if ever from USCC.

Touch Bold later this year.

Tim

Sent from my BlackBerry Bold

[pvdiamon]

I've heard many of the old apps aren't yet working (updated) for it. Anyone finding an issue with particular common apps? One I heard that would be frustrating for me is Pandora doesn't yet work on it.

[Invader3K]

Yeah, Pandora doesn't work yet, but supposedly they are getting it ready. We'll see.

[iowaump]

Been a Blackberry user for work for many years, and do lots of emails and such. Switched to the new Torch and the touchscreen, hasnt been a problem takes a little bit ofa learning curve but no drawbacks. As fo rapps most of my apps that i had before transferred over and work like they should evne though they don't say OS7 compatiable. Been very surprised and well pleased.....

[hilgerone]

Originally Posted by trsbbs

Touch Bold later this year.

Tim

Sent from my BlackBerry Bold

Where did you get your information? I hope you are right.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[troubl3dman]

Don't hesitate my fellow US Cellularans, this 9850 is excellent I think everyone who DIDN'T switch to droid was reluctant because it lacked a physical QWERTY but take the tome to learn the virtual keyboard and be prepared to be blown away. What do u have to lose, if u don't like it return it before your 30 days are up, they have to give ur money back.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[brento]

I may just give it a shot. The 30 day trial period makes me feel much better in case I can't adjust to the virtual keyboard. I did try it in the store and thought that I could type very fast, but it's hard to tell when just typing one paragraph.

[brento]

Are your sources good? Timeline?

[brento]

I went ahead and got the 9850. So far so good. I didn't get a very good feel for the 9930 coming and I have asked in three different stores. That being said, I don't think any of the reps really know.

[john_v]

Originally Posted by pvdiamon

I've heard many of the old apps aren't yet working (updated) for it. Anyone finding an issue with particular common apps? One I heard that would be frustrating for me is Pandora doesn't yet work on it.

Originally Posted by Invader3K

Yeah, Pandora doesn't work yet, but supposedly they are getting it ready. We'll see.

Did you guys see that Pandora is available on the Pandora site now?

[kbz1960]

OP after this long do you still like your torch or?

[that_maynard]

Originally Posted by trsbbs

Touch Bold later this year.

Tim

Sent from my BlackBerry Bold

Still waiting on this one. Really want OS7, not sure if I can wait until Christmas for a new BlackBerry on US Cellular

[jheatBBtorch]

Hi everryone

I have the torch 9850, upgraded to the phone back in Aug when the phone first came out in my area. The op review is about spot on. It does take some time to get used to but the os7 and the phone itself is great. I now have the playbook with the os2 and an aftermarket keyboard. I bridge the torch with the playbook and with the new bridge i can use the torch as a mouse. Pretty cool!!! The torch is well worth the upgrade. I cant wait till the bb10 get released.