1. andrewcjduong's Avatar


    After driving my a** off from Ottawa, I decided to drop by the AT&T store in Watertown, NY. Not knowing AT&T would actually have demo units scattered around, they surprised me. Turns out they had 2 working devices and one that's in the neon blue booth. Playing with the Torch was amazing. I found the touch screen to be responsive and quite quick through the main menu. I tried refraining from playing with the trackpad but I was so use to it with my 9700 and scrolling around was amazing. On the web browser, the cursor seemed so smooth and rolled around so easily. The pinch to zoom is great as well. While it's wasn't as smooth as the iPhone, it'll have to do, especially with all the new upcoming firmware leaks that RIM puts out, it's bound to get better.

    My first impression of the screen quality was "boy, what are they saying it's not good enough? Seems great to me!" then I decided to walk over to the iPhone 4 section where they had 2 on display together, and oh wow... So it isn't as great as the iPhone's "Retina" display, but are you really going to look that close? What I found weird was that all the apps and icons are now located on the home page with the whole Android style slide up to reveal all the apps thing. It didn't bother me too much but it was something I'd definitely have to get use to in the new OS6. Now what was cool was the menu that showed all the notifications. That again seemed like a copy of the Android but it didn't bother me.

    As for call quality, it was decent. I figured "Hey, not my phone. Mine as well make a long distance call" so I decided to call my paps in Canada. First call? Dropped... Now I can't say it's AT&T's fault. It could have been my fathers iPhone 3g on Rogers network in Ottawa... but I highly doubt it. I liked how RIM decided to put the sensor so when the phone was up to my ear, the screen would go black and be untouchable. Definitely copying the iPhone there... just saying. The dial pad was large, took up most of the screen which is expected and once I actually was able to get the call connected and stay connected, quality was good. As always. I put the volume full and there was no hissing or any nonsense. Good for ya RIM.

    Web browsing is UNBELIEVABLE. This is coming from a Bold 9700. YES! to tabbed browsing and YES! to pinch to zoom. Nothing beats the ability to have multiple pages open. I didn't have any problems loading any websites in specific. Some took longer then others since I was on 3G instead of WiFi and all data from the BlackBerry is routed through RIM's server to compress it. I also dug the options menu to find the clear history button that CrackBerry Kevin pointed out. It's true, this is a porn-addicts phone.

    Now as the keyboard goes, it's great! Better then my 9700, better then my previous 9000, and better then my previous 8900. It's about the same size as my 9700 and the keys are pretty much exactly the same, but you also have that clicky feeling that you get with the 8900 vs the Bold 9000 and 9700 where the keeps pretty much mushed down when you clicked it. That was just something that I felt I needed, the feeling of a good click. On screen keyboard was not as good in my opinion. Fat fingers = multiple letters pressed. It wasn't like the iPhone and it didn't have that good of an auto-correct either.

    I played with the Camera a bit and noticed the whole layout has been changed. I couldn't really tell how good the quality of the pictures taken were from just viewing from the phone but they seemed decent enough, at least comparable to the iPhone 4. Picture snaps were fast and it was true. The sport mode was pretty much like a screen capture. I didn't get to play long with the video camera mode but it seemed to be an improvement over the 9700's video camera, but still no HD quality. Not sure why they didn't provide an HD option, especially since the phone came with 4gb of built in memory along with another 4gb microSD card.

    The sliding mechanism was solid. It wasn't lose and didn't have those creaking noises or anything. Was smooth and perfect. Good snap back since I really hated some of those phones that don't snap back when you slide. I really like the weight of the phone. It's not too heavy but heavy enough to know that it's valuable and durable. That's not saying it can be thrown around and dropped, but it's one **** of a device. I'd say probably 1 and a half of the BlackBerry 9700's weight. Think about the phone as being a bigger Palm Pre and having a valuable feeling and not being light, cheap, and plastic.

    So what didn't I like about the Torch 9800? The fact that they got rid of the left convenience key. I used that everyday constantly for random things like Twitter or a quick access to BBM and they got rid of that. I don't see any reason why they would. Also, the charging contacts. They just took it away! I charge my 9700 daily, every night actually, and the ability to come home, throw the phone on the dock, and fall asleep on my bed was great. Now I have to shuffle for the USB cable, stick it in the small MicroUSB port and avoid tripping over the cord causing my phone to fall over and smash onto my hardwood floor? Just a big hassle for me that other's might not care of.

    So. As you can see. I have a small list of thing's i dislike about the phone which means I'll definitely be getting this phone. That 5.0 megapixel camera attracts my attention, the slideout keyboard is amazing and better then any other BlackBerry phone out, and the touchscreen without that stupid SurePress that the Storm and Storm2 had. Now I just have to somehow convince AT&T to sell me one without an account so I can bring it back here to Canada, unlock it, and use it with Rogers because I don't think I'll be able to wait till September or whenever "in a couple weeks" is.
    Last edited by andrewcjduong; 08-07-10 at 09:05 PM.
    08-07-10 09:02 PM
  2. VZWman1987's Avatar
    Decent review. I'm glad you found one to play with. When you say the on-screen keyboard lead to mis-typed words was it really that small or was it that you aren't used to the on-screen keyboard? I'm thinking about unlocking one, but want to wait for more reviews.
    08-07-10 09:13 PM
  3. andrewcjduong's Avatar
    Decent review. I'm glad you found one to play with. When you say the on-screen keyboard lead to mis-typed words was it really that small or was it that you aren't used to the on-screen keyboard? I'm thinking about unlocking one, but want to wait for more reviews.
    I guess it's just not being use to it. It's not small at all. In fact, it was probably bigger then the iPhone's on screen keyboard.
    08-07-10 09:16 PM
  4. VZWman1987's Avatar
    Also, did you check for an auto-correct option in the settings?
    08-07-10 09:17 PM
  5. andrewcjduong's Avatar
    Also, did you check for an auto-correct option in the settings?
    yup. auto correct was on. i guess it's on by default.
    08-07-10 09:28 PM
  6. juz1jose's Avatar
    I just left the AT&T Store, and had a look and feel of the Blackberry Torch 9800, I currently have a BB 9000 and think the phone is just great but most likely will never be upgraded. I found just a few real concerns on the Torch 9800, first the slide out keyboard's keys were very tiny compared to my BB 9000 I have large fingers and found it hard to type/hit the correct keys, the screen is too small and should have be 3.5 or 3.7, the slide out keyboard should have been in Landscape and not Portrait which would left lots of room for Good BB Keyboard. I agree with all other obervations and comment "Excellent Review" you made on the Torch 9800. I think it is a great phone, and if I can get pass the small keyboard I may get one. I will still keep my BB 9000! Juz Jose
    Last edited by juz1jose; 08-07-10 at 09:57 PM.
    08-07-10 09:41 PM
  7. andrewcjduong's Avatar
    I just left the AT&T Store, and had a look and feel of the Blackberry Torch 9800, I currently have a BB 9000 and think the phone is just great but most likely will never be upgraded. I found just a few real concerns on the Torch 9800, first the slide out keyboard's keys were very tiny compared to my BB 9000 I have large fingers and found it hard to type/hit the correct keys, the screen is too small and should have be 3.5 or 3.7, the slide out keyboard should have been in Landscape and not Portrait which would left lots of room for Good BB Keyboard. I agree with all other obervations and comment "Excellent Review" you made on the Torch 9800. I think it is a great phone, and if I can get pass the small keyboard I may get one. I will still keep my BB 9000! Juz Jose
    I guess it is quite small from a 9000 but from a 9700, the keyboards are almost the exact same and the clicking feeling of the 9800 makes it feel even better and more comfortable then the 9700 imo.

    I will agree the screen could have been bigger but I believe RIM did this because they wanted to keep the trackpad, enter, blackberry menu, return, and end buttons where they were.
    08-07-10 10:08 PM
  8. jcp007's Avatar
    Being a 9700 owner soon to be Torch owner, my expectations were exceeded in terms of performance and hardware. I can't wait to unbox mine on Thursday or earlier.
    08-07-10 10:12 PM
  9. Average Joe's Avatar
    Also, the charging contacts. They just took it away! I charge my 9700 daily, every night actually, and the ability to come home, throw the phone on the dock, and fall asleep on my bed was great. Now I have to shuffle for the USB cable, stick it in the small MicroUSB port and avoid tripping over the cord causing my phone to fall over and smash onto my hardwood floor? Just a big hassle for me that other's might not care of.
    Click the following link and look at the 4th pic down underneath the phone pics....an OEM charging dock for the Torch....

    BlackBerry Torch 9800 Accessories from OtterBox, Case-Mate, RIM | Accessorize Mobile

    Heres the pic:


    OEM Charging Dock for BlackBerry Torch 9800
    08-07-10 11:44 PM
  10. andrewcjduong's Avatar
    Click the following link and look at the 4th pic down underneath the phone pics....an OEM charging dock for the Torch....

    BlackBerry Torch 9800 Accessories from OtterBox, Case-Mate, RIM | Accessorize Mobile

    Heres the pic:


    OEM Charging Dock for BlackBerry Torch 9800
    yea that's pretty much the same as the storm. but it still isn't as good as the drop and charge contacts.
    08-08-10 12:32 AM
  11. sivan's Avatar
    They removed the charging contacts? Now that's stupid.

    Also not happy about the removal of the left convenience key. I know why, because newbs would grab the device and all of a sudden hear "say a command". I use voice dialing often.
    08-08-10 01:23 AM
  12. Average Joe's Avatar
    yea that's pretty much the same as the storm. but it still isn't as good as the drop and charge contacts.
    Ahhh...I didnt even notice that....i thought they were drop and charge...well dayum.
    08-08-10 01:41 AM
  13. dwadwa's Avatar
    They removed the charging contacts? Now that's stupid.

    Also not happy about the removal of the left convenience key. I know why, because newbs would grab the device and all of a sudden hear "say a command". I use voice dialing often.
    I will accidentally hit that even though I have used my Bold for years. I guess that would not be so much of a trouble.
    08-08-10 02:52 AM
  14. Najo's Avatar
    They removed the charging contacts? Now that's stupid.

    Also not happy about the removal of the left convenience key. I know why, because newbs would grab the device and all of a sudden hear "say a command". I use voice dialing often.
    Well I am sure that RIM removed it because of the need to sit in the above posted dock, not because "newbs" hit the key.
    08-08-10 06:24 AM
  15. BoldtotheMax's Avatar
    Awesome review! So makes me want to get one, just can't currently.... I will soon be messing with one and give a review as well, but pretty sure it will pail in comparison to yours....very nicely done!

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    08-08-10 06:45 AM
  16. andrewcjduong's Avatar
    Well I am sure that RIM removed it because of the need to sit in the above posted dock, not because "newbs" hit the key.
    Except the storm has the left convenience key and the exact same dock style as well.
    08-08-10 08:24 AM
  17. CDG's Avatar
    Does the 9800 still have the browser shortcuts for home, bookmarks etc, that the 9700 does. That was one of the reasons I am returning my Captivate.

    Thanks Much

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    08-08-10 08:53 AM
  18. andrewcjduong's Avatar
    Does the 9800 still have the browser shortcuts for home, bookmarks etc, that the 9700 does. That was one of the reasons I am returning my Captivate.

    Thanks Much

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    I believe it does. I pressed G and it went back to the page where you can enter the address.
    08-08-10 09:01 AM
  19. Najo's Avatar
    Except the storm has the left convenience key and the exact same dock style as well.
    And did this cause problems? I never had a Storm so I don't know, it was just a guess. Why else would they? Other than newbs hitting it on accident?
    Last edited by Najo; 08-08-10 at 09:13 AM.
    08-08-10 09:06 AM
  20. CDG's Avatar
    I believe it does. I pressed G and it went back to the page where you can enter the address.
    Thanks, I am glad. I never realized how much I like and needed the shortcuts, until I found them missing in the Captivate.

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    08-08-10 09:22 AM
  21. sivan's Avatar
    Thanks, I am glad. I never realized how much I like and needed the shortcuts, until I found them missing in the Captivate.
    Keyboard shortcuts are one of the reasons a fixed keyboard is an essential feature. If I have to slide out the keyboard to use a shortcut it's not much of a shortcut anymore. I'm skeptical about this form factor.

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    08-08-10 12:07 PM
  22. sookster54's Avatar
    Notice the deathgrip? then notice the 5 bar signal? Just saying.
    08-08-10 12:27 PM
  23. Supa_Fly1's Avatar
    Keyboard shortcuts are one of the reasons a fixed keyboard is an essential feature. If I have to slide out the keyboard to use a shortcut it's not much of a shortcut anymore. I'm skeptical about this form factor.

    Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
    No need to be skeptical. If you're browsing, most likely from the beginning you'll have the slider out, at least initially to type in the URL (until saved). Then again I'm sure the press-&-hold will be modified to bring up the keypad (on screen) or allow quick tap for thinks like calling up:
    Bookmarks,
    URL entry (on screen)
    Home - its always been there.
    etc

    when you have the device in landscape mode; taping the home touch enabler - issue resolved. Oops I just used "G" on my BBBrowser (I use Bolt mostly right now) and that screen on my 9700 is the bookmarks screen; again tap shortcut icon will most likely relieve any reserves you have.
    08-08-10 12:32 PM
  24. Steve Rizla's Avatar

    I liked how RIM decided to put the sensor so when the phone was up to my ear, the screen would go black and be untouchable. Definitely copying the iPhone there... just saying.
    Copying?

    This feature would be expected of any touch screen phone, no? Did Ferrari copy Ford when they decided to use round wheels and tires?
    08-08-10 04:47 PM
  25. andrewcjduong's Avatar
    Copying?

    This feature would be expected of any touch screen phone, no? Did Ferrari copy Ford when they decided to use round wheels and tires?
    Not all touchscreen phones have this feature. And I believe it's Ford that coppied Ferrari
    08-08-10 10:40 PM
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