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BlackBerry 8800 review

By Mary Branscombe, 9 Mar 2007

Rating:

Price as reviewed:£289 (SIM free, subsidy price depends on contract) exc VAT

For years RIM refused to add a camera or memory card slot to the BlackBerry range, claiming businesses value the security of a closed device. While the 8800 faithfully drops the inadequate camera of the Pearl, it does feature a micro SD slot that can be disabled, stopping users copying data to it over USB from a PC or forcing the level of encryption if you do allow data to be stored on it. The memory slot is hidden under the battery cover though unlike the Pearl you don't have to take the battery out to change cards.

The 8800 is still a large phone to hold up to your ear, though that's no problem if you're using it with a Bluetooth headset, or as a speakerphone. The audio quality is excellent, for calls and for playing music. The voice calling works well; the 'convenience' button is assigned to this by default so you can turn it on without looking at the screen and spoken prompts make sure you're getting the number you want. Sending voice notes it a little less successful; it's very convenient to record and send a message instead of typing a text but until the mobile operators make it easier to receive an MMS from another network what arrives is usually a link to a web site rather than an audio file.

As well as business-oriented multimedia, the 8800 has the Pearl's multimedia player for music, video and pictures.

If your company hasn't invested in a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES), you'll be using the BlackBerry Internet Service for email and the Intellisync-based BlackBerry Desktop Manager for everything else. This has improved from earlier versions but is still a little ponderous. You can sync over Bluetooth or USB, but it's still a step behind the full over-the-air sync of BES - or Exchange with Windows Mobile devices.

GPS, micro SD storage and a stylish case are only new to full-size BlackBerry devices; there are plenty of smartphones on the market offering at least two out of three. Windows Mobile and other push email solutions that don't require the investment of BES are gaining ground and there's no HTML email or built-in document editing in the BlackBerry OS. But BlackBerry is still a strong business tool and the 8800 is the best business Blackberry as well as the most stylish.