BlackBerry 8700v

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Features
The big hoo-ha surrounding the 8700 series results from RIM's switch to an Intel-based architecture. It uses the Intel PCA901 cellular processor, and boasts 64MB flash memory as well as 16MB SDRAM. This provides a significant speed boost, with applications loading virtually instantaneously. RIM also promises an increased battery life of up to 16 days standby and four hours talk time.

At its core the BlackBerry is designed for mobile business users, with its primary function being "push e-mail". Put simply, e-mails automatically get "pushed" directly to the handset, much like regular SMS text messages. The device allows for up to ten e-mail accounts to be running simultaneously, and supports Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP e-mail accounts. More specific information regarding how the Blackberry service works can be found in our review of the 7250 model.

Naturally, having convenient access to e-mail wherever you are is a boon for workers who spend much of their time on the road. It's also great for home office users who require some flexibility in where and how they work.

In addition to e-mail, the BlackBerry 8700 also offers full phone functionality. It supports quad-band GSM/GPRS networks, therefore allowing for seamless international roaming provided your carrier supports this function. Of course, speakerphone, smart dialling, conference calling, speed dialling and call forwarding features are all included.

Browsing the Web is painless thanks to the integrated full HTML Web browser and bright QVGA (320x240) LCD display. One would think that such a display would cannibalise battery life, but RIM has attempted to minimise this by adopting "intelligent auto-sensing technology", which automatically adjusts the LCD and keyboard lighting to suit the environment. It sounds like a marketing ploy, but it actually works quite well.

Unlike the 7130e, this BlackBerry can't be connected to a notebook for use as an EV-DO modem. Its GPRS connection was suitably speedy in our tests, however.

Finally, many typical PDA functions are present--such as a calendar, address book, alarm clock and To-Do list--but there's nowhere near as many third-party BlackBerry applications as there are for Pocket PC devices.