RIM Blackberry is probably not the first name that will roll off the tongue if asked to list some mobile phone manufacturers, unlike Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung and Motorola, the company has based its entire phone collection around its trademarked technology and now they are starting to see significant returns on that investment with other manufacturers now buying their technology from them to install in their own model phones.
Blackberry mobile phones were first released in 1999 by a Canadian company, RIM (Research In Motion), and focussed heavily on email features and solutions. Right from the start these phones were able to send and receive email wherever the phone could access an atmosphere wireless network.
Today things have come a lot further, the handsets are far smaller than they used to be, the first phones to market featured large and strange dimensions compared with other models available mostly due to the fact that they incorporated a new kind of Qwerty keyboard for quick and easy text input, the latest Blackberry phones are small and slim whilst still retaining the unique keyboard.
The newest release Blackberry phone is an exclusive deal with Vodafone UK, the new Blackberry 8310 Curve, it is a mere 15.5mm thick and weighs just 111g.
The 8310 features a 2.0 megapixel camera with built in LED flash, 5 times digital zoom and video playback and recording support. The 8310 follows on from the popular 8300 Curve but now offers some new technology and features, the 8300 was without a camera which was a bit if a problem for some Blackberry users so the 8310 is a welcome addition to the range.
The new 8310 Curve offers a fully integrated GPS system supported by Vodafone's Navigator that which helps users avoid major delays including bad weather conditions, roadworks and traffic jams on their journey, this advanced feature acts as a stand alone Satellite Navigation system would, with voice controls, journey planning, location selection and route finding.
To make navigation of both the menu system and GPS software easy, Blackberry have installed a Trackball button directly under the large screen that is multidirectional and can be used with the GPS to scroll around locations as well as quickly find menu options.
Other features include an MP3 player which can be filled by either uploading from a PC via MicroUSB or downloaded directly from the mobile internet via GPRS and EDGE for fast download speeds, music tracks can then be listened to either through headphones via a 2.3mm jack or a compatible Bluetooth device such as a headset or speaker set in stereo with Bluetooth A2DP stereo support. Bluetooth can also be used to connect wirelessly with other mobile devices for file transfer as well as connecting to hands free car kits for safe conversation whilst driving.
To compliment the handset's feature set, there is an expandable memory which can expanded up to a substantial 4GB, this extra storage space can be used to save photos, video clips, emails and attachments, music tracks and new mobile content.
The new Blackberry 8310 Curve is a powerful yet compact PDA phone that will not only serve busy professionals whilst away from the office but will help most internet friendly users quickly access their emails, especially those heavily involved with social networking websites.