RIM's New Curve 8520 Has Nine Unique BlackBerry Features
Research In Motion's (RIM) brand new BlackBerry Curve 8520, while a low-end to mid-range device aimed at first-time smartphone owners or beginners, packs a surprising number of BlackBerry features not found in any other RIM handheld. Here's a look at nine examples some compelling and some less-than-perfect.
CIO
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The BlackBerry Curve 8520 hit U.S. shelves earlier this week, and though it certainly won't send hard-core CrackBerry addicts rushing to T-Mobile stores to scoop one up--it's an entry-level device, meant for new smartphone users--the handheld actually has more "new" BlackBerry features and hardware tweaks than any other device Research In Motion (RIM) has released in a year.
I attended RIM's Curve 8520 launch event on Tuesday in Manhattan, and I've been using the device constantly since then. Here's my list of nine Curve 8520 features you won't find on any other current BlackBerry device--though some will no doubt make their way to upcoming BlackBerrys.
For more specifics on the BlackBerry Curve 8520, read: "BlackBerry Curve 8520: How to Tell if New Curve's Right for You."
1) BlackBerry "Trackpad"
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 is the first smartphone from RIM to feature an optical "trackpad." The new trackpad replaces the traditional BlackBerry "track ball" found on the majority of RIM's device since the Pearl 8100 was released back in September 2006.
I've only had the device for a couple of days now, but it didn't take me long at all to get used to the new trackpad. In fact, I really like it. I'm unsure of how durable it will prove to be, but RIM's intention in debuting the trackpad is to avoid many of the performance issues associated with track ball--dirty, stuck or impeded track balls are very common, just ask any BlackBerry power user. So I'm hoping the trackpad will stand up to the test of time.
(Curious why RIM chose to ship the new trackpad on its cheapest BlackBerry to date? Check out both the BlackBerry maker's official explanation and my own personal take.)
2) BlackBerry Curve 8520 Dedicated Media Keys
In another first, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 sports dedicated media keys: one button to Play/Pause music files or video clips; and two buttons for Track Forward/Previous Track.
The media keys are easily accessible atop the device. And as far as I can tell, they work well. (Note: Depressing the Play/Pause button for more than two seconds puts the device into standby mode.)
3) Display, Navigation/Call Buttons All One Surface
Unlike any other current BlackBerry model, the Curve 8520 has navigation and calling keys that are literally part of the display. The Curve's 320 X 240 display extends downward and becomes the Call Send and End keys, as well as the BlackBerry Menu and Escape buttons; they're all one single piece of plastic. The new BlackBerry trackpad, mentioned above, sits directly below the display area, set in between the Send/Menu keys and Escape/End Call buttons.
4) Curve 8520 A/* Key Gets Lock Icon
All modern BlackBerry devices feature a keyboard shortcut that lets users lock their keyboards via one key: the A/* button. Simply hold the A/* key for a couple of seconds and your smartphone locks up. The BlackBerry Curve 8520's no different, but it is the first BlackBerry to feature a lock icon on the A/* key.
