BB Onyx aka 9700 aka Bold 2

[Charlyee]

I picked up the 9700 on Wednesday of last week, I was initially very frustrated with it and returned the same day in about 4 hours.

I then got yelled by my buddy Joe (josephd) for being impatient and not giving it a chance, huh!!! talk about the *pot calling the kettle blacK*

So I picked another one up on Thursday and have been playing with it ever since and getting addicted. Being a BB newbie it is rather hard for me to do a review of the functionality of the OS, so I will do a general mini review until I get better at it.

Pros:

• Reception & Call quality
  BB App World
  Battery Life
  Screen
  Camera
  Messaging

I have not found any cons yet, just my frustration in not being able to get away from the WM way of doing things.

AT&T gave me the unlock code right over the phone & it is now unlocked.

Here are some screen shots.

1. Wap Site
2. Bloomberg Financial
3. Weather Bug(Radar/ Map option)
4. Front Screen

[Jay2TheRescue]

WM is totally different on the new phones anyway. I've had to relearn a lot since I've picked up the Pure.

[Gamer03]

Originally Posted by Charlyee So I picked another one up on Thursday and have been playing with it ever since and getting addicted. Being a BB newbie it is rather hard for me to do a review of the functionality of the OS, so I will do a general mini review until I get better at it.

Nice mini review Charlyee. I am glad that you gave it another chance. Once you get used to BB it is rather nice. In my experience, Blackberry devices (the Bold and Storm in my case) where especially good at holding onto a signal even if you were in a weak signal area. What screenshot BB program are you using?

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue WM is totally different on the new phones anyway. I've had to relearn a lot since I've picked up the Pure.

I agree with you Jay. This is especially true if you put "cooked" WM 6.5 ROMs on your device (VZW TP2 in my case).

[josephd]

Originally Posted by Charlyee I picked up the 9700 on Wednesday of last week, I was initially very frustrated with it and returned the same day in about 4 hours. I then got yelled by my buddy Joe (josephd) for being impatient and not giving it a chance, huh!!! talk about the *pot calling the kettle blacK* So I picked another one up on Thursday and have been playing with it ever since and getting addicted. Being a BB newbie it is rather hard for me to do a review of the functionality of the OS, so I will do a general mini review until I get better at it. Pros: Reception & Call quality BB App World Battery Life Screen Camera Messaging I have not found any cons yet, just my frustration in not being able to get away from the WM way of doing things. AT&T gave me the unlock code right over the phone & it is now unlocked. Here are some screen shots. 1. Wap Site 2. Bloomberg Financial 3. Weather Bug(Radar/ Map option) 4. Front Screen

Nice mini review charlyee, AND WHEN DID I YELL AT YOU??! Oh and don't be fresh.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by Gamer03 Nice mini review Charlyee. I am glad that you gave it another chance. Once you get used to BB it is rather nice. In my experience, Blackberry devices (the Bold and Storm in my case) where especially good at holding onto a signal even if you were in a weak signal area. What screenshot BB program are you using?.

Thanks Gamer, I am using CaptureIt, it is a basic program that does the job well.

Originally Posted by josephd Nice mini review charlyee, AND WHEN DID I YELL AT YOU??! Oh and don't be fresh.

Thanks Joe, you are funny.


I was rather pleasantly surprised to realize that the BB has the same chat style messaging that the Palm OS did and it got as far as the 750 but didn't carry over to the Pro. I have always been partial to this style, so that's a plus.

[josephd]

Originally Posted by Charlyee Thanks Gamer, I am using CaptureIt, it is a basic program that does the job well. Thanks Joe, you are funny. I was rather pleasantly surprised to realize that the BB has the same chat style messaging that the Palm OS did and it got as far as the 750 but didn't carry over to the Pro. I have always been partial to this style, so that's a plus.

I like that as well Charlyee, I also like the pin to pin messaging feature that BB's have.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Originally Posted by Gamer03 I agree with you Jay. This is especially true if you put "cooked" WM 6.5 ROMs on your device (VZW TP2 in my case).

I will get a cooked ROM for the Pure, I just haven't decided on which one to get yet.

[Gamer03]

Originally Posted by Charlyee Thanks Gamer, I am using CaptureIt, it is a basic program that does the job well. Thanks Joe, you are funny. I was rather pleasantly surprised to realize that the BB has the same chat style messaging that the Palm OS did and it got as far as the 750 but didn't carry over to the Pro. I have always been partial to this style, so that's a plus.

I am glad that you found a good basic capture program. I never used one when I had a BB. That is nice to have chat style messaging. My TP2 has this and I have always been partial to that style too.

[Gamer03]

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue I will get a cooked ROM for the Pure, I just haven't decided on which one to get yet.

I am using MightyROM. It has WM 6.5 and Manila 2.1.

[viewfly]

I'll be picking up a BB 9700 from ATT for a present in the next week or two...I can do a side by side comparison with the iPhone.

Congrats Charlyee.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by viewfly I'll be picking up a BB 9700 from ATT for a present in the next week or two...I can do a side by side comparison with the iPhone. Congrats Charlyee.

Couldn't talk them into an iPhone?

Now why would you want to do that, since that will be like comparing Apples to Oranges, or more precisely Apples to Berries.

Thanks for the congrats, I am very much enjoying it.
BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

[viewfly]

Originally Posted by Charlyee Couldn't talk them into an iPhone? Now why would you want to do that, since that will be like comparing Apples to Oranges, or more precisely Apples to Berries. Thanks for the congrats, I am very much enjoying it. BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

I've never really try to sell anyone on getting an iPhone, neither here or with friends. I just tell them the reasons I like it , when asked. Or defend it's features when challenged.

In this particular case, the person has an iPhone already(1.5yrs), but wants both. It is pretty easy to switch back and forth, one only needs to inform ATT to move the data plan over, which is just a phone call. Another reason is that, unfortunately, Lotus Notes is not supported well yet, or at all on the iPhone, and that is needed due to a job situation.

BTW, should be picking up the 9700 today. Have you had any problems with sticky keys, in particular the SEND key? I read this complaint on a few forums.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by viewfly Have you had any problems with sticky keys, in particular the SEND key? I read this complaint on a few forums.

I have had zero problems with anything on the phone, it is very well made and handles very well.

My biggest frustration with it is I have not been able to lock it up in a week's worth of constatntly playing with it and downloading applications.

[viewfly]

Originally Posted by Charlyee I have had zero problems with anything on the phone, it is very well made and handles very well. My biggest frustration with it is I have not been able to lock it up in a week's worth of constatntly playing with it and downloading applications.

So what is your favorite browser for the 9700? Opera?

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by viewfly So what is your favorite browser for the 9700? Opera?

I haven't tried anything but the native browser. I have stayed with native browsers for all my WM phones, I believe 6131 was the last time I used opera.

At some point I will look into other browsers available but for right now, I am quite content.
BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

[josephd]

Originally Posted by Charlyee I haven't tried anything but the native browser. I have stayed with native browsers for all my WM phones, I believe 6131 was the last time I used opera. At some point I will look into other browsers available but for right now, I am quite content. BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

I personally do not care for Opera, I have it on my Curve for some of my links that open differently on the phones browser. But I am hoping the web browser on the 9700 is of some improvement over previous BB's.

[budney]

Nice little review Charlyee!

Can't wait to hear more about it. This phone would be my choice if I switched to AT&T today. I just don't know if I could get used to the settings menus. Trying to help my mom when she had a Curve was a nightmare for me. But the phone was very stable, had great RF, and sound quality.

[josephd]

Budney, the settings and menu can be a bit of a nail biter to learn and adjust to, that is why I asked Charlyee to be patient. If I can figure it out, she certainly can, BB's are known to have great RF call and build quality, with a very stable OS. I am very happy with my BB, and intend to upgrade to the 9700 after the holidays, if AT&T let's me.

[viewfly]

Picked up the BB 9700 on Weds for a family member. Nicest phone BB has made in the series, IMO. Nice screen.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by budney Nice little review Charlyee! Can't wait to hear more about it. This phone would be my choice if I switched to AT&T today. I just don't know if I could get used to the settings menus. Trying to help my mom when she had a Curve was a nightmare for me. But the phone was very stable, had great RF, and sound quality.

Thanks budney

Originally Posted by josephd Budney, the settings and menu can be a bit of a nail biter to learn and adjust to, that is why I asked Charlyee to be patient. If I can figure it out, she certainly can, BB's are known to have great RF call and build quality, with a very stable OS. I am very happy with my BB, and intend to upgrade to the 9700 after the holidays, if AT&T let's me.

Thanks buddy, I couldn't have done it without your help

Continuing on......

Pros:

Stable OS - I have had as many as 10 applications open without any problems.
Camera - It has a flash and is a two step operation like a standard digital cameras, the picture quality is great also.
Keyboard - the keys although small, are shaped for easy usage.
Fast and smooth switching between applications.
Smooth integration with WiFi
GPS - extremely accurate, my location is within 10 meters or less, gets a fix very quickly,
Screen - adjusts according to ambient lighting.
Easy of downloading & installing additional applications
Messaging - probably the strongest point in any BB, but it is phenomenal for me, specially the many shortcuts that make typing a breeze.
Great built quality and choice of material.


Cons:
I cannot seem to make some Mobile friendly websites accept the set minimum font size, maybe more of my not knowning how to.


The device came with a 2GB micro SD card which was a plesant surprise.

Finally on a personal note - kudos and thanks to RIM, for manufacturing the devices for North America in NA, and not getting them made in China for a few extra bucks of profit, ignoring the autrocious manufacturing conditions there (yes I have personal knowledge of this).

[josephd]

Originally Posted by Charlyee Thanks budney Thanks buddy, I couldn't have done it without your help Continuing on...... Pros: Stable OS - I have had as many as 10 applications open without any problems. Camera - It has a flash and is a two step operation like a standard digital cameras, the picture quality is great also. Keyboard - the keys although small, are shaped for easy usage. Fast and smooth switching between applications. Smooth integration with WiFi GPS - extremely accurate, my location is within 10 meters or less, gets a fix very quickly, Screen - adjusts according to ambient lighting. Easy of downloading & installing additional applications Messaging - probably the strongest point in any BB, but it is phenomenal for me, specially the many shortcuts that make typing a breeze. Great built quality and choice of material. Cons: I cannot seem to make some Mobile friendly websites accept the set minimum font size, maybe more of my not knowning how to. The device came with a 2GB micro SD card which was a plesant surprise. Finally on a personal note - kudos and thanks to RIM, for manufacturing the devices for North America in NA, and not getting them made in China for a few extra bucks of profit, ignoring the autrocious manufacturing conditions there (yes I have personal knowledge of this).

Thanks Charlyee for the update to your review, I am looking forward to checking out the 9700.

[budney]

Originally Posted by josephd Budney, the settings and menu can be a bit of a nail biter to learn and adjust to, that is why I asked Charlyee to be patient. If I can figure it out, she certainly can, BB's are known to have great RF call and build quality, with a very stable OS. I am very happy with my BB, and intend to upgrade to the 9700 after the holidays, if AT&T let's me.

True, their is always a learning curve when switching to another phone/OS.

Originally Posted by Charlyee Thanks budney Thanks buddy, I couldn't have done it without your help Continuing on...... Pros: Stable OS - I have had as many as 10 applications open without any problems. Camera - It has a flash and is a two step operation like a standard digital cameras, the picture quality is great also. Keyboard - the keys although small, are shaped for easy usage. Fast and smooth switching between applications. Smooth integration with WiFi GPS - extremely accurate, my location is within 10 meters or less, gets a fix very quickly, Screen - adjusts according to ambient lighting. Easy of downloading & installing additional applications Messaging - probably the strongest point in any BB, but it is phenomenal for me, specially the many shortcuts that make typing a breeze. Great built quality and choice of material. Cons: I cannot seem to make some Mobile friendly websites accept the set minimum font size, maybe more of my not knowning how to. The device came with a 2GB micro SD card which was a plesant surprise. Finally on a personal note - kudos and thanks to RIM, for manufacturing the devices for North America in NA, and not getting them made in China for a few extra bucks of profit, ignoring the autrocious manufacturing conditions there (yes I have personal knowledge of this).

Does sound like a great device, thanks for the update. Hope you can solve the text size issue.

[viewfly]

Nice mini review Charlyee. I've been playing with the one in our house, 'when I'm allowed to'.

The email application seems full featured. But I can't find a way to edit a forwarded email message? I forward the email, but I can't delete or edit the forwarded text. Any ideas?

The screen is super sharp, as well as the camera. It's a bit awkward to zoom into the screen and then scroll around.

[Charlyee]

Thank you viewfly,

If you are talking about the editing the original message that you are forwarding, it is not possible in the native E-Mail application. There is however, a free add-on called *Forward, Edit, & Reply*, that works like a champ.
BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

[josephd]

Originally Posted by Charlyee Thank you viewfly, If you are talking about the editing the original message that you are forwarding, it is not possible in the native E-Mail application. There is however, a free add-on called *Forward, Edit, & Reply*, that works like a champ. BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

Except you lose the attachments in the process.

[Shizam76]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; IEMobile 6.12) UP.Link/6.3.1.20.06.3.1.20.0)

Oh wow...can't edit forwarded emails? Without downloading something? No thanks! :-)

Is that a touch screen?

[Charlyee]

Wirelessly posted (Treo Pro: BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102)

Originally Posted by Shizam76 Oh wow...can't edit forwarded emails? Without downloading something? No thanks! :-) Is that a touch screen?

Lol my *MLC* buddy, WM has finally possessed you.



I guess this is goodbye to our long history of having similar or same devices.

No, it is not a touch screen, does have an excellent touch pad which I love. I don't belive there are any touch screen GSM BBs in NA.


I had the opportunity to work with RIM on an issue which turned out to be "operator error"; I am very impressed by their patience & helpful attitude.

[viewfly]

Originally Posted by josephd Except you lose the attachments in the process.

Thanks Charylee.
Joeseph, what is the standard workaround for this? Last week alone I forwarded six or so resumes to coworkers with my iPhone. I'dlike to know how that's done on a BB OS.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by viewfly Thanks Charylee. Joeseph, what is the standard workaround for this? Last week alone I forwarded six or so resumes to coworkers with my iPhone. I'dlike to know how that's done on a BB OS.

viewfly, you can forward attachments with or w/o additional comments as much as you want, what you cannot do(to the best of my limited knowledge)is edit or delete anything in the original message(that was sent to you) you are forwarding without losing)the attachment/s.

So, you can forward as many resumes as you want with comments like *this guy is a moron*

Hope that helped.

PS: Here are some neat shortcuts, if you haven't found them already:

C-Compose
R-Reply
L-Reply All
F-Forward

Originally Posted by budney True, their is always a learning curve when switching to another phone/OS. Does sound like a great device, thanks for the update. Hope you can solve the text size issue.

Thanks budney, yes it is.It appears that the font size issue can be fixed by going to column view for those particular sites, I can switch between the two views by hitting Z. I just hard reset my Treo last night, one step closer to becoming a full blown *crackhead*


BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

[josephd]

Originally Posted by Charlyee viewfly, you can forward attachments with or w/o additional comments as much as you want, what you cannot do(to the best of my limited knowledge)is edit or delete anything in the original message(that was sent to you) you are forwarding without losing)the attachment/s. So, you can forward as many resumes as you want with comments like *this guy is a moron* Hope that helped. PS: Here are some neat shortcuts, if you haven't found them already: C-Compose R-Reply L-Reply All F-Forward Thanks budney, yes it is.It appears that the font size issue can be fixed by going to column view for those particular sites, I can switch between the two views by hitting Z. I just hard reset my Treo last night, one step closer to becoming a full blown *crackhead* BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.296 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/102

Oh no, I think I created the Bride of Frankenstein telling you to keep your BB!
And you are correct Charlyee, whenever you get an e-mail with attachments. You can edit and eliminate all your want, but the attachment is not included.
The forward and reply with edit application states that they do not support the attachments, I got a look at the 9700 today and was quite impressed with the device.
Not being a business man, I still like a smartphone for keeping life organized, as well as for messaging, and web browsing, and the 9700 is a nice upgrade from my Curve. Although the web browser is improved, but they still have a ways to go.