Manage updates with the Download AppBlackBerry Torch 9800 - charcoal (AT&T)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry Part number: 4790237
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though performance could be better and it could stand for some hardware upgrades, the RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800 and BlackBerry OS 6 offer much-needed improvements to stay in step with the competition, and keep BlackBerry enthusiasts happy.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
BlackBerry Torch 9800 - charcoal (AT&T) price range: $119.00
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 08/04/2010
- Released on: 08/12/2010
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Torch combines both a touch screen and full QWERTY keyboard. BlackBerry OS 6 brings such improvements as a better user interface, universal search, and an improved browser and multimedia experience.
The bad: The smartphone can be sluggish. The Torch has a lower-resolution screen. Applications can be saved only to the phone's main memory. Camera shoots only VGA video.
The bottom line: Though performance could be better and it could stand for some hardware upgrades, the RIM BlackBerry Torch 9800 and BlackBerry OS 6 offer much-needed improvements to stay in step with the competition, and keep BlackBerry enthusiasts happy.
User reviews
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Full-featured smartphone for work and pleasure combined
by PassatDoc on December 23, 2010
Pros: Very easy to use, and intuitive
Quick learning curve for the new OS if you already know how to work a Blackberry
Great integration of mail, messaging, phone functions
WiFi remembers saved locations and automatically connects, saving on data chargesCons: Screen resolution not as sharp as iPhone, but Torch is a better PHONE for people who require reliable PHONE service in their PHONE.
Recessed keyboard feels awkward at first, but once used to it, typing is as fast as on Curve and more accurate.Summary: I am delighted with this purchase. I have to use several work-related applications not yet available on iPhone. Since my phone is also my work "pager" (answering service sends me ...
Summary: I am delighted with this purchase. I have to use several work-related applications not yet available on iPhone. Since my phone is also my work "pager" (answering service sends me push e-mails via blackberry.net), flawless e-mailing and phone service is vital. I don't have time to download and view videos all day, nor do I download GBs of data. I stay below 200 MB/month, which affords me ATT's lower data charge of only $15/month.
Note: you can buy mini-to-micro USB adapters and thus re-use all of your mini USB cables and chargers. I use the included mini USB cable to synch/backup, but otherwise use my Curve AC and DC chargers with the adapters. Some adapters carry only current and not data, but you can use the included cable for backup.
Menus are intuitive and easy to use, and the designers seem to have thought of everything. Also compatible with Kindle and streaming Netflix applications, though I have yet to try them on this device. I was due for an upgrade and expected to pay $199, but ATT is having a special through early January for only $99 for new customers or renewals (I renewed). Device is slightly heavier than the Curve it replaced, but I don't notice the difference. The OEM pocket case, though hard to find, fits the phone like a glove and saves energy by turning off the screen when the phone is inserted.
The low internal memory issue of the Curve has been addressed, there is over 300 MB of free memory for applications, vs 17-18MB free on the Curve. Phone has 4 GB of internal media memory, plus the micro SD slot is expandable up to 32 GB. Mp4 videos played on this device are smooth and have great clarity---at this screen size, I can't see the difference between it and an iPhone.
Updated on Dec 23, 2010
Battery life is excellent. I can go two days on a charge in normal use (maybe 50 e-mails and 5-6 phone calls and 10-20 messages per day). I realize people downloading and viewing lots of videos will burn through the battery faster, but for me the battery works. An external charger is now available, which paired with a spare battery would allow power users to keep one battery charged while using the phone with the other battery. A $65 solution for those who need it, though most will not need a second battery and external charger.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Step Up from Conventional Blackberry's!
by maisienavarro on November 29, 2010
Pros: From the Touch Screen to the Full Keyboard, Slider Menus, Awesome Applications, Ease of Use and Setup, Strong and Durable. Not super thin and flimsy like other phones!
Cons: Haven't found anything I don't like!
Summary: Blackberry has definitely stepped up their game and given us "Crackberry" Addicts the Perfect Phone! I can't complain about anything and found wonderful surprises with this phone. It gives ...
Summary: Blackberry has definitely stepped up their game and given us "Crackberry" Addicts the Perfect Phone! I can't complain about anything and found wonderful surprises with this phone. It gives me everything I wanted in my old phone (Blackberry Bold) and more. It's strong and durable, thicker than other phones on the market, which means I won't drop it and I can actually keep it in my hands. I'm a little worried about the slider having problems later on, it seems much more stable and stronger than other slider phones. The touch screen is a great addition for Blackberry users, because it incorporates new age technology with professional funtionability! If you like to keep up to date with modern technology and still need a fully functioning smart phone, then this phone is for you! I won't trade it in for any other phone on the market and I have tried them all, from Android's to Windows Phone, this is the only one that was a perfect match for me.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easily the best phone I have ever had.
by marcuspizza1 on November 9, 2010
Pros: Very responsive touchscreen. Legendary BB keyboard. Screen resolution is far better than "expert reviewers" would imply.
Cons: I have no complaints at all.
Summary: I have many friends who have iphones, and Andrdoid devices, and although they are very "cool" phones, ALL of them were very impressed with my Torch. I played with, and ...
Summary: I have many friends who have iphones, and Andrdoid devices, and although they are very "cool" phones, ALL of them were very impressed with my Torch. I played with, and tested many devices for over 2 months before making my decision. Was really quite stressed about which phone to get. In the end, the look, feel and overall bulid quality of the Torch won me over. Absolutely no regrets.
Sorry, I do have one minor complaint. Currently lacks support for Flash10, but I expect an update in the future.
Updated on Nov 10, 20101 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best BB yet
by zack-magg_3 on November 2, 2010
Pros: BB OS 6, nice design, excellent reception, the option to use either the touchscreen or physical keyboard, nice camera, battery life, theme of motion apps, email, BB messenger, Universal Search, call quality, social networking format.
Cons: Too easy to lock the screen ( button is sensitive), video recorder is not HDMI 720P, the checkerboard pattern that shows up sometimes when scrolling or zooming.
Summary: I'm really loving this phone. It gave me a reason to stick with BlackBerries when I was kinda skeptical before. And I grow more into it day by day. ...
Summary: I'm really loving this phone. It gave me a reason to stick with BlackBerries when I was kinda skeptical before. And I grow more into it day by day. My sister is about to upgrade. She never owned a BB before but she says the Torch will be her next phone. I have no regrets about purchasing this phone. Good job RIM.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome! The negative professional reviews are biased
by erithanman on November 2, 2010
Pros: -Touch screen
-New OS6
-Keyboard
-Universal Search
-Trackpad
-Can be themed
-Homescreen notifications
-All the right context menus
-Battery life
-Slider
-Screen is great for such a small device
-Call Quality
....list goes onCons: None yet. Still loving the device.
Summary: When I first read the professional reviews, I was disappointed because I was looking forward to buying this device. I think the bloggers and tech reviewers were very biased and ...
Summary: When I first read the professional reviews, I was disappointed because I was looking forward to buying this device. I think the bloggers and tech reviewers were very biased and really only looked at the spec sheets and knit picked at irrelevant stuff, as if they where on Apple's payroll. I really think they did the public an injustice by not giving this device a fair shake. When you actually use the device for what a smart phone is for, this device is awesome in every respect. It's never out of battery when I need to use it, even at 11:00pm in the evening after using it all day. I use to have to stand beside a wall socket every 2 hours for 20 minutes when I had a iphone. Those days of being an Apptard are gone now. I've recovered from my brain failure. I'm glad I bought it and didn't listen to those tech journalists.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Blackberry Torch - Thank you RIM!
by BuyMobile-net on October 26, 2010
Pros: great touch screen, full qwerty keyboard, quick app and data processing, gsm phone, another fantastic blackberry product.
Cons: slightly oversized once you slide it open, touch screen a little hard to get used to after the 9550.
Summary: I'm personally a big fan of the BlackBerry 9800. The touch screen combined with the full qwerty keyboard makes it much more user friendly than just one or the ...
Summary: I'm personally a big fan of the BlackBerry 9800. The touch screen combined with the full qwerty keyboard makes it much more user friendly than just one or the other. If you unlock it, its usable worldwide on all GSM networks. BBM is a huge help when communicating with international business contacts. Apple will have a tough time keeping up with RIM if they continue to produce cutting edge technology such as this. Although Apple crushed RIM in sales by 2 million dollars on the iPhone alone versus all BlackBerry models combined. Personally I like my <a href=http://www.buymobile.net/blackberry/blackberry-torch-9800-atandt-unlocked.html?SID=f9a9f5d956989ac72c34234680ee27e0>unlocked BlackBerry Torch</a> and wouldn't have it any other way. Its even an improvement from the Storm 2 i was using before i got the Torch.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best AT&T phone, possibly the best overall phone
by oldDH on October 25, 2010
Pros: Good call quality, good battery life, QWERTY keyboard for text/message/BBM/email/search, trackpad for scrolling and mouse-like functionality, touchscreen, universal search,good interface, tabbed browsing, just a really well designed, practical phone.
Cons: Very little not to like, so I will nitpick. Its a bit slower in data transfers than many of the other top smartphones out there. Apps get stored to your BB memory instead of the SD Card and it could use more apps.
Summary: Everyone will compare this to AT&T's more famous exclusive phone, the iPhone4. Its true the iPhone 4 has a lot more apps, better screen resolution, a camera ...
Summary: Everyone will compare this to AT&T's more famous exclusive phone, the iPhone4. Its true the iPhone 4 has a lot more apps, better screen resolution, a camera on each side, facetime, faster processor, a slightly larger screen, and the marketing hype behind it as the "IT" phone right now. But if you look at overall practicality in what really matters more and what you are likely to use more, the Blackberry Torch is actually the superior phone in the real world when considering the strengths and weaknesses of both devices.
First consider the specs- iPhone has the edge, but does it matter? Whether a screen is 3.5" or 3.1",it is not really noticeable, its a cell phone screen, not a big screen tv. Same goes for the iPhone's screen resollution, when screens are that small, does it matter? Will you ever use Facetime? You might try it once when the moons align, but,I have Skype on my PC, great idea, but I never really use it. So what I am saying is the lack of a second camera really doesn't matter either. Iphone4 does have a faster processor, so you will wait a few more seconds for data on a Torch, but its not unbearably slow.
Now here is why I strongly believe the Torch is the best AT&T phone, for practical reasons. Many of these hyped up phones are touchscreen only with no QWERTY keyboard and horrible battery life due to everything being done in touchscreen display. BB Torch has a good QWERTY keyboard for superior texting/messaging/email/search, a trackpad to act as a mouse for superior scrolling, and of course the touchscreen interface as well.
Think about it, a second camera you will never use or a keyboard you will want to use everyday? Best call quality I have heard on an AT&T phone so far, have yet to have a dropped call. Iphone4 has "attenna-gate" or "grip of death" which is "fixed" with a rubber protector? Also if your friends have BB's you can save money on a cheaper texting plan with BBM being unlimited for fellow BB users.
So the Torch is better at texting, messaging, emails, searching, scrolling, call quality, organization than any other AT&T phone. Iphone4 has the edge in slightly faster data transfers, a lot more apps (which 99.9% of are a complete waste of time for all smartphones), and tech specs that don't matter in the real world.
I would say its a slam dunk for the Torch over the iPhone4, but people are generally more taken by clever marketing than practical uses for their devices.
As for other carrier phones like many of the Android based phones, this phone certaintly holds its own and can also be said that it is every bit as good or better than any of those phones. The Droid and Droid 2 have the touchscreen/QWERTY combo design to compete favorably without going into great detail into why I think the Torch is better than any other phone out there in practical design and use, but many other like the Palm Pre (similar design), HTC EVO, Droid X, Droid Incredible, Samsung Galaxy, all for many reasons I really believe fall short of the Torch bc of practicality.Palm Pre- great design, but no apps, many other of those phones have dreadful battery life where you need to carry a second battery around and I think the Droid X and HTC EVO are just too damn big to carry comfortably in your pocket too. I do have to give props to some phones that use flash though, but for what exists right now, I think the BB Torch is the best out there...1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best blackberry yet.
by misocheeky on October 15, 2010
Pros: Internet/browser 100x faster than all the other bb's. Wow. Has the same pinch and zoom as the iphone does.
Cons: It's a bit heavier than the iphone and all the other blackberries. But it feels solid ...expensive. Doesn't bother me at all.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Phone
by Bigtyme88 on October 12, 2010
Pros: Battery Life, OS 6, Push Email, Keyboard.
Cons: Has frozen on me once.
Summary: I've had the iphone 3g for the last 2 years, and the phone for the most part it has been great. When it came time to upgrade, I was ...
Summary: I've had the iphone 3g for the last 2 years, and the phone for the most part it has been great. When it came time to upgrade, I was set on trying something new , after being a little worn out on apple and all its proprietary dealings. The Samsung Captivate had just come out and I was like wow. Nice screen, droid platform, and basically I could do whatever I wanted to do. I tried the phone out for 20 days, and could not come 2 grips with spending the next 2 years with it. "Besides the simply amazing screen, it had Buggy GPS, Battery life was TERRIBLE with heavy use, Samsung Apps were sub-par. I returned the phone and went back to the Iphone 3g. After doing a lil more homework, I said let be give the BB Torch a try. So far, So Good, as I am still under my 30 trial period and seriously thinking about keeping it. I must admit i'm a little intrigued with the Windows 7 Phones, but figure they will be much better after a year or so . Over dinner the other night I let my friends who have the EVO 4g, and the I phone 4 check the Torch out and they were simply amazed. The screen comparison was different, but not by that much. All I can say is , VERY nice business phone. I've been wanting a to buy an Ipad, but will hold out to see how well the Torch and PlayBook dance together. Hopefully with the new PlayBook coming on board there will be more cool apps added to BB App World.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Blackberry Ever
by cpacman1975 on October 11, 2010
Pros: Universal Search is amazing, OS 6, new browser is better than the I-phone
Cons: screen resolution is old school
Summary: The best berry ever, RIM keeps releasing firmwear upgrades which have fixed virtually all performance issues.
Summary: The best berry ever, RIM keeps releasing firmwear upgrades which have fixed virtually all performance issues.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: BlackBerry
- Part number: 4790237
- Description: With a 5-megapixel camera with flash, continuous auto-focus and image stabilization, plus 11 photo modes and video recording, it's easy to capture those spontaneous moments. Bring your sources of inspiration together. Gather and filter all your social network and RSS feeds in one view. Or spread your own inspiration - update multiple social networks with a single post. Manage multiple open websites with tabbed browsing. Bookmark your favorite sites with branded icons and customizable names, and access them right from the home screen. Just a few of the great features from BlackBerry 6.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Smartphone
- Form Factor Slider - Full keyboard,
Touch screen - Phone Design PDA
- Integrated Components GPS receiver,
Digital camera,
Digital player,
Voice recorder - Antenna Internal
- Width 2.44 nm
- Depth 0.57 nm
- Height 4.37 nm
- Weight 5.7 oz
- Body Color Black
Cellular
- Technology WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
- Band WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
- Mobile Broadband Generation 3G
- Service Provider AT&T
- Operating System BlackBerry 6 OS
- Input Device(s) QWERTY keyboard,
Touch sensitive screen Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services MMS,
SMS - Instant Messaging Services RIM BlackBerry VM Client
- Messaging & Data Features RSS feeds
- Downloadable Content Applications
- Mobile Services YouTube
Communications
- Data Transmission GPRS,
EDGE,
HSDPA - Wireless Interface Bluetooth 2.1 EDR,
IEEE 802.11b/g/n - WLAN Security WPA,
WPA2 - Bluetooth Profiles Serial Port Profile (SPP),
Hands Free Profile (HFP),
Headset Profile (HSP),
Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN),
SIM Access Profile (SAP),
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP),
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) - Communication Features Internet browser,
Mobile Email client Phone Features
- Phone Functions Call timer,
Conference call,
Speakerphone,
Vibrating alert - Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Polyphonic Ring Tone Voice Qty 32
- Ring Tone Formats MP3,
MIDI - Sensors Proximity sensor,
Ambient light sensor - Additional Features AGPS,
Touch screen,
GPRS support,
EDGE,
microSD card slot,
Trackpad Organizer
- Personal Information Management Synchronization with PC,
Calendar,
Calculator,
Reminder,
Alarm clock Media Player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards WMV (Sound),
eAAC+,
AAC +,
MP3,
WMA,
FLAC,
Ogg Vorbis,
AAC,
AAC-LC,
AMR - Supported Digital Video Standards MPEG-4,
H.263,
WMV,
H.264
Memory
- RAM 512 MB - SDRAM
- User Memory 512 MB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSDHC - up to 32 GB
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 5 megapixels
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Digital Zoom 2
- Camera Light Source Flash
- Video Recorder Resolutions 640 x 480 (VGA)
- Features Video recording,
Geo-tagging,
Picture stabilizer Navigation System
- GPS Navigation GPS receiver
- Navigation Software & Services BlackBerry Maps
Display
- Type LCD display - Color
- Diagonal Size 3.2 in
- Display Resolution 480 x 360 pixels
Connections
- Connector Type Headset jack - Mini-phone 3.5 mm
Battery
- Technology Lithium ion
- Capacity 1300 mAh
- Run Time Details Talk ( GSM ) - up to 330 min,
Talk ( WCDMA ) - up to 348 min,
Standby ( GSM ) - up to 432 hour(s),
Standby ( WCDMA ) - up to 336 hour(s),
Playback ( Music ) - up to 30 hour(s),
Playback ( Video ) - up to 6 hour(s) Miscellaneous
- Compliant Standards HAC(Hearing Aid Compatible)
- Included Accessories Power adapter , Power adapter
- Also Included microSD - 4 GB
Product series
-
BlackBerry Torch 9800 - charcoal (AT&T)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Specs: AT&T,
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM,
Up to 330 min (GSM),
Up to 348 min (UMTS),
With digital camera / digital player,
5.7 oz,
5 megapixels,
3.2 in -
BlackBerry Torch 9800 - pure white (AT&T)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Specs: AT&T,
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM,
Up to 330 min (GSM),
Up to 348 min (UMTS),
With digital camera / digital player,
5.68 oz,
5 megapixels,
3.2 in -
BlackBerry Torch 9800 - sunset red (AT&T)
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Specs: AT&T,
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM,
Up to 330 min (GSM),
Up to 348 min (UMTS),
With digital camera / digital player,
5.68 oz,
5 megapixels,
3.2 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse BlackBerry products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:BlackBerry
- Address:
295 Phillip Street, Waterloo, ON N2L 3W8 - Phone: 1-519-888-7465
- Email: webinfo@rim.net
- Fax: 1-519-888-7884
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