ThinkPad X200 Tablet Save Extra 5%RIM BlackBerry 7130c (AT&T)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd. Part number: 7130c (AT&T)
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- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The RIM BlackBerry 7130c is an excellent phone and e-mail device for consumers and professionals alike; plus, it's one of the best-designed BlackBerrys we've seen to date.
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CNET editors' review
RIM BlackBerry 7130c (AT&T) price range: $89.95 - $119.99
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Edited by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 06/21/2006
The good: The RIM BlackBerry 7130c sports a very sleek and compact form factor, as well as a solid feature set that includes Bluetooth, EDGE support, and a speakerphone. The 7130c also has excellent call quality and can deliver e-mail in real time.
The bad: The SureType technology on the RIM BlackBerry 7130c takes some acclimation.
The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry 7130c is an excellent phone and e-mail device for consumers and professionals alike; plus, it's one of the best-designed BlackBerrys we've seen to date.
The RIM BlackBerry 7130c has a great design, plain and simple. Though the 7100 series has always had a compact form factor, the BlackBerry 7130c most closely resembles a candy bar phone in look and feel. It's sleek (4.5 by 2.1 by 0.7 inches) and incredibly light (4.2 ounces), which makes it comfortable to hold up to your ear for conversations. As a bonus, the handset is attractive, with an appealing silver and midnight blue color scheme.
The 7130c's 2.25-inch (diagonal) screen dominates the face of device and displays 65,000 colors at 240x260 resolution. It's not quite the 320x240 pixels of its full QWERTY cousin, the BlackBerry 8700c, but the 7130c still shows off sharp images and text. It's also equipped with light-sensing technology that automatically adjusts the backlighting depending on your environment, and unlike that of many other phones, the display is readable in sunlight. Customization options are plentiful, including the ability to change the backlight time and the font family, style, and size, as well as to turn antialiasing on or off.
Navigating the phone's menus is simple, thanks to the 7130c's intuitive controls. Below the screen are the Send and End keys for making calls and a center convenience key that you can program to open any application. Below those buttons, you'll find the SureType keyboard that's present on all devices in the 7100 series. This modified QWERTY keyboard features two letters per button (the number keys share space with the keys in the three center columns) and works with SureType technology, which, like predictive text, guesses the word you're typing after you input the first couple of letters. Admittedly, we've never been huge fans of SureType, preferring the ease and speed of the full QWERTY models, but we're so enamored by the compact form factor that we're willing to make that compromise. The keys themselves are well spaced and adequately backlit.
On the left spine, there is a 2.5mm headset jack, a mini USB port, and another customizable Convenience key, while the familiar trackwheel and Escape button are on the right spine. All these controls make it easy to operate the 7130c with one hand. There's a power button and a mute key on top of the device and a small notification LED on front. Finally, the speakerphone is located on the back. Cingular packages the device with a number of basic accessories, including a wired headset, a travel charger, a USB cable, a belt holster, a CD containing the BlackBerry Desktop software, and reference material.
Just because the RIM BlackBerry 7130c is small in size doesn't mean it skimps on features. Like the latest BlackBerrys, the 7130c is powered by a speedy Intel processor, and it comes with 64MB of flash memory and 16MB of SDRAM. The phone book is limited only by the available memory, and for each contact, you can store up to eight numbers, home and work addresses, a Web URL, notes, and more. For hands-free calls, you can use the speakerphone, which can be activated only once you're on a call, or you can wirelessly connect to a headset, thanks to the 7130c's integrated Bluetooth.
As always, e-mail remains at the forefront of the smart phone. For business users, the BlackBerry 7130c is compatible with Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino, and Novell Groupwise, so with the help of your friendly IT department, you can set up your device to receive corporate e-mail in real time. In addition, you can access up to 10 POP3/IMAP accounts and use the included Internet browser to check Web-based e-mail, such as Yahoo and Gmail. For our tests, we logged onto the BlackBerry Internet service using our PC and entered our SBC Global account information. The process was painless; within a few minutes, we received an activation confirmation e-mail on our 7130c, and we started getting e-mail messages within 20 minutes. If you receive attachments with your e-mail, no problem--the 7130c can open and view Word and Excel documents, PDFs, images, and more. The EDGE support also helps to reduce download times.
Despite these great e-mail capabilities, we're disappointed that the 7130c doesn't come with an onboard instant-messaging client. You can, however, download BlackBerry Messenger and GoogleTalk for free from BlackBerry's Web site--it's an extra but minor step. The 7130c also handles text and multimedia messages.
Other features on the RIM BlackBerry 7130c include a WAP 2.0 Web browser, a calendar, a task list, a calculator, a memo pad, and an alarm clock. Like all BlackBerrys, however, the 7130c is a business-oriented device, so multimedia features are sparse. There's no camera or MP3/video player, though the absence of the former will suit users who work in security-conscious environments. The only source of entertainment is the standard BrickBreaker game. Of course, you can download more games and applications for your amusement and use. For example, our test unit came loaded with extra apps, such as Texas Hold'em King and PocketExpress.
We tested the quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900; EDGE) RIM BlackBerry 7130c in San Francisco using Cingular's network, and call quality was excellent. Voices sounded clear with ample volume, and our callers reported the same. They added that they couldn't even tell we were using a cell phone. Turning on the speakerphone diminished the sound only slightly, but still, we give it high praise. And we had absolutely no problem pairing the 7130c with the Logitech Mobile Traveller Bluetooth headset; we had them connected in less than a minute.
The Web-browsing experience on the 7130c was good. With EDGE support, Web pages loaded quickly, as did e-mail attachments. We had no problems opening up Word documents or JPEG images on the device.
The RIM BlackBerry 7130c is rated for 4 hours of talk time and up to 18 days of standby time. In our tests, the 7130c beat the rated talk time by an hour. According to FCC radiation tests, the 7130c has a digital SAR rating of 1.09 watts per kilogram.
User reviews
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Great Phone and at a great price!
by pavvento on June 27, 2006
Pros: Price, Form Factor, Features, Ease of Set-up, Extras
Cons: No Windows OS, Requires extra packages to fully utilize
Summary: I am finally happy with a phone. After abusing my Audiovox SMT5600 (unreal phone)I was looking to upgrade. I tried the Ipaq 6515 and the Palm Treo 650. While ...
Summary: I am finally happy with a phone. After abusing my Audiovox SMT5600 (unreal phone)I was looking to upgrade. I tried the Ipaq 6515 and the Palm Treo 650. While I was pleased with the Ipaq I couldn't stand the squished buttoms of the Palm so I decided to go with something more spacious. With the non full QWERTY keyboard the keys are generously spaced and allow your fingers to move with ease.
I have never used a Blackberry before so I was very surprised with the ease in which my email was integrated. I am also very surprised with the SureType recognition system. Although it takes some getting used to, I think it will be very valuable.
The form factor is great, as it feels like a regular phone, and is surprisingly light, at times I almost wish it was heavier. There are tons of features such as the web browser which is very fast with EDGE, Email, Outlook Sync and many others. The Speakerphone works great and this is the first phone where the loudest ear piece is actually too loud!
I purchased Cingular's new Blackberry package, $29.99 for unlimited internet and blackberry connect. This is a great deal, especially with how quick browsing is with EDGE.
I have been looking for a while for a new phone, and even though I love the Windows OS, I think I will finally keep this one and send back the other two.13 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I was skeptical at first...
by troybpi on September 12, 2006
Pros: Voice Quality, Battery Life, Email Push Capability, Speakerphone
Cons: Minor annoyance of creaking plastic when I pick it up.
Summary: I purchased the 7130c from Cingular two weeks ago.
I was skeptical at first...mainly because of the SureType technology and not having a true QWERTY keyboard.
But, I must ...Summary: I purchased the 7130c from Cingular two weeks ago.
I was skeptical at first...mainly because of the SureType technology and not having a true QWERTY keyboard.
But, I must tell you that using SureType is not a big deal. The secret is that you need to finish typing the entire word before making any corrections if needed. Also, I started typing words in the Memo pad such as family and friends names, places, names of products that I sell etc...and SureType learns these words. Kinda like building my own dictionary.
I've used every Treo product since the 600 and recently purchased the Treo 700p this past May. That's about 4 years of using Treos. I don't having any thing against the Treo except the 650 which kept locking up on me.
The bottom line for me was that I did not need all the features of the Treo. I was also tired of carrying the Treo.
What I needed was a phone with excellent call quality, robust email capability and small and light enough to fit comfortably in my pocket. 7130c fit the bill.
My Treo 700p was on Sprint's EVDO network which is a lot faster than Cingular's EDGE network. However, sending and receiving emails through the EDGE network is fast enough for me.
BTW, the 7130c's speakerphone is excellent.
The display needs to be just a bit brighter in my opinion.
Cingular now has a 30 day return policy. Give it a try.11 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Terrific Device!
by rburke on July 25, 2006
Pros: Lite, quick, easy to use. SHARP screen. Intuitive menu.
Cons: All smartphones are a little too big. No iTunes.
Summary: Best phone I've used. Perfect call clarity. Fast internet connection. Easy email.
I've owned Windows mobile phones and the Palm Treo. This phone blows them away in function, ...Summary: Best phone I've used. Perfect call clarity. Fast internet connection. Easy email.
I've owned Windows mobile phones and the Palm Treo. This phone blows them away in function, price and form.
Only Apple could make a better phone than this.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent phone - synchronization of contacts, calendar, etc.
by avikas on November 8, 2006
Pros: SureType, synchronization
Cons: No MP3 player
Summary: As a business user, I have been using this phone (and its predecessor) for over 2 years. After going through more than 10 phones over the past ten years, I ...
Summary: As a business user, I have been using this phone (and its predecessor) for over 2 years. After going through more than 10 phones over the past ten years, I am extremely happy with this phone.
For the business user who has the Blackberry Enterprise Server working with Exchange, there is no better choice on the market. Period!! The seamless synchronization of email, contacts, calendar wirelessly is unbeatable.
For the non-business user, the simple fact that you can synchronize your Contacts using a simple USB cable and not have to re-enter them every time you get a new phone is a blessing. I was so sick of the nonsense I had to go through with other phones just to sync my contacts and phone numbers (first purchase a cable for $30, then purchase their software for $50, then end up with this mash of outlook data shoehorned into a misaligned record), that being able to see all my records in a clean manner on the Blackberry was a blessing.
I had been skeptical of the SureType system since I had hated the traditional T9 system on most other types of phones, but quite honestly, after 2 days of using you will realize it is the best thing ever!! I recently purchased the 8900c which has a full keypad, but preferred the SureType method so much that I went back to the 7100 phone.
I would highly recommend it for everyone, at least until the rest of the phone manufacturers get their heads straight about their phone's user interface and menus (especially Motorola, which I now refuse to purchase because of their ancient user navigation and interface.
As for negatives, I think the phone looks a little too plain and business like- to appeal to the consumer it probably should be a little flashier and perhaps have an MP3 player (the new Blackberry Pearl seems to be more attractive, but seems like its missing the hallmark blackberry thumbwheel for some reason).Updated
As of this writing, Google has released two applications specifically for the Blackberry which you can download and install for free:
Google Maps: a handheld version of their maps.google.com which has become an inseparable part of my daily life. Talk about a killer application for the cellphone.
Google GMail: handheld version of their web based gmail.
Everyone I have come across with a Blackberry actively uses google maps on their handheld pretty actively, and it is an extremely useful tool.
P.S. I am NOT a Blackberry or Google employee or stockholder.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for those that like "cell phone feel"
by mdsofky on September 7, 2006
Pros: Compact, bright screen, quick EDGE technology
Cons: No multimedia capability
Summary: Great device. I've used a 7100g, 8700c, 7290 and 7280. This is my favorite so far. Many of my colleagues prefer the 8700c for the full QWERTY keyboard (but ...
Summary: Great device. I've used a 7100g, 8700c, 7290 and 7280. This is my favorite so far. Many of my colleagues prefer the 8700c for the full QWERTY keyboard (but it was just too wide for me to carry around and use as a phone). The SureType technology works just fine, and I would much rather live with it and have the smaller form factor. Really like the 7130c the best of what I've had.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Best Smartphone and PDA
by flbdig on July 21, 2006
Pros: It quickly does what I need and makes work more efficient
Cons: NONE that I have found yet
Summary: Anyone who is looking to buy a phone or PDA for WORK, this is the device. I have used all sorts of Palms, CLIEs, Treos and buy far this is ...
Summary: Anyone who is looking to buy a phone or PDA for WORK, this is the device. I have used all sorts of Palms, CLIEs, Treos and buy far this is the best. I am not even using my Palm TX or Rzr now. They sit in my briefcase. I have to work from home several days this month and with my laptop and this phone I could do everything I needed to do. The typing learns your style of words very quickly, email set up is a breeze, reaching a contact by any means is effortless. I don't know what else you could ask for.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Attractive phone but not as good as advertised
by s216674 on May 7, 2007
Pros: Stylish, user friendly
Cons: extremely poor phone quality, problems synching
Summary: I bought this phone after carefully reading reviews on cnet as well as other sites over the course of a month or so. One of the things I wanted to ...
Summary: I bought this phone after carefully reading reviews on cnet as well as other sites over the course of a month or so. One of the things I wanted to avoid was a smartphone with lousy call quality. I had to switch over from Sprint to Cingular to use this phone which was unfortunately a HUGE problem for whatever reason. When I finally get the phone, my call quality is terrible. I mean horrible. I can call people line of site and not even hear them with full bars of service on the same darn network. I have had more calls dropped or that I just had to hang up on in the last month that I have had the phone than in the previous 3 years with sprint.
I have also had problems synching. Oh, it will synch just fine, but about half of the appointments are moved one hour earlier or later depending on that the mood of the phone seems to be. My previous Windows mobile based PDA and my old palm based phone did not have this problem even once.
All in all, I am disappointed in this phone and in Blackberry in general. I have to say that while I am getting used to the jog wheel, it still is nowhere near as functional as a touch screen to me. I wanted to wait a while until I had a chance to get used to it, but it is just not comfortable for someone who is used to touch screens I guess.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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My Blackberry Rocks
by Itsy_Ivy on March 16, 2007
Pros: Easy to manage contacts and sync up with Outlook.
Cons: Cingular's service contract and the camera sucks
Summary: I love my little Blackberry as it keeps me connected to my friends and family. The stellar calendar and seemless syncing make managing my work and play dates a snap. ...
Summary: I love my little Blackberry as it keeps me connected to my friends and family. The stellar calendar and seemless syncing make managing my work and play dates a snap. I really wish my Blackberry had a digital camera with better resolution, 1-2mp at least. The screen is impressive and would display your photos nicely. I suggest getting a slip case to protect it from scratches, and also I bought a GeekPod external battery pack for a longer runtime. I take my Blackberry everywhere, allowing me to check email anywhere and anytime.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Had 3 other Blackberry devices. This one is the best.
by mhthomps on July 26, 2006
Pros: Excellent phone quality, Lightning fast, Very customizable
Cons: No camera, No camera
Summary: I've had the original blackberry, at least 4 replacements of the 7100g and finally this one. I can't say enough great things about this one. Finally blackberry and ...
Summary: I've had the original blackberry, at least 4 replacements of the 7100g and finally this one. I can't say enough great things about this one. Finally blackberry and RIM have come up with a lightning fast pda and excellent phone. Brightness is automatically adjusted based on the light you're in. All in all, I'm extremely pleased with the 7130c. Also, the mp3 tones are a great bonus.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I love my BLACKBERRY... :)
by yamamoto808 on July 9, 2007
Pros: Small, lightweight, email and text messaging very simple
Cons: No music player, but I can live with that
Summary: I've had my Blackberry 7130C since November 2006 and it's been LOVE ever since...
I had really wanted an all in one phone and pda, but the phones ...Summary: I've had my Blackberry 7130C since November 2006 and it's been LOVE ever since...
I had really wanted an all in one phone and pda, but the phones on the market were all too bulky and "big" for me. when I saw the ads about this phone, I had to admit I was very interested in checking it out.
My contract for my phone was up and I qualified for a new phone, so I went to my local store to check out the phone.
i will tell you again, it was love...
the email capabilities, the calendar, the semi-qwerty keyboard (I am not only an email queen, I am a text message queen) and the fact that it was not much larger than I remember the old time nokia phones being, I was sold.
I took it home and it was SOOOO simple to set up my emails, and it took me no more than an hour to get used to dealing with the roller to naivigate.
I recently took a look at the Blackberry Pearl, and with the exception of the music player and the red housing, I think my 7130c is a way better phone.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
- Part number: 7130c (AT&T)
- Description: The BlackBerry 7130c offers complete BlackBerry functionality and puts top-of-the-line features, such as speakerphone, Bluetooth technology, instant messaging, and polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, into a stylish, lightweight, phone-style handset. Browsing the web, viewing attachments and running applications is faster than ever, thanks to a combination of state of the art technologies, including the latest high speed wireless networks and a powerful Intel XScale processor. You'll be wowed by the sleek design, fast performance, light sensing screen and more.
General
- Product Type BlackBerry
- Service Provider Not specified
- Width 2.2 in
- Depth 0.8 in
- Height 4.5 in
- Weight 4.2 oz
- Body Color Black/Silver
Cellular
- Technology GSM
- Band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
- Phone Design Candy bar
- Vibrating Alert Yes
- Phone Navigation Buttons Trackwheel
- Caller ID Yes
- Wireless Interface Bluetooth
- Application Software Alarm, Phone, Tasks, E-mail, Browser, Compose, Calendar, Memo Pad, Messages, Calculator, Address Book, BrickBreaker, Internet Browser
- Additional Features Intelligent typing (SureType technology), Alarm clock, Speaker phone
Communicator Features
- Operating System BlackBerry Handheld Software
Messaging & Data Services
- Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
- Mobile Email Yes
- GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Yes
- EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates For Global Evolution) Yes
- Internet Browser Yes
- Messaging / Data Features Text messages, Multimedia messages (MMS)
GPS System
- GPS Navigation None
Display
- Type LCD display
- Technology TFT
- Display Indicators Battery meter, Signal strength
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB cable
Power
- Type Power adapter
Battery
- Technology - Lithium ion
- Talk Time Up to 240 min
- Standby Time Up to 432 h
Product series
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RIM BlackBerry 7100t (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 850/900/1800/1900; GPRS, 240 min, 0.3 lbs
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Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: Cingular Wireless, GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Up to 240 min, 4.2 oz
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Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: Nextel Communications, iDEN 800/900 (Dual Band), Up to 170 min, 5.1 oz
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RIM BlackBerry 7105t (T-Mobile)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: T-Mobile, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), Up to 240 min, 0.3 lbs
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RIM BlackBerry 7130e (Verizon Wireless)
Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: Verizon Wireless, CDMA2000 1X 1900/800, Up to 180 min, 4.7 oz
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Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: Sprint, CDMA2000 1X 1900/800, Up to 198 min, 4.7 oz
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Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: Cingular Wireless, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), Up to 240 min, 4.2 oz
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Manufacturer: Research In Motion Ltd.
Specs: ALLTEL Wireless, CDMA2000 1X 1900/800, Up to 198 min, 4.7 oz
Manufacturer info
- Research In Motion Ltd.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Research In Motion Ltd. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.rim.net
- Address:
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3W8, Waterloo, ON - Phone: 519/888-7465
- Email: webinfo@rim.net
- Fax: 519-888-7884
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