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BlackBerry Curve 8530 Phone, Black (Sprint)
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Technical Details
- 3G-enabled BlackBerry smartphone with full QWERTY keyboard and touch-sensitive optical trackpad; access all your email and messaging as well as social networking
- Sprint Mobile Broadband Network via EV-DO connectivity; Sprint TV and Sprint Music Store enabled; GPS turn-by-turn directions via Sprint Navigation
- 2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; microSD memory expansion; digital audio player syncs with iTunes and Windows Media Player
- Up to 5.4 hours of talk time
- What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD card, USB cable, quick start guide, user manual
Product Details
Product Weight: 1.11 pounds
Shipping Weight: 0.01 pounds
Model: RIM8530BK
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Sales Rank: 3793
Accessories
Customer Reviews
Reliable, Easy To Use, Fast, Loud, Excellent Sprint Coverage and Service,
by J. Chou, 2010-07-25
Besides the lack of a camera flash and a couple other small annoyances, this phone is the perfect entry level BB for myself and my friends. Blackberry has definitely produced a winner in the mass consumer market for their phones.
This phone has pretty much all the features that its competitors have along with its storied and well developed blackberry e-mail system. The fact that it can be had for less than $50 after mail in rebate is an excellent value.
If you're looking for a phone that keeps you organized, connected to all your family and friends, entertained, and more, this is a great phone. The e-mail, contact lists, and the way all messages are combined into shared boxes is truly efficient and easy to use. The keyboard is responsive and fast..and much better than any touchscreen out there. The only annoyance was the sometimes short battery life, but this is remedied by turning off the WiFi and Bluetooth radios and closing extra applications. In terms of cellphone service coverage, Sprint has truly vastly improved over the last 5 years. I along with my friends took our BB 8530 phones up and down the East Coast and had excellent service the entire way: e-mailing, chatting, texting, sending pics, receiving pics, facebooking, etc. There were a handful of dead spots, but coverage and reliability was rivaling Verizon Wireless (former VZW subscriber of 10 years!)
The fact that unlimited use of their voice command GPS network (LIVE traffic updates and rerouting!) is truly amazing and at least worth $200 in my opinion. Their Sprint TV network is not bad either with various channels that include LIVE ESPN.
Please be aware that Sprint's Family plans are the best currently on the market. To be able to have unlimited mobile to mobile calling, unlimited texting, unlimited data, for less than $45 per person per month is freaking amazing. If you don't want to burn your cash on flashier smartphones, get this phone. You won't regret it :)
Entry Level Blackberry for New Users,
by Always Samsung, 2010-05-24
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1WW0YMYHWZS7O I picked up the Blackberry Curve 8520 with my corporate discount and walked away with a nice phone at a very reasonable price. I have to say that I really enjoy the web browser on the new BB. You can zoom in & out with ease. I thought no browser could compare to the iPod Safari besides the Android G1, but after getting this device - I can safely say that this browser is also one of the best. Its right behind the safari and G1. Prior models were confined to small screens, thirty-five dollar internet only data plans, and no ability to zoom in or out. You were subjected to a small screen and reading small text till your eyes was squinting like grandmas.
Pros:
Nice price for new smartphone users
Nice fashion colors that only the CURVE series has
3.5 MM headjack
Nice form factor
New OS (ONly 5.0 OS for SPrint and Verizon users)
Decent call quality (No issues yet)
Excellent new broswer
Mini SD up to 16GB (Wish it was 32GB)
Use your songs as ringers
Wi-Fi
Personal Email (Up to 10 accounts can be added)
IM
BB Meesenger
BB App World
Full HTML Web Browser (Sometimes)
Excellent Multimedia Player (Accepts every format possible)
Crystal clear screen for playing videos
Includes 2 chargers (Wall Charger & USB charger)
Includes ear phones
Cons:
For long time BB users, this device is really just a cosmetic upgrade with a new OS (Flashier Icons)
Micro USB (No more Mini USB)
No Flash on the camera
Only one theme
Feels like a plastic toy
No threaded text messaging
Poor screen resolution
Non RIMM Consumer Changes Mind!
No 3G (ONly 3G for Sprint and Verizon users)
Good entry level smartphones for new users who want to save without paying the high price. However, Verizon has pricey data and text messenging plans which are a requirement. Its hard to justify the plan prices for such an average entry level device.
For the Price its my Favorite Blackberry So Far,
by Ziggy Ziggmuff, 2010-05-18
Used to have a Pearl with numerous problems, finally had enough of it and decided to upgrade. Sprint has a deal going on right now where you get [...] for your old phone, and since I was over a year due, I got a $[...] rebate too. So my opinion may be a bit skewed as I got this phone for free. Gotta be honest I HATED Blackberry and didn't understand the attraction to the company when I had my Pearl as it was over-overwhelmingly disappointing since day 1.
Well I'm happy to say that I am probably a permanent fan of the BB thanks to this phone. 1st: Thank god BB got rid of the ball, as the sensor-tracker is 100 times better. My ball would go bad, get dirty, etc. This is probably the best tracker I've seen on any phone including the iPhone. I love the BB Messenger capabilities, love the qwerty pad, love the speed of the phone. I have yet to find one flaw regarding the mechanics of this phone. Have downloaded 2 apps thus far for free--Pandora Internet Radio and Google Maps which are must haves (don't even bother using the Maps app loaded on the phone, its terrible) and both have worked like a charm.
The only thing I miss is the flash for the camera, as it seems my Pearl took excellent photos compared to a lot of other phones. I haven't had great luck with this one so far, but like I said, its a very small issue compared to the other flaws that have gone away since my upgrade.
Not sure how this phone works on other networks, but Sprint is EXCELLENT. I was with AT&T for years and hated it, and I will never understand its popularity except for the fact its the only network with the never-ending praised, over-rated over-priced iPhone. Sprint may not be popular with the "hip" kids these days (but who cares) however I have nothing but good things to say about Sprint, as its coverage and its service are the best I've ever had.
If I had the dough, I might saddle up for the Bold, as it seems to be just like this phone but has a couple better features like a better operating system, a higher mega-pixel camera, better speakers for music, ability for a 32G card, and might last better in the long run. But again, the going price for that is $[...], and how can I complain or compare the 2 when I got mine for free? This Curve is probably the best phone deal of my life.
If you're a person who hasn't owned a Blackberry before and you're looking to get into it without breaking the bank, this IS the phone I recommend. I have friends who have BB's and like I said I've owned one previously too, and this is BY FAR the best one I've come upon for the price. These things will be unstoppable when they start supporting Flash, which will blow iPhone out of the water, so hopefully isn't too far off.
You will love this phone!
A great starter Blackberry!,
by The Taminator, 2010-04-15
The trackpad on this model takes some getting used to after the trackball. However, the area beneath the trackball seems to be nothing more than a reservoir of filth that has to be constantly cleaned in order to keep it working at optimal performance. So the trackpad is definitely a step up once you get comfortable with it. The smaller keys may also require some adjustment, and those with dexterity or vision issues may want to consider a phone with larger buttons & display.
For the tech-savvy, most of the features will be a no-brainer, but if you need help figuring out the controls, probably the most useful page in the various booklets included is page 2 of the "Getting Started" booklet with the traffic light on the cover. This page clearly diagrams where each button on the phone is and what it does. Chances are if you check this page, you won't need any of the other instructions. If all else fails, I've found the folks at the Sprint stores are more than willing to show you how to access any feature you may be having trouble with.
It comes with a wire headset that you probably won't use since everyone seems to be stuck on bluetooth headsets. However, I find that having the phone attached to the headset keeps me from walking off and leaving the phone in another room, losing my connection, and the sound is much clearer on both ends. You also get a wall charger, as well as a USB charger cable that doubles as a sync cable-- very nice touch.
The camera on this phone, as with most phones, is useless except for throwaway images & videos at only 2.0 megapixel resolution. It's great to take pictures of fender-benders or temporary images. but don't trust this camera to preserve priceless family moments that will never come again-- especially without the flash included on earlier Blackberry models. I see it as a convenience, not as a replacement for my regular camera.
I also don't care to use this as a replacement for my iPod, but I am someone who runs my iPod mostly from the time I get up until the time I go to bed. It's hardly practical to run the battery down on my phone listening to music. I don't use the wi-fi either-- again, I use a separate device for wi-fi access, so this may not be a practical solution for you. However, disabling the wi-fi and not using this as my primary MP3 player seems to have improved my battery life. If you want to use this phone as a full strength multi-functional device, you may need to invest in a more powerful battery for it if indeed one is available.
As far as apps are concerned, Blackberry isn't going to put Apple out of business any time soon, but there is definitely potential for exponential growth as more and more apps become available. I've installed a couple of freebie apps so far, and I can see how they can become addictive. Since apps are third party products, be sure to read reviews, and don't go app crazy downloading anything just because you can.
The phone does feel a little flimsy, with the battery cover popping out way too easily for my taste. Sure, a case or silicone wrap will help with this, but this really shouldn't be a problem considering it wasn't an issue on previous models. Get the insurance on whatever phone you get and give yourself come peace of mind.
Sprint has been a pleasure to use for me. I know all services have horror stories depending on personnel, company policy and how well coverage is in your area, but Sprint has always been reliable and its in store representatives exemplary of qualtiy customer service. Their plans are just what we needed for our business, and the folks at the Lake Plaza Drive store in Indianapolis are friendly, helpful and I actually look forward to going in whenever I need help.
Bottom line: This is an entry-level Blackberry, great for beginners like myself, but experienced Blackberry users may want to consider a higher-end model. For me this phone serves all my needs and satisfies my need for gadgetry at the same time.
Love it but hate it!,
by Israel Torres, 2010-04-11
This phone was a major upgrade from my old Motorola ROKR phone. This was the first time I had a smart phone and I loved it. I didn't pay much for it so I wasn't going to expect too much out of it. I'll go straight to the point with good and bad things about the phone.
The GOOD:
Texting, Emailing and making phone calls is a breeze with this phone.
Found applications I needed on a phone.
Track Pad is really smooth and easy to use.
Typing is pretty easy once you get used to the small keyboard.
The BAD:
Camera has no flash and resolution is below average. (It is easy to take pictures though)
The UGLY:
I have never had a phone with a reception this bad!
Let me get into the reception:
I've had several dropped calls in my own home and I live in a big city! My girlfriend and family have different carriers and of course different phones and they're signal is strong all the time. I called Sprint and asked if I could get a different phone but they said they wouldn't allow me that. They did however send me the airave signal amplifier and that seems to be working way better.
Final Thoughts:
This phone is awesome for the price I paid ($30) but it has very few but major drawbacks!