Preview : BlackBerry Torch 9810

I've spent a few days now getting to know the BlackBerry Torch 9810, the new version of Research in Motion's slider phone. As I think about the Bold 9900/9930, it seems like a solid upgrade from the original torch (9800), but isn't radically new. Still, we happily welcome the upgrade, especially those of us who like the BlackBerry platform.

 I've been using the original Torch as my primary BlackBerry for the past year and generally have been pretty happy with it, on its own terms. I still think BlackBerry reigns in the corporate email and similar applications realms, and I like having a physical keyboard. But while the number of BlackBerry applications grows, it still yields to the Android and iPhone apps and falls short on web browsing capabilities. The new version definitely improves web browsing, but if you're looking for the latest apps, BlackBerry still isn't device for you.





At first glance, the new Torch looks nearly identical to the previous model, with only a slight variation in color: the new one has a matte silver exterior, compared with the chrome of the old one. But under the hood, there are significant differences. Both have 3.2-inch screens, but the 9810 noticeably ups the resolution to 640 by 480 from the previous version's 480 by 360 display, especially when browsing the web. You can just see more of the screen.

Most importantly, it comes with a faster processor: a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm processor, as opposed to the 624 MHz one on the Torch. I can notice the change, especially when browsing complex pages. It has more memory--768 MB of RAM as opposed to 512 MB. That sounds like a small change, but given that I sometimes got memory errors on the older Torch, it's a good move. It also now comes with 8 GB of built in storage, as opposed to the previous model which shipped with a 4 GB micros SD card. It still has a micro SD slot for adding more storage.

Like the previous model, the 9810 has a 5 megapixel rear camera, now with a 4X digital zoom and HD video recording through a new video camera application.

On the software side, BlackBerry OS 7 seems mostly like a minor upgrade to the previous OS 6. Web browsing has improved, though perhaps more because of the speed of the processor and the better screen. Flash-based web sites still do not work and Flash video still does not play, though I was able to play back videos from sites like YouTube. Most applications, however, remain unchanged.

One refreshing addition to the email application is a new "Display Style" option that lets you view single messages as normal or now group the messages by subject. Most other applications stayed stagnant, but in general, the system as a whole felt faster. 




Compared with the 9900/9930, the thicker Torch offers a larger screen (3.2-inch vs. 2.8-inch on the Bold) , though the Bold is notably wider, allotting for a larger keyboard. Both offer the same processor, RAM, camera, and basic software, though each carrier adds a few of their own services. Note that at the moment, AT&T does not offer the Bold 9900 (though it is expected to add this) while Verizon has not been carrying the Torch. I've been a Torch user, and will probably stay with it, but I'm quite tempted by the thinner Bold now that it too has a touch screen.

If you have a Torch, the 9810 is a solid update, but won't radically change how you use the device. Still, many Torch users will be quite happy with it in hand.
forwardthinking.pcmag.com