Smartphones are changing on what seems to be a daily basis. Manufacturers must adapt or risk being left in the dust. Phones don’t necessarily need a complete makeover when a quick freshening up will do. If a phone already performs above the competition, it is beneficial to keep what works and make some adjustments. Research in Motion took this approach when developing the Blackberry Curve 2.
An update to the Curve 8520, the Curve 2 maintains the same shell as its predecessor. The only change in looks is the somewhat smooth, checkered pattern that is now found on the back cover. That, and the Curve 2 is a touch thinner than previous Curves, having slimmed down from to 0.6” thick to 0.5” thick. Users familiar with the Bold will find the keyboard setup instantly recognizable because it is nearly identical. The QWERTY keyboard is smallish, but it is still better than most other available models, so it should not be an issue. Volume buttons are found on the right side of the phone, which is where the camera shutter is located. As usual with Blackberries, the camera lens itself is on the back of the handset. SIM and microSD card slots are under the battery cover, but it is not necessary to take out the battery to access them.
The Blackberry Curve 2 can be used in a larger number of areas because it is a GSM quad band phone. Anywhere in the world that GSM is found, the Curve 2 will operate. There is a speakerphone installed, but UMA calling is one of the Curve 2’s best features. UMA refers to calls made on WiFi networks, and with the Curve 2, users can set the handset to automatically hook up to UMA service on available WiFi. Transitions to GSM are very smooth if the WiFi signal fades. In addition to UMA calling, the Blackberry Curve 2’s WiFi 802.11 b/g connection makes for effective internet browsing. The phone operates on OS 4.6, which is the same as the Bold, but Curve 2 loads web pages better. The Curve 2 is powered by a speedy 512 MHz Xscale CPU. And what would a Blackberry be without push email? The Curve 2 accommodates both BES and BIS services, allowing for companies possessing Blackberry servers to operate or for users who want their carrier to provide Blackberry services.
Rather than completely change the look and operation of past Blackberry phones, RIM took the Curve 2 as its opportunity to update already successful phones. The Blackberry Curve 2 builds on what works and what users like. Users will be pleased with the next step in the evolution of Blackberry handsets.
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