The Torch 9800 is Research in Motion's (RIM) latest Middle East smartphone release. This is a two in one that combines the features of the Storm and Bold 9700. It’s an elegant phone with a glossy gunmetal border and a 3.2-inch screen. This handset is equipped with a long awaited BlackBerry OS6, complete with a Webkit browser and a Webkit/HTML e-mail client, in addition to a new ‘Universal Search'. These features are eons ahead of its kin and add a refreshing touch to the platform.
However, the OS brings the BlackBerry up-to-date on the interface front, in that previously boring text has now been replaced by icons that are separated smartly, thus making the user experience more fluid and responsive.
It allows navigation through finger swipes on the touch screen display as well as through the trackpad. At the same time as typing messages, the virtual keyboard is still gauche unfortunately, so you're better off with the physical alike, which is more exact.
The 5-megapixel camera is adequate at best in the best conditions but can't handle low light situations at all, despite the presence of a built-in flash. As a multimedia device the Torch stagger further because 640 x 480 pixel video looks far too compressed on the Torch's 360 x 480 pixel screen.
Overall sensory experience of handling the Torch is exceptional however. It has a ridged, rubberized back cover and artificial metal frame. On the whole the Torch, despite its new OS and features, is a better business device than one that everyday consumers will welcome. The only real trump card the Torch has is its free messaging applications though that isn't exclusive to the Torch.
We don't think the Torch is a phone current Blackberry users would switch to. Not because it can't handle anything that the Bold or Curve can but purely because it's not a Blackberry in essence. It's bulkier, thicker, heavier, it slides open, it has a touch screen, an uncertain virtual keyboard and various other features that tries to serve one too many user types.
News Source: www.itp.net
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