The Blackberry Bold 9700 & Blackberry 9000 Review

Blackberry OS 6.0 on Bold 9000 and Bold 9700?

Written by sonic on May 12, 2010 – 12:02 pm -

Sorry for the delays in writing, we’ve had a new member to the family scheduled to arrive for a while now, but he/she’s 6 days overdue so I’m going to just jump right into the most exciting topic on the Blackberry calendar.

At the WES 2010 speech, CEO Mike Lazaridis revealed the launch of Blackberry OS 6.0, but he didn’t reveal too much about their new operating system. A few leaks and some videos indicate some quite shocking news, though.

Things like:

* Unified search (search built into every app blackberry wide)
* Youtube support
* More menu animations, more transparency
* Wifi UBS support with geo-coding and zip code stuff
* Bar code scanning features
* trackpad gestures
* Camera and focus features
* Social media features
* Tabbed browsing similar to Safari

There’s a video on Youtube as well:

Can we expect Blackberry OS 6.0 on older devices like the Bold 9000?

I think the short answer is no, although there’s no official information out, it sounds like the aim of many of the features contained in the new operating system are aimed at touch screens and trackpads. Perhaps even only trackpads… It’s been reported in many places and in many forums that The Bold 9700, Blackberry 9550, Blackberry Storm2 and other phones WILL get the upgrade and it’s an exciting time again to be a Blackberry fan, what’s not exciting is the timing…

Blackberry should have had operating system 6.0 out long ago, and operating system 5.0 wasn’t much of a feature upgrade but more of a neccesary basic overhaul. If the new operating system performs as well as the video’s show and indicate, we could be in for a VERY exciting time. However, I’m still not overly impressed with the OS entirely. It still seems much of the same. No dramatic changes. It’s still just enough for me to wait a few more months before considering Android.

More Blackberry OS 6.0 Rumors…

Apparently some are reporting that The Bold 9700 will not be running the full version of OS 6.0 as it requires 512MB RAM and the Bold 9700 only has 256MB…  RIM has said that Operating system 6.0 should be here in Q3 of 2010. It’s sad that iPhone OS 4.0 with multi-tasking will be out before the Blackberry flagship operating system that’s trying to carry the Blackberry good name into 2010 on shaky ground with Android and iPhone devices catching up super fast into the business world. The iPhone already supports a ton of enterprise level features and networking features and security options that once made the Blackberry so Famous. There’s still plenty a Blackberry can do that an iPhone can’t, but there’s a gaining list of what an iPhone offers, that Blackberry doesn’t… Namely in it’s web browsing experience and software availability.

The web browser uses the new WebKit features which of course may require other hardware and processing power that we’re not quite sure yet the Bold 9000 or Bold 9700 will have. Stay tuned as I will try and keep everyone up to date on this news. It’s very exciting and not that far away.

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Update… Several reports are out now showcasing the Bold 9700 running OS 6.0 pretty well. I admit I have not tried OS 6.0 on a Bold 9700, I have tried it on the 9780 (Which is essentially the same phone but with a 5mp camera and twice the ram), and I think it would be hard to bare without the extra ram….

I mentioned in a previous post recently that it’s now proven it’s *NOT* Possible to run OS 6.0 on a 9000 only due to RAM on board. Everything else on the phone would technically support it just fine. Sad, I know. We all wish they’d release a bold 9000 with 0s 6.0 because that thing was a killer beast to type on.

Tags: bold 9000, bold 9700, operating system, os 6.0, social, viral, web 2.0
Posted in Operating Systems | 8 Comments »

UberTwitter for Blackberry Bold 9700 and 9000 Devices

Written by admin on April 6, 2010 – 1:08 pm -

I know, it’s been a while since I posted a ton of material on the site here. This was one of those things where, you’d feel guilty if you didn’t tell fellow Bold 9700 and Bold 9000 users about.

See, when I first got my blackberry the only Blackberry Bold Twitter client program or application available was from Orangatame software and it was called “Open Beak” now, i can’t complain about free software too much, but honestly I think…

…having this software for so long actually HURT My opinion of Blackberry Phones!!!

Why? Because it’s so basic, so ugly and so simple that the very features of Twitter that make it an exciting platform just aren’t there. You don’t get the social interactivity feel of actually chatting or interacting with people… You read other people’s stuff, you read your own stuff… and you post stuff.. whoo hoo? It’s like a blog!

Twitter’s not a blog!??!!!

Well, it’s microblogging, but with the @replies and such its’ alot more than a blog, it’s a social network with active communication going on! But not with Openbeak.

This week, a few minutes before bed, I downloaded UberTwitter and my life changed. Yes in 48 hours my life became a different life. Twitter became people I could talk to, i found a report spam button for all those idiots who keep DM ing me stuff, you know who you are… I mean goodness! I have over 325 DM’s sitting in the inbox, do you REALLY think i’m going to read them? Spammers!

Ubertwitter’s allowed me to see threads of conversations, interact and read other conversations, and actually find MORE tweets fitting on my screen (it seems) then my desktop computer, and easier to read!

If you haven’t tried it your doing yourself a major dis-service, it may in fact actually change your life and grow your business just by installing it. Don’t blame me if you loose hours of precious family time and even have a divorce over how addictive this thing is to use.

Daniel J Deyette

Tags: app, best twitter client, bold 9700, download, Software, tweeting, tweeting client, tweets, twitter
Posted in Blackberry Bold 9000, Blackberry Bold 9700, Software | 2 Comments »

Don’t Tazzle Me, Bro! – New Way To Connect Your Bold 9700 or 9000

Written by admin on January 27, 2010 – 5:37 pm -

Nah, seriously that headline was just a joke spun from that famous college kid video getting pulled away as the cops “Taze” him. I’m not knocking this product, not for 20 seconds. It’s probably one of the most best kept secrets (and it shouldn’t be!) of the online community. If they sent me one of these tomorrow, I would document the whole process of use and how powerful this thing is and probably write a post titled 47 ways to get the most out of your Tazzle.

This brilliant device is truly remarkable. Just as it says on there, view, print and send. I’m pretty sure this works via Bluetooth, but regardless… How many times have you fumbled to find your uplink cable? I know I have…

How many times have you been out and about and don’t feel like carrying that big bulky USB cable around? This thing would easily hide in your wallet or somewhere and any time any place you can pop it out and send pictures, documents or emails or anything to a PC. You really gotta check this out for yourself to see all the benefits of the Tazzle product.

Tazzling Saves Time!
Get the Tazzle IT USB-Key!

Tags: bluetooth sync, bold 9000, bold 9700, pc bluetooth, pc connect, pc connector, pc usb wireless, pc wireless, send to pc bluetooth, send to pc wireless, sync wireless, tazle, tazlee, tazzle
Posted in Technical Tips | 2 Comments »

Broken, cracked or water damaged Bold 9700?

Written by sonic on January 27, 2010 – 3:17 pm -

I had no idea that services like this existed, but it sure is comforting to know that they do…
Check out their home page by clicking on the banner on the right there…They have a picture of a Bold 9000 on a stretcher that looks like it was made in the 1960s haha.

Whether you dropped your Blackberry into a toilet, a water fountain or some dish water – Or you drove over it with your car, stepped on it or some other tragedy – these guys can get your data back…

Why is that so critically important? In today’s day and age, It’s too easy to break a smartphone and loose everything. Paid for applications, precious pictures of your little ones, or videos of your friend doing something worthy of future blackmail that you just can’t afford to loose! (Grin).

Regardless, what’s most impressive about this Californian company is their “can’t recover it, money back guarantee”. These guys got started in the business reverse-engineering other pda and cell phone type devices so there’s little doubt they can’t recover yours should you require it.

They currently don’t’ have a Bold 9700 Option, but I’d recommend using the Bold 9000 option as it has the same internals, processor and memory and would really be a similar process to recover in a smaller case.

If you do end up requiring their service, email me and let me know how it goes and how smooth the process is, I’d love to update this post with more information.

UPDATE: Just spoke with Tim Goggin @ Recoverymysmartphone.com and they DO service the Bold 9700 and even the Tour2 Essex 9650 (same technology essentially as the original tour but with better camera & trackpad instead of trackball).

Don’t hesitate to work with these guys… My first hand experience with data recovery outfits always winds up with a costly bill. These folks are simply not the case… You can expect to pay up to $1000 for detailed and engineer level data recovery, so being under $200 is impressive.

(GET My Broken, Water Damaged, Cracked, Distroyed Cell Phone Data Recovered – Click Here)

Tags: bold 9000, bold 9700, broken, cracked, crunched, data backup, data recover, data recovery, data restore, distroyed, drenched, dropped, get documents back, get emails back, get music back, get pictures back, get sounds back, get videos back, immursed, lake, ran over, shattered, smashed, toilet, water
Posted in Technical Tips | No Comments »

Blackberry Bold 9700 Poker Games – Who has the best?

Written by admin on January 26, 2010 – 10:21 pm -

Bplay – Magmic – World Series Of Poker

Probably one of the best Texas Hold’em style games available for blackberry, and made by Magmic it’s not surprising the graphics are probably the best your going to get on this one. The game play is unreal and this one won’t slow your unit down.

World Series of Poker: Hold’em Legend

Ace’s Texas Hold’Em No Limit -

Thought of as one of the hardest games to master, this game has reasonable graphics, but that’s not really where it shines. It has many more deep level options and settings that can be adjusted, learning opponents that get harder and harder and bluff and do real human emotional trigs as well. Worth checking out, but definitely not as pretty as Magmic’s Poker Game.

This game also wins in the statistics department, there’s much detail of hands played, hands won, folds, raises, tournament wins, etc. For the price, it’s the most affordable poker game for the blackberry available on the market at the moment.

Aces Texas Hold’em Download

Hard Rock Casino Collection Poker

Graphics galore, I swear the collection doesn’t get any better with intense graphics, but this one takes out the human element entirely. They’ve got a poker game that’s really emulating the VLT or Video lottery terminals you see everywhere. Yes, video poker sounds boring, but when you combine that with amazing graphics for blackjack, and realistic roulette you have yourself a package that’s really under priced. For $9.95 you get poker, blackjack, roulette and slots with extreme detail… beat that anywhere with this level of quality, it’s hard to do.

Hard Rock Casino Collection Download

Tags: 0oker, bold 9000, bold 9700, loker, ooker, p0ker, p9ker, piker, pkker, pkr, plker, poier, pojer, pok3r, pok4r, pokdr, poke4, poke5, poked, pokee, pokeer, pokef, pokeg, poker, pokerr, poket, pokfr, pokker, pokrr, poksr, pokwr, poler, pomer, pooer, pooker, ppker, ppoker
Posted in Games | 1 Comment »

Blackberry Bold 9700 Skin From RIM

Written by admin on January 26, 2010 – 5:57 pm -

I bought this sleve from Staples here in BC (Canada) and was completely unimpressed with it.

This thing continued to slide off the phone every time I put in my pocket or any tight place. I also love sliding my phones up into my visor in thecar (the CD holder with the mesh part) to talk on speakerphone while driving, but it wouldn’t go in there without causing a car accident with this rubbery thing on there.

I have to say when I first put it on I loved it. It made the 9700 feel just a little bit bigger and somehow gave me a bit more respect for the device, but after a few weeks it really got on my nerves.

Anyone else recommend a better sleeve or skin for the Bold 9700? Wanna send me one to try for two weeks and then give a full unbiased review? I won’t argue!

Daniel J Deyette

Tags: bold 9700, protector, skin, sleeve
Posted in Utilities | No Comments »

E-Mobile Live Aquarium – Fish tank for Bold 9700?

Written by admin on January 26, 2010 – 5:52 pm -

The E-mobile Live Aquarium is certainly a sight to be seen, and can easily rival anything Bplay’s got going on for their saltwater app. This is a must see… Like having your own fish tank right on the screen. Impressive and shocking color and animation with no slow down. Breathtaking graphics… Any Bold user who loves to show off will really like this one.

These guys also make these too:

e-Mobile Live Deep Sea

e-Mobile Live Windmill

e-Mobile Live Spring

e-Mobile Live Waterfall

e-Mobile Live Seashore

e-Mobile Live Halloween

e-Mobile Live Night Sky

e-Mobile Live Sky

e-Mobile Live Lake

e-Mobile Live Snow

e-Mobile Live Bird

e-Mobile Live Butterfly

e-Mobile Live City

e-Mobile Live Stream

Download E-Mobile Fish Tank Today!

Tags: aquarium, bold 9000, bold 9700, fish, fish tank, pet fish, pets
Posted in Cool Stuff | 1 Comment »

Are You A Blackberry Info Junkie?

Written by admin on January 22, 2010 – 10:21 am -

If you are, I’ve got an amazing theme software to show you! Don’t worry, I’m not knocking blackberry addicts in this post… This is more of a here you go!

The home screen even with the 18 icon home screen is probably not supporting enough instant updates and constant action to help you with the feeding frenzy of contacts and information flowing to your berry each day, is it?

Think about it…

• MSN Messenger
• Blackberry Messenger
• Skype
• SMS
• 4 different email addresses
• Gmail
• RSS Feed updates
• Yahoo messenger

If you wanna keep tabs on absolutely everything that might update, or that you might miss… You have to check this out. I’m trying to tone down my constantly checking blackberry self… It’s not good with social interaction and such and people get really upset by it… But this at least prevents digging thru your BBerry for all your apps which may be buried somewhere deep in that long list of icons when they could be on the home screen.

This is available for the Bold 9000 but I would imagine this would work fine on the Bold 9700 as well. It’s a little stroke of genius to have all that available to you in such a simple, elegant design.

Download Executive Speed Theme Now

Tags: all updates, bold 9000, bold 9700, faster theme, home screen, home screen icons, loaded icons, more icons
Posted in Themes | No Comments »

Eminence – The Best Bold 9700 Theme

Written by sonic on January 19, 2010 – 4:41 pm -

This theme at Mobihand is arguably one of the best themes available for the Bold 9700 (and of course a ton of other phones supported by it). And no, I’m not saying that just because I’ve gotten to know the creators of it, although I doubt I would have tried it or stumbled across it had I not met them in A BBM conversation.

What’s special isn’t just the looks that you see in the screencaps I’ve decided to post here on my blog… That’s really nothing. What’s wild and outstanding is the menu animations, the transitions and the transparency that make you feel like you’ve got a next generation blackberry in your hands. I can show you these screenshots all day long, but at the end of the day they won’t say much to you like installing it will.

So, I encouage you to download and try this thing.. I betcha that MobiHand (Aka Onlyblackberry) has a great refund program if you find you don’t agree with me (which I strongly doubt will happen) but what you’ll see when you start playing with this will blow your mind.

There are all kinds of little peculiar reasons you’ll love transparency… One classic example is when setting your alarm before you go to bed, or for a quick nap, don’t you often wonder… Wait… What time is it right now tho? How much sleep am I gonna get, when do i wanna wake up etc… Transparency lets you set your clock while still seeing the clock behind it. Transparency lets you have calendar updates that don’t annoyingly block what your doing. It’s weird to say, but Transparency on your Bold 9700 could change the way you think and use your phone. (strange? yep!)

I’ve run this theme now for about a month since when it went Beta and now is actually available for purchase, and I honestly love that it’s guaranteed to not slow down your blackberry. Speed is way more important than some junk fireplace glowing on your screen.. Ya, those impress your friends for a little while, but a real man values performance over looks.
Download Eminence From Only Blackberry Now

Also available for the 85xx Curve Series and 8300 Coming soon.

Features:

• *** QuickLaunch Shortcut added to SpaceBar***
• Weather Slot on Home Page (7th Icon in Applications’s)
• Hidden Today
• Custom Transparent Banner works with all wallpaper colors
• Transparent Menu’s and Dialog Boxes
• Custom Changing Icons (Folders Open and Icons move/change when Highlighted)
• Large Clock on Home Screen
• Smooth Transitions
• User Defined Font and Font Size
• User Defined Home Screen Wallpaper
• Custom Percentage Battery Meter
• Guaranteed Lag Free

Tags: animation, blackberry, bold 9700, custom battery meter, custom today, fast theme, hidden today, quick theme, quicklaunch, speedy theme, theme, transitions, transparency, weather slot
Posted in Themes | No Comments »

Will the Bold 9700 Get stomped by the Tour 9650?

Written by sonic on January 18, 2010 – 11:53 pm -

The big question on a ton of bloggers minds! I know it’s bugging me, fact is I wanted badly to know the answer and a few seconds ago it just hit me in the face like a ton of bricks!

No way!!!

What’s the Essex (Tour 2) 9650 device made of anyway? Apparently it’s really more of a mistake being repaired… The gyst was that due to timing they couldnt’ make the original Tour with a trackpad and Wifi just due to trying to quickly get the thing on the market… Now the Essex Tour 2 9650 does come with these features…

But what’s under the hood, you ask?

A Qualcomm 528Mhz Processor… Same as the original Tour.. Meaning that The Bold 9700 is still nearly 100Mhz faster than the Tour and Tour 2 models giving it more power and speed to run OS 5.0 applications.
It does have the same 3.1 megapixel camera as the Bold 2 (9700) and many other features are notably the same except of course size and asthetic design. The Essex has a bit more chrome going on than the Blackberry Bold 2 9700 packs.

The big question that will drive the dividing line between folks that keep the 9700 and those that don’t will probably be OpenGL support, and it’s still questionable whether this one will have the feature or not.

I think the Tour2 Will support OpenGL… It’s running the same CPU core as the Curve 8530 (which apparently should have OpenGL) and a very similar platform… Only time and new info will tell.

Tags: 9650, blackberry, bold 9700, Intel, open gl, QualComm, RIM, tour2
Posted in News | No Comments »