Quite a lot of recent RIM’s BlackBerry phones looked quite alike (Bold and the Curve) and it could mean one of two things — either RIM doesn’t have any more design ideas left or it has almost perfected the form factor that many people loved about the qwerty smartphone that it doesn’t want to veer away from it. That is the case of the BlackBerry Bold 9700.
I haven’t formally reviewed the previous generation BB Bold 9000 but having tried it a couple of times before and basing on the specs, one can make the conclusion that there’s not much can be done on the BB Bold 9700 except for a number of tweaks and optimization.
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 sports almost the same exterior as its predecessor — glossy, black-piano finish in front, rubbery lining on the side with a streak of silver and a nice leather back panel. The leather gives the handset a touch of class but also helps secure a nice grip when using the unit.
RIM tried to cut some fat around the unit so a couple of millimeters were shaved off the dimensions to make it more compact. This move somehow sacrificed a little screen real estate (2.44″ from the previous 2.6″) but improved on the pixel resolution (480×360) which explains why the display is clear, crisp, and bright.
The physical keyboard, one of RIM’s strongest features in most of its handsets, is maximized on space and layout. It might look a bit cramped at first but it’s just enough and comfortable for two-fingered typing. RIM shaped the individual keys with a chiseled edge, half of which faces the left and the other half facing the right. This is actually a clever and practical move — your thumbs get some sort of traction over the keys and helps prevent from slipping and hitting the wrong keys.
Again, RIM has fully transitioned it’s old and problematic trackball and replaced it with a touch-sensitive trackpad. This is probably the most welcomed change made on BlackBerry handhelds lately and it does seem to perform well.
The Bold 9700 is fully equipped with connectivity options you’d ever need in a smartphone — WiFi, 3G/HSDPA, Bluetooth and GPS navigation. Browsing on the unit seems fast on both 3G and WiFi and the pages rendered well but you’d wish you had more screen real estate there. And while the GPS navigation is usable, it hasn’t gone to the same level what Nokia recently did with their free turn-by-turn navigation.
The BlackBerry Bold 9700′s newest competitor would be the Nokia E72 and while they’re neck-and-neck in terms of the major features, the E72 has a few additional features up its sleeve. Battery life is impressive and lasts at least 3 days on single full charge (it’s got the same 1500mAh rating as the E71 and E72).
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 also missed a couple of things, some of it is due to geographical limitations:
- First, the BlackBerry App World is still not available in the Philippines. The Apps would have added a huge plus point on top of the BIS. Give it already to us, RIM.
- The 3MP camera is still a bit inadequate but if you compare it to another business phone like the Nokia E72, they’re just at par so no big deal there. It’s really hard to find a business phone that’s got good optics nowadays. I think it’s just positioning and they really intended it to be that way.
- No FM tuner, a feature that’s becoming a standard all mobile phones in all categories. It’s time for RIM to equip all their future handsets with one.
Admittedly, there’s not much improvements you can do on a handset which many BlackBerry users deemed almost perfect. If only they could offer it a little more affordable like the Curve 8520. Good thing though is that you can now have this unit and use a prepaid SIM from Globe or Smart and just subscribe to the prepaid BlackBerry service.
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sir yuga available na po ba yan dito s pilipinas and how much?
Twitter: bobreyes
replied on Jan 26th, 2010 at 6:32 pm (2)
It’s available already here. I’m on Globe corporate plan, and they’re sending me a BB Bold 9700 this week as part of their loyalty program. Perhaps, retail price will play around PHP25K to PHP30K
Twitter: kzapkzap
replied on Jan 26th, 2010 at 7:15 pm (3)
best thing about the BB is the keyboard, its just right
From the shops i saw, it’s priced around P29-P30K, but like sir abe said, not much difference between the bold 9700 and the bold 9000, same almost everything, even the processor is the same, the most noticeable is of course the change from trackball to optical trackpad (i hated that trackball).
for price under P18K, you get a similar experience with the Blackberry Curve 8520 (it also has an optical trackpad).
Twitter: jhayrocas
replied on Jan 27th, 2010 at 8:16 am (5)
I want one! But would settle for the 8520 because of the price.
Twitter: simplynice93
replied on Jan 27th, 2010 at 9:16 am (6)
Very Nice! Very Nice Indeed!
Twitter: ipadnewshub
replied on Jan 27th, 2010 at 10:39 am (7)
looks nice and the price is reasonable too.
I definitely want one, or perhaps the Curve will do..:-)
It’s sad to know that BlackBerry AppWorld is not applicable here in the Philippines.. =(
@Yuga
Ive heard/read in the user comments that most BB9700 has tilted trackpad is it true with your unit? Does it affect performance of the trackpad?
I heard that the AppWorld will open in the Philippines soon (some time this year). You’ll see.
Sayang there’s no FM. I’m looking for an alternative to my E63, this could have been a candidate but I listen to the radio a lot.
sir yuga, pls feature naman yung latest available iphone app for Globe Users. its called Globe Calls. really convenient and can translate to huge savings!
-Sent via YugaTech Mobile App
I really like BB. Sana mag open na talaga yung BB AppWorld dito sa Philippines. How about the BB Storm 2? any plans on reviewing it? Thanks!
Hi. Is it true that if your a prepaid user of BB phone, you cant use some of the apps? Kindly confirm if this is true. Thanks.
I got a fake blackberry here in dubai for a price of 380dirhams or php4600.It looks very similar to the curve and is also using a trackball.It has a shortcut for facebook,ym,msn,google and yahoo search.Wifi and GPRS equipped and the browsing capability is awesome.It is also using the opera mini as the default browser and push email capable. The plus factor is that it has a two active standby sim capabilities so it eliminates the need for an extra phone for my roaming sim card. The phone is Java equipped as well, 2 cameras(front and back) USB charger, 2 batteries, TV function, FM,and the battery life is awesome. It can last up to 4 days with regular usage like texting. The blackberry insignia is also cool and the only thing I that im not happy is the mark on the back that says 11.0 megapixel.hehehe thats it.
i’m using the BB 9700 for a week now, and based on it’s performance i can give it 8 out of 10.. the applications (3rd party) aren’t available in the country yet.. so if RIM’s gonna give it to the PI then it’ll add up some points.. and one thing more, do you guys know where i can buy good case(leather, crystal or candy type)?
thanks..
anyway, i got it this phone from globe.. this one has a better function than my e71..
cheers,
Ron
Twitter: cessmvalenzuela
replied on Feb 9th, 2010 at 10:43 am (16)
Hi Ron!
Wow buti ka pa you got one from Globe na. Ilang beses na ako bumabalik sa globe, out of stock pa rin. I cant wait for my BB!!! Saang globe branch mo nakuha?
blackberry if this one is around 20-30k? and Lg BL40 is 29K i’ll rather pick LG… I love the new BL40
Twitter: mobile_wonders
replied on Feb 19th, 2010 at 11:59 am (18)
Honestly, I’m not really into QWERTY phones, but this one’s gorgeous.
Where can i get this on an installment basis? It’s really pretty but am not sure if it’s a practical choice for me. Hmm…..perhaps, if the price goes down to 25, that would be great! It’s selling @ 30 now! ;(
we are offering the Blackberry Bold 9700 Onyx for sale.We have them in stock for sale.They are Brand new,unlocked and can be used with any Network in Philippines.
Interested buyers should email us on: davidelectronicworld@yahoo.com
we are offering the Blackberry Bold 9700 Onyx for sale.We have them in stock for sale.They can be used with any Network in Philippines.
Interested buyers should email us on: davidelectronicworld@yahoo.com
Masyadong malapad… hehehe. Period.
Wala pa din yung akin, sa Globe Glorietta ako kumuha. huhu out of stock daw.
blackberry app world works on smart network. u just need to dl it. here’s the link http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/appworld/download.jsp? my girlfriend managed into install it and it works.
I still prefer the form factor of the huge BB Bold 9000. The features of the Bold 9700 onyx are really souped up and much improved but will wait for an upgraded version of the BB bold 9000 before I make the switch from Nokia to Blackberry.
hi mr. yuga..
i have a technical problem with my blackberry9700, i cannot connect it to my wifi for internet & yahoo messenger app.. may mga setting pa po ba to?, pati ang MAP and GPS di rin gumana..huhu
how can i use the yahoo messenger on my bb bold 9700? i got it from at&t(locked) and had it openlined here in cebu. i cant access the email set up,bbm and ym.how can i download photos directly from my bb 9700?by the way,im on prepaid(globe).please help me…im new to this..thanks
why is it that when other bb users use fb on wifi,it says :via facebook for blackberry but others(like me),it says via Mobile web?
@joanne your friends are using the official facebook app for blackberries. you can only use it if you have a data plan
via Mobile web means facebook was accessed through the berry browser or even opera
my blackberry bold 9700 which is 2 wks old is now defective.it was bought in the US and i had it unlocked here.ive been using it for almost 2wks and now it wont turn on.i first observed it freezed and when i turned it off and on again, theres a display on screen which says jvm error 102 then reset under it.how can i solve this?pleeeaaassseeee help me….ive searched for answers trhu crackberry and i followed the instructions but to no avail.please help meee……thanks
Twitter: gonein60secs
replied on Mar 25th, 2010 at 5:50 am (31)
joanne,
Try mo upgrade sa latest OS. Baka ma save pa. Marunong ka ba mag upgrade?
Chat me: rtppz76@yahoo.com. turuan kita
Twitter: gonein60secs
replied on Mar 25th, 2010 at 5:57 am (32)
Tha batt life for 9700 is 2X the bold 9000. plus trackpad vs. trackball? No contest!! 9700 ang maganda! And kahit mag upgrade ka ng OS ng bold 9000; 6-8 hours lang ang batt life. Paano na kung heavy user ka? or ur following 100+ users sa twitter? or mag youtube and browse the net ka pa? Drain kaagad batt mo for sure.
Hello Sir Yuga and everyone!
I’ll be needing help . Though now, I am able to use the internet browser using WI FI, it seems that I can’t stream you tube with it. Referred to the BB’s support forums and they say there that I need to set up the APN in TCP setting. I just don’t know how can I get the APN and have it set up with my device. It is in the OPTIONS-ADV OPTIONS- TCP/IP. In it, there are 2 boxes waiting to be checked, and down under there are fields for APN Username and APN Password. Can someone give me info on how this thing work please? Should I check both of the boxes, or just one? And which one? And what am I supposed to put in the user name and pass word field?
I bought this BB brand new, complete with the legit stuff even the pin, etc, yet unlocked (came from Europe as per the supplier, Hungary). I am an old time prepaid subscriber of Globe. I tried to call their CS, but as expected, they won’t give me any info since their company didn’t earn money out of my purchase of this unit. They say those units they sold are pre set accordingly to work.
Also, I read a news that App World is already available in the Phils recently. I tried to download it direct to the BB but it says there that my device is not supported.
Also, I havent set the email yet. I dunno where to get that Enterprise Activation Pass Word.
I suspect that I would need a crash set up on this device.
Hope someone can help me out.
Thank yo so much,
Tom
Added readings for blackberry
The Blackberry 9000 Bold Is Now Available In An Appealing White Version
We are offering the newly unveiled blackberry Bold 9700 Onyx and Blackberry Storm 2 9550 for sale.They are unlocked and sim-free to be used with any network.Just insert your sim-card and start using them.no contract required.
QUICK SALE WILL DELIVER
BRAND NEW BLACKBERRY BOLD 9700
* BRAND NEW
* EVERYTHING IN THE BOX
* UNLOCKED TO ANY NETWORK
* SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY!!
Interested buyers should email us on : davidelectronicworld@yahoo.com
Globe is offering this for P2,450 cash out on a P1,599 a month plan.
Siguro sa increased demand ng BB Bold 9700, Globe has increased the phone’s cash out to 11k. Buti nalang, nakakuha ako ng Bold @ 2450php cash out… Suwerte talaga.
@David Miguel – I’m interested in the BB 9550 and tried sending an email to you but it bounced back. Any other email address or contact no.?
can you send me the pricelist of blackberry here in the Philippines?Tnx
check out also blackberryzuela.com they are the most reliable seller of RIM-made phones here in the Philippines
@ TOM
recently got my BB bold 9700 and i had the same problem with yours. just bring it to either smart or globe and ask for the BB package.
SELLING MY 1 MONTH OLD and 10 DAYS BLACKBERRY BOLD 9000 w/2gb SD card
RFS: downgrade
still under service warranty (janjanman)
e-mail me first then ill give you my contact #.
xfaneex@yahoo.com
hi guys… i was just wondering, can the 9700 Bold sync with a Mac??? please reply.
how much is a fake BB curve in the ph?
Selling Brandnew storm 2 9550 from US for only 21,000! For interested pls contact 0908-771-8611
Selling a brand new blackberry bold 9700 unlocked for 28000 php. It has all accessories included in box. Email alexjvillanueva@gmail.com or text 09052226360 for details. Serious buyers only. Thank you =)
hi, if any of you are interested in Blackberry bold 9700. just email me. I have stocks of the black and pearl white.
Reasonable Price
those who are interested to get a blackeberry bold 9700. Reasonable Price
you can email me at gail.melon@gmail.com
Thanks
buy with the expert..!!
I bought my Bb bold 9700 in blackberryzuela.com
just php23490 only!!
and theirs have a special promo for the bold 9000 its only 20k with 2 freebies,extra battery or a 4GB SD memory card…
This is a big opportunity for you guys,.!!
kung gusto nyo makatipid kayo go to http://www.blackberryzuela.com
They are legally incorporated in The Philippines as a Wholesaler Importer.
Good Morning… papaano ba gamitin yung mga symbols ng blackberry 9700? shortcut symbols, ang ginagawa ko kasi ay pipindutin ko muna yung sym bago ako pumasok sa mga symbols ska ko i click yung yung gusto ko, nakikita po dba sa ibabaw ng letter yung mga point, comma, etc… papaano gamitin yun ng hindi na ako dadaan o pumunta sa mga symbols?
tnx
Twitter: bobreyes
replied on Jun 17th, 2010 at 7:58 am (51)
@kolasisi Press & hold the letter that you wish to have an accent, then scroll up/down to choose what kind of accent do you wish to be applied to that letter.
availablr here bb curve white color… 15k open line.
im also selling apple products, much lower price. sure buy only….prices are available upon request.
I recently bought a BB 9700 in WHITE at kimstore.multiply.com.
The white one is more expensive than the black. The black is 22k and the white one is 25.5k. Kimstore is selling it cheaper than the others since its an online store. 
She does meet ups too! 
It has a 2gb card included.
As for the BB 9700 performance, I love my phone and I can’t put it down because I adore it too much. Haha! I’ve downloaded themes for it and I loved its software. The trackpad is very responsive and easier to use since its flat unlike the trackball. The camera is good.
Wi-fi browser is really good. 
Personally, its the best phone I had. 
I’m a Sun Cellular subscriber, I hope Sun will also have a BIS plan. I can’t use the facebook app because it needs a service plan.
I also tried to get configuration settings for it but they still dont have any for the model. 
Twitter: jehzlau
replied on Jul 9th, 2010 at 4:52 am (55)
@Myabi – try using Globe or Smart, then activate your BIS. It won’t work with white BB 9700, which is weird. Globe and Smart also confirmed na hindi nila ma activate yung BIS sa white 9700 handsets only. Kahit may SMS confirmation na na activated, hindi parin activated. O__O
hi..im selling bb curve2 8900 for 15,600. brandnew and orginal from spain.openline and ready to use.for sure buyer,call or txt me at 09185669479.tnx!
got bb9700 here in saudi. – very good performance.
just got it 2099SR. CHEAP? yes, coz it has no taxes here. vert affordable to buy any gadjets here. -
Anybody with a good heart pls give me the step by step guide on how to upgrade my os to version 5.0.0. 593
hey guys.. is it true that as a pre-paid user we can’t access facebook for BB application until now? that if we just use wi-fi for browsing, it will just shown “facebook via mobile”..
kindly reply sir yuga! need ur answer..
)
thanks!
Bob Reyes How would i upgrade my os from 5.0.0. to 5.0.0. 593 pls help
SELLING MY 3 MONTH OLD BLACKBERRY BOLD 9000 w/2gb SD card
complete (except holster, nwawala e)
Price: 15k
RFS: downgrade
still under service warranty (janjanman)
meet-up only (manila)
e-mail me first then ill give you my contact #.
xfaneex@yahoo.com or jeff.matanguihan@yahoo.com
Can someone help me to updrade my OS frpm 5.0.0. 315 to 5.0.0. 593
Hi!
I’ve been planning to buy the Bold 9700 in WHITE. However, I heard that Globe does not support BIS for this unit? Is this true? If using a white 9700, is wifi the only way to have internet access or nagwowork rin yung P20/hr rate for internet nila like for normal phones?
I’d appreciate a reply so that I’ll know soon if I’m going to buy the white bold.
Thanks!
@karsykars – it’s just the color, everything else is the same so it’s not true.
Twitter: iangomez
replied on Jul 25th, 2010 at 9:53 am (65)
sir, would just like to ask-
can a Blackberry Bold 9700 bought in the US be used here in the Philippines? would it be ‘compatible’ to our telco system here?
thanks for your reply
anyone have a say abt sun cellular’s BIS?
Got a deal that works to my advantage
I am on plan1599, I downgraded to Plan500 (free call minutes and text messgae allowance are reduced as well) but I would have to get the Supersurf unlimited data add-on of P1200 tied in to my contract. Therefore my Monthly service fee is just P1700, only P101 pesos addition to my original plan but I get unlimited data.
For those who are on BB Bold 9700 P1599 bundle, check with Globe if they still have this offer.