Review: 7130e

My friend has been lucky enough to aquire a BlackBerry 7130e For His Birthday in late march. I have been testing it for a while and am putting together a review for it. Here is my analysis.

So, you are used to the large, clunky Blackberrys and want something new. Well This model is definitely one for you. From a distance, it could be mistaken easily for a standard mobile phone. Yet all the functionality of its predecessors is included, and more.

At 4.6 x 2.2 x 0.9 inches, the 7130e is a bit thicker than other devices in the 7100 line (such as the 7100g). It is slightly heavier than that model as well, but the size difference is hardly noticeable and easily forgiven when you consider the data speed capabilities and other added features.

It has a backlit keypad/keyboard hybrid that is powered by SureType technology, which allows the device to predict what you're typing as you enter keystrokes. If you've not used SureType, you'll want to give it a test spin, as it is significantly different than the "full" keyboard on the larger BlackBerry models. Many BlackBerry users are happy to make the small sacrifice in typing efficiency for the convenient form factor that the 7100 series provides.

Speaking of keys, they are slightly raised above fascia level to give a nice typing feel. It would be certainly easy to learn to touchtype on this and type without looking at the keyboard.

There are dedicated send and end buttons as well as what RIM calls a "convenience" key. In previous models, this key was hard coded to open the BlackBerry Browser when pressed. This is still the default with the 7130e, although you can now control which application is started when you press the key (you could even point it to BrickBreaker, an addicting game that ships on the device).

The device comes with a built-in speakerphone which performed comparably to other BlackBerry models. It is Bluetooth capable and ready to pair with a wireless headset. The removal, rechargeable battery provides over 3 hours of talk time and 8 days of standby time. Sound is clear on this particlular model, in comparison to my other one I have.

f you have used a BlackBerry before at "conventional" speeds, you'll immediately notice a big difference when operating at EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized network) speeds. The activity arrows in the top right of your screen will be quite a bit peppier - and you'll quickly recognize the benefit.

I often read news and blogs using Mobile Bloglines when I have a spare moment or two using the BlackBerry Browser. It's just barely usable on a GPRS network, but it's far more responsive and enjoyable on the 7130e. While the speed is certainly an order of magnitude better than previous data networks, it is still a mobile network so don't expect it to match the cable modem speeds you get on your desktop computer.

Verizon’s EV-DO service transfers content - video, e-mail, pictures, etc. - at rates of 400 to 700 kilobits per second in more than 1,180 major metropolitan markets across the nation.

I think that is a good review,
JB