Hear-Say: BlackBerry Bold2 9700

Good morning all, and Salam 1Malaysia!

As you all probably know already, the BlackBerry Bold2 9700 has just recently hit Malaysian shores. As of now, the BlackBerry Bold2 9700 is the official RIM flagship model, and it's the fastest BlackBerry to ever hit Malaysia. And, of course, it's been a big success, with Celcom citing that they're currently out of stock. Maxis, however, must've ordered enough, because no news of shortages has been reported.

The BlackBerry Bold2 sees a significant change in the Bold series. Gone is the bulky frame & stunningly-impractical width, replaced with Tour-ish size & Curve-Javelin 8900 style. First thing you notice is the new TrackPad, which replaces the TrackBall for navigation. I expect that the TrackPad fixes the problem of the unresponsive TrackBall, like when you try to scroll with wet fingers.

Another big difference is the silver bevel that wraps the Bold2. With the original Bold, it looked like just a slab of brushed aluminium. Not very flash. With the Bold2, you've got the new trademark dark-chrome bevel all around, which has now become part of the phone's main body. This allows for a more rigid structure, and it also makes the Bold2 an unmistakable BlackBerry.

At the moment, BBTM can't seem to get a tester model in from any of the BlackBerry providers. But, we have been hearing alot from some of you lucky people with your Bold2's. So if you find this review inconclusive, be patient. The full review will be out as soon as we get our hands on one.

First things first: Dimensions. Alot of current Bold2 users have just traded up from their original Bold's. The FIRST complaint they had was the obvious lack of SIZE. The Bold2 is much slimmer than the original, which makes for an easily-pocketed smartphone. However, original Bold users may have fallen in love with it because the phone was so big that it could accommodate pudgy fingers. In response to this, RIM have made the keyboard on the Bold2 with a slightly higher ridge, which makes it easier for your fingers to define the keys.

Next on our list: Screen. Again, we see the same problem with the shrinkage. Most Bold1 owners loved the amazingly large (and mostly useless) screen, and they note that the Bold2 has a smaller screen. Although smaller, the Bold2 boasts a higher-definition screen compared to the Bold1. If you're moving up from a Tour 9630 or a Curve-Javelin 8900, you should be just fine.

And point-of-interest No.3: Processor & U.I. In this department, we see a MAJOR jump in processor speed. Long gone is the 'hesitant' nature of the Bold1, replaced with almost-instant response from the processor. And when teamed with the new U.I., it makes for an amazingly quick interface that's hard to match. Amazing. For current Bold2 owners, you should be happy with your Bold2's, because its the fastest thing at the 'dragstrip'. But just beware of the upcoming Tour2. That might just kill ya.



There you have it! Our hear-say review of the all-new BlackBerry Bold2 9700. Keep following us for more updates soon, because our tester set is on the way!

If you've got anything you'd like to share with us, about your BlackBerry Bold2 9700 (or any BlackBerry for that matter!), just email us at bbteens.my@gmail.com

Ciao guys!