Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 versus iPhone 4
Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 versus iPhone 4
Free Online Articles Directory
Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
AB Answers
0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Hello Guest
Login
Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out
Email
Password
Remember me?
Lost Password?
Home Page > Technology > Gadgets and Gizmos > Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 versus iPhone 4
Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 versus iPhone 4
Posted: Aug 06, 2010 |Comments: 0
|
Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 versus iPhone 4
By: Charles Smith
About the Author
Charles Smith write for IBTimes.com, the leader in business news.
(ArticlesBase SC #2980332)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 versus iPhone 4
BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) unveiled its latest smartphone earlier this week – BlackBerry Torch 9800 – and billed it as the “best Blackberry device ever.” But is it an ‘iPhone killer’?
First, let us look at the Torch 9800.
The Torch 9800 is no doubt RIM’s best-looking device to date.
But the Palm Pre Plus look-alike device is not only handsome but also smart – the Torch 9800 boasts of beefy specifications such as 5-megapixel camera with flash, autofocus, digital zoom and geo-tagging features; a 3.2-inch capacitive multi-touch display (with 480×360 pixel resolution display); 624MHz processor; 8GB internal memory (4GB flash memory + 4GB microSD card); a slide-out Qwerty keyboard; an optical trackpad for easy navigation; 512MB RAM; Bluetooth 2.1; GPS; Wi-Fi; 3G; GPS; tethered modem; accelerometer; ambient light sensor and proximity sensor.
The Torch 9800 is a unique smartphone from RIM because it’s the first device from the Canadian stable to combine a touchscreen with a full slide-out Qwerty keyboard, which has made BlackBerry devices so popular.
The Torch 9800 is also the first device to appeal to both corporate users as well as general consumers. Why? Because, besides offering secure Microsoft Exchange Server e-mail and calendar support – the hallmark of RIM’s devices that has made BlackBerry a corporate smartphone brand, the Torch 9800 also promises to be a device you’d love to take along to a party – it supports the company’s Media Sync service that streams DRM-free music from the user’s home media library over Wi-Fi connections.
And unlike most other BlackBerry devices, the Torch 9800 comes pre-loaded with the BlackBerry app store, App World.
And, that’s not all. RIM goes a step further by boosting the device with the company’s latest proprietary OS – BlackBerry 6. In fact, the Torch 9800 offers what previous BlackBerrys lacked – a robust OS. The BlackBerry 6 packs a completely revamped “generational shift” Webkit-based Web browser; multi-touch input gestures including a new pinch-to-zoom for Web browser, e-mail and more; a slick user interface; an improved notification system; a universal inbox; a new media player; a universal search bar; and better support for applications.
The BlackBerry 6 also signals a deviation for RIM into social networking realm – unlike its predecessors that only catered to the needs of the corporate users, BlackBerry 6 OS offers integrated connectivity with social networking sites like Twitter, MySpace and Facebook and hence is likely to appeal to social networking addicts. It also has a “feed application” to capture all of your Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace social networking updates.
According to RIM CEO Mike Lazaridis, Torch 9800 is the “outcome of RIM’s ongoing passion to deliver a powerful, simplified and optimized user experience for both touch screen and keyboard fans” and promises to deliver a “communications, browsing and multimedia experience that we think users will love.”
Not surprisingly, analysts have fallen in love with the device, claiming that it could change RIM’s fortunes and challenge the dominance of the iPhone.
The plus points of the device, the analysts said, are the overhauled user interface, a physical keyboard, multi-touch features, a more powerful camera (the Torch 9800′s 5-megapixel camera is a first among BlackBerry devices) secure emailing environment and social networking support.
But is Torch 9800 really RIM’s winning lottery ticket and more importantly, can it challenge the iPhone?
The answer to the first question is yes.
In the past, RIM had tried to challenge the iPhone’s supremacy with its first touchscreen-only smartphone – the BlackBerry Storm – but it was plagued by both software and hardware bugs. RIM followed it up with an improved Storm 2 but that device too failed to whip up a storm, enjoying limited success, as many BlackBerry fans, who were used to the time-tested BlackBerry’s Qwerty physical keyboard, found it hard to adjust to the new virtual keyboard.
Not surprisingly, the hype surrounding Storm 2 quickly fizzled out and the device, finding it hard to compete against the likes of even a string of Google Android-based smartphones launched by HTC, Motorola and Samsung, soon joined the long list of pretenders that failed to live up to the ‘iPhone killer’ hype.
According to the analysts, the limited success of touchscreen-only device could have this time prompted RIM to take the safer path by launching a device that incorporates RIM’s core strength – a physical Qwerty keyboard – as well as compelling multi-touch features.
The timing of the launch of the device is also right, analysts said, as RIM faces the threat of losing market share to not only the iPhone but also Android-based smartphones.
On Monday, a Nielsen survey revealed that 50 percent of BlackBerry users desired an iPhone or Android phone for their next purchase.
Another report by research firm Canalys said RIM’s BlackBerry now trails both Apple’s iPhone as well as Google Android-based smartphones in terms of US smartphone sales. RIM, Canalys said, controlled 32 percent of the smartphone market in the most recent quarter while Android-based smartphones claimed 34 percent market share.
And, this is not good news for RIM as, in 2009, BlackBerrys dominated the US smartphone market with 46.7 percent share, according to International Data Corp. (IDC).
Hence, according to Nielsen’s Don Kellogg, Torch 9800 could be the right device to prevent further exodus of BlackBerry users.
“Up until this point, BlackBerry users had to choose between getting a touchscreen device through BlackBerry, like the Storm, or getting a traditional Qwerty device, like the Tour,” Kellogg said.
“I think in a lot of ways, this device kind of allows users to have their cake and eat it too…I do think that this is an evolutionary step for BlackBerry,” he said.
The Torch 9800′s new OS – BlackBerry 6 – will also help keep customers happy, analysts said, as the device’s web browser, multi-tasking capabilities and multimedia features are at par with iPhone and Android devices.
“They (RIM) integrated all kinds of applications and new features, [such as] universal search and taking advantage of multitasking capabilities of the operating system, as well as maintaining that unique keyboard experience that BlackBerry users love,” said Forrester Research principal analyst Charles Golvin.
In other words, unlike the Storm and the Storm 2, the Torch 9800 could be RIM’s first ever blockbuster smartphone ever since 2002 when the first Blackberry hit the market.
But before RIM breaks out into a victory jig, a bigger question looms – is the Torch 9800 an iPhone killer? Click here to find out.
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/smartphone-shootout-blackberry-torch-9800-versus-iphone-4-2980332.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #2980332)
Charles Smith -
About the Author:
Charles Smith write for IBTimes.com, the leader in business news.
Rate this Article
vote(s)
0 vote(s)
Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish
Article Tags:
blackberry, rim, smartphone, torch 9800, iphone 4
Latest Gadgets and Gizmos Articles
More from Charles Smith
BlackBerry Torch 9800 Is Official CNET Loaded 08/04/2010
Facebook finally updates its app for Android, Google rolls out multiple log-ins, and Research In Motion unveils the BlackBerry Torch 9800 with the touch-enabled BlackBerry OS 6. (02:40)
RIM Unveils BlackBerry Torch 9800 With Touch Screen and Keyboard
Research in Motion and AT&T announced the latest Blackberry on Tuesday, the Torch 9800. (01:44)
WORLD TECH UPDATE – August 8, 2010
World Tech Update #127, August 8, 2010
On World Tech Update this week RIM introduces a new BlackBerry and OS, Acer unveils a netbook that runs both Android and Windows XP, Intel and US Federal Trade Commission reach a settlement, Apple’s iPad may be coming to China, Google pulls the plug on Google Wave, RFID helps suggest exhibit visits at MIT, a NASA robot plans to tweet from space and The Oregon Trail movie trailer. (06:57)
Customize the Keyboard, Trackball and Screen on Your BlackBerry
Your BlackBerry, like most devices, comes with certain defaults. There’s a default font, a default trackball sensitivity and so on. There are a number of BlackBerry tweaks and options you can easily change if you just know where to look. (03:37)
BlackBerry Basics – #11 – View 10 Parts of BlackBerry Basics Back-to-Back
Jay Goldman, host of Mr. Mobile, offers advice to BlackBerry owners new and old. This 10-part series runs through BlackBerry basics on the BlackBerry Storm and BlackBerry 8800 , covering everything from using the Storm’s on-screen keyboard to getting music, movies and pictures on your BlackBerry. (21:05)
Blackberry Torch 9800 Smartphone
BlackBerry Bold brand was launched in July of 2008. At the time, they indeed took a bold step showing off all of the advanced features that people were familiar with in the Pearl and the Curve models plus full HTML web browsing with advanced features including RSS feed support and online social networking capabilities.
By:
Chad Figueiredol
Technology>
Cell Phonesl
Aug 05, 2010
BlackBerry Torch 9800 V.S. iPhone 4G: which is better for playing DVD/Video Though
BlackBerry Torch 9800 V.S. iPhone 4G: which is better for playing DVD/Video Though
By:
coolspringl
Computers>
Softwarel
Aug 13, 2010
Why you need to Get the 9800 Torch Cell phone
Right now there is a great deal driving upon the new working program Rim announced on the Cellular Enterprise Symposium this kind of springtime.
By:
Rolland Savanl
Technologyl
Oct 31, 2010
Who Will Be Christmas Number One – BlackBerry Vs iPhone
Forget The X Factor versus Strictly Come Dancing. The real battle for the number one spot this December is between the iPhone and BlackBerry.
By:
Nicola Smithl
Technology>
Cell Phonesl
Nov 23, 2010
Dell Aero smartphone hits the US market but unlikely to be a hit
Dell Inc.’s (NASDAQ.DELL) love-affair with Google’s Android mobile platform continued beyond Streak as the PC maker took a plunge into the US smartphone market by launching Android-powered Aero.
By:
www.ibuynow.com.aul
Computers>
Computer Forensicsl
Aug 29, 2010
Blackberry 9800 Already Slider AT T
Events in New York will mark the start coming Blackberry 9800 slider, a new call from RIM, which brings a big touch screen, RIM AG6 and slide down the keyboard. In short, it looks like Palm Pre thicker and promises to AT Ts 3G. Phone was the wor…
By:
blue43l
Technologyl
Sep 09, 2010
BlackBerry Torch is the official, begins Aug. 12 at the AT T
RIM and AT T press conference scheduled for this day finally came and it is a long-awaited BlackBerry 9800 , now known as a flashlight. The device is fully portrait QWERTY slider with support for 802.11n WiFi, 5 megapixel camera with full flash and…
By:
blue57l
Technologyl
Oct 08, 2010
Black Friday Cyber Monday Kodak Easyshare C183 Deals
During the Black Friday weekend leading up to Cyber Monday there will be a lot of hot product items that will literally be flying off the shelves. One such product is the Kodak Easyshare C183 digital camera. This camera is very popular amongst consumers because of its sleek style, high quality picture taking, and reasonable pricing. Customers of all sorts will be looking for great bargains on this camera.
By:
Stacey Reidl
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
BB Torch is the first smartphone that has the new BlackBerry 6 OS and has a lot of great features on board. Nevertheless the phone had not such a good positioning on the marked and had to fight between the fronts of Android and Apple.
By:
alan spencerl
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
BenQ DC C850 Digital Camera is a fantastic addition made to the list of cameras models that has given a tough competition to the other camera brands. The camera is made up of plastic and is thus assured to be light in weight that makes it easily portable.
By:
devika rajpalil
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
Kodak Easyshare CX4230 Digital Camera The Ideal Choice For Low Budget Plan
If you are making up your mind buying some of the quite compact digital camera but tight with the budget,then Kodak would be the one brand to give you number of options in the budget you have though to invest. Kodak EasyShare CX4230 can be the perfect companion for you.
By:
devika rajpalil
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
Necessity for an iPad case for your iPad
An iPad has almost become a necessity in daily activities. It is small light weighted electronic device with functions like we can browse internet, store images, listen to the favorite songs, download videos from youtube and watch movies. Since a good amount is spent in buying an iPad so iPad cases have become a necessity for iPad to protect it from dirt, scratches, bumps, scrapes etc which may decrease its life. iPad cases add beauty to iPad and protect them as well. Like if you are going to tr
By:
vijaythakorl
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
Feel The Sense Of Modernization With Blackberry Accessories
In the past few years, people were utilizing the mobile phones for the long distant communication only. But slightly many technologies have changed. Now a day, many technologies and knowledge changed and the basic purpose of having mobile phones stretched out. Today you will get the wide ranges of cell phones that are available in the market place. These cell phones are completely involved with the most executive and attractive features that are really helpful to us.
By:
Anna Watsonl
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
The top Technological Advances from 2008 to the present
We have seen a great deal of technology advances in the 2000′s. Currently, some of the best ones have occurred in the past 2 years. With the rise of more user friendly electronics and other products, people love the new advancements being made for cellular phones and other items.
By:
Dedtrick Burtonl
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
Autocollimator and Other Optronic Instruments
Global competition and technological advancements today is the most common reason why there are so many businesses are forced make a total remodeling in their equipments or instruments used in order to cope up with these rapid changes. This is tremendously beneficial for them because if they will not follow the trend of using modernized technology, they will be left out.
By:
Miami Phillipsl
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Nov 26, 2010
Smartphone shootout: BlackBerry Torch 9800 versus iPhone 4
BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) unveiled its latest smartphone earlier this week – BlackBerry Torch 9800 – and billed it as the “best Blackberry device ever.” But is it an ‘iPhone killer’?
By:
Charles Smithl
Technology>
Gadgets and Gizmosl
Aug 06, 2010
Add new Comment
Your Name: *
Your Email:
Comment Body: *
Verification code:*
* Required fields
Submit
Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy
Sign Up Today
Author Navigation
My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder
My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box
Charles Smith has 1 articles online
Articles Categories
All Categories
Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing
Cable and Satellite TV
Cell Phones
Communication
Electronics
Gadgets and Gizmos
GPS
Satellite Radio
Video Conferencing
VoIP
Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog
Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us
Business Info
Advertising
Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2010 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.
Charles Smith write for IBTimes.com, the leader in business news.
Related posts:
- The Apple iPhone 4 Is An Amazing Looking Smartphone
- BlackBerry eBay app is currently in beta, now in the App World is ready for your phone
- Influence Versus Popularity on Twitter: Kim Kardashian Case Study
- HTC Desire – An Impressive Android Smartphone
- The Desire By HTC Is A Feature Rich Android Smartphone