 The slim BlackBerry Curve 8520 features an innovative touch-sensitive optical trackpad and full QWERTY keyboard (see larger image). |
T-Mobile Services
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and e-mail on the go.
With T-Mobile HotSpot @Home service, you'll effortlessly transition between Wi-Fi calling and T-Mobile's wireless network while you talk. You can get unlimited nationwide calls over Wi-Fi--at home via your wireless router or at any U.S. T-Mobile HotSpot. You can also use the HotSpot @Home service via most open, or unsecured, wireless routers, as well as any secured wireless router for which you have access to the password from the owner. This phone is compatible with routers running the 802.11b/g Wi-Fi standard. Whenever you're not using a Wi-Fi network, this phone works just like a regular mobile phone, using your Whenever Minutes under your T-Mobile voice plan.
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Browse the web with the integrated, full-featured browser, which quickly and efficiently displays HTML pages as well as enables you to set up RSS feeds to stay connected to up-to-the-minute news and blog posts. And keep up with your contacts using a variety of instant message (IM) networks, including the integrated Blackberry Messenger as well as downloadable clients for Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, and Lotus Sametime.
For corporate users, the Curve delivers all the enterprise e-mail and messaging capabilities you've come to expect. It's supported on BlackBerry Internet Service, giving you access to up to 10 work or personal e-mail accounts (including most popular ISP e-mail accounts--including Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and Gmail), as well as BlackBerry Enterprise Server, enabling advanced security and IT administration within IBM Lotus Domino, Microsoft Exchange and Novell GroupWise environments.
 Wi-Fi-enabled and compatible with unlimited nationwide Wi-Fi calling with T-Mobile's Unlimited HotSpot Calling service (see larger image). |
It is also the first BlackBerry smartphone to feature dedicated media keys, smoothly integrated along the top of the handset, providing an easy, convenient way to control your music and video playback. Skip over songs, pause music to talk, or repeat your favorites over and over. You can even mute phone calls with the easy-access mute button. The phone also features a bright 2.6-inch color TFT screen that supports 65K colors and has a 320 x 240-pixel resolution. It has a 256 MB internal memory that can be expanded via optional microSD/SDHC memory cards up to 16 GB in size (a 1 GB card is included in the package.
Hands-free communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send e-mail, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).
You can snap vivid photos (though no video) using the 2-megapixel camera on the back of the Curve 8520, which also features a 5x digital zoom, built-in flash, self-portrait mirror and full screen viewfinder. Additionally, it can capture videos in two resolutions (320 x 240 pixels for saving; 176 x 144 pixels for sending via messaging). Take photos or videos and upload them to photo sharing apps like Flickr Uploader or social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. Send them to friends with MMS messages, BlackBerry Messenger or other instant messaging apps.
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Other features include:
Vital Statistics
The BlackBerry Curve 8520 weighs 3.8 ounces and measures 2.4 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches. Its 1150 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4.5 hours of talk time, and up to 408 hours (17 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.
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Average Customer Review: based on 5 reviews
More bang for your buck with this new Curve (minus some key features) 3 1/2 stars...
August 9, 2009
Reviewer: CoffeeGurl (MA) -
Why are all BlackBerrys so expensive? Why can't we get the latest model in a reasonable price? The BlackBerry Bold was $299 with a two-year contract when it was first released on the AT&T network. The new Tour is $199 (with mail-rebate ) in both Verizon and Sprint. The Curve 8900 is $149 in T-Mobile -- still a little too steep for some people. Lower end users rejoice! Here comes the new Curve 8520! This new addition to the BB family has a new design and some introductory features, at an affordable price from T-Mobile.
What separates this phone from others of the BB family is the new optical trackpad. Instead of a trackball, you use the trackpad to navigate, scroll and click on the contents of your phone. It's similar to trackpads found in the new MacBooks and some netbooks, and it is similar to the Storm's click-touchscreen, and it's quite easy to use. In fact, it is better than the trackball, in my opinion, because it moves faster and it's less likely to break or skip applications on you. It only took me about ten minutes to get used to it and so far I'm loving it. The 8520 also sports a new look. It is mostly made of some sturdy plastic, with rubbery edges and side-buttons, and with music buttons on the top of the phone for easy access to your entertainment. This new BlackBerry seems to be marketed for multimedia phone lovers as well as smartphone users. You get a bit of both, for this BB still has its useful business functionalities. The QWERTY keypad is easy comfortable to type on, no much change there. T-Mobile offers WiFi for faster Internet speed as well as making phone calls through that network (instead of using your minutes). All you have to do is be at a WiFi hotspot to take advantage of this useful and affordable feature.
As good as the Curve 8520 is, there are some downsides to it as well.
* A mediocre camera. It has a 2 MP camera with no flash. A big downgrade from the Curve 8900 and the Tour 9630. If you like to take good pictures, this is not the best camera phone for you.
* No 3G network. But we already know that T-Mobile doesn't have 3G in most of the country yet, don't we? (Kind of obsolete if you ask me. Especially since other carriers like Sprint are already announcing the long-awaited 4G network.) You'll have to settle for EDGE speeds if you're nowhere near a WiFi hotspot.
* The phone's overall look is below par to other BlackBerrys. It doesn't feel as luxurious or as sexy as the Bold, Storm, Curve or Tour. It kind of looks like the older BlackBerrys, actually, especially the frost-colored one. I guess that's what you get for paying less for a smartphone.
* The screen resolution isn't as bright as the Bold, Storm and Tour. The WOW factor is cut shorter in yet another cool feature. It's no big deal, but it's disappointing nevertheless.
That is all I can think of at the moment. You may take the good with the bad when you decide to buy this phone. However, for the price it's more than just great. You get it for $129 if you go to the T-Mobile store, or you can get it for even less if you buy it on this site or take advantage of any of the other promotions available in stores like BestBuy or Radio Shack. Good luck and enjoy.
Great Entry Level Blackberry - 3G is Still Missing
September 6, 2009
Reviewer: Always Samsung "ravereviews" (New York, NY) -
[[VIDEOID:mo1JT8FVNJO5SXQ]]I picked up the Blackberry Curve 8520 with my corporate discount and walked away with a nice phone at a very reasonable price. I have to say that I really enjoy the web browser on the new BB. You can zoom in & out with ease. I thought no browser could compare to the iPod Safari besides the Android G1, but after getting this device - I can safely say that this browser is also one of the best. Its right behind the safari and G1. Prior models were confined to small screens, thirty-five dollar internet only data plans, and no ability to zoom in or out. You were subjected to a small screen and reading small text till your eyes was squinting like grandmas.
Pros:
Nice price for new smartphone users
Nice fashion colors that only the CURVE series has
3.5 MM headjack
Nice form factor
New OS (ONly 5.0 OS for SPrint and Verizon users)
Decent call quality (No issues yet)
Excellent new broswer
Mini SD up to 16GB (Wish it was 32GB)
Use your songs as ringers
Wi-Fi
Personal Email (Up to 10 accounts can be added)
IM
BB Meesenger
BB App World
Full HTML Web Browser (Sometimes)
Excellent Multimedia Player (Accepts every format possible)
Crystal clear screen for playing videos
Includes 2 chargers (Wall Charger & USB charger)
Includes ear phones
Cons:
For long time BB users, this device is really just a cosmetic upgrade with a new OS (Flashier Icons)
Micro USB (No more Mini USB)
No Flash on the camera
Only one theme
Feels like a plastic toy
No threaded text messaging
Poor screen resolution
Non RIMM Consumer Changes Mind!
No 3G (ONly 3G for Sprint and Verizon users)
GREAT BB!
September 21, 2009
Reviewer: Antonio perdomo (Valencia, VE) -
I just bought this BB and let me tell you it is great, the features in this device are very nice..
First at all I have to tell to those who says this device looks with a lower quality because it is cheaper that your are SO Wrong!! it looks classy and modern, the black one that I own.
Although the lack of flash might seem like bummer, let me tell you that for me is not that big deal, cuz at night if you have proper light you can take very decent pictures, the missing flash its something I can live without.
The track pad is the greatest of all features, You wouldn't beleive how diferent and better than the track ball this feature is, no wonder why RIM wants to incorporate this track pad to all the future models!!It is such great evolution to the BB world.
Excellent phone, I recomed it 110% !!!!!!!!!!
FIRST BLACKBERRY AND I JUST LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 19, 2009
Reviewer: Jose Luis Sepulveda "Seppy" (USA) -
THIS IS MY FIRST EVER BLACKBERRY AND LET ME TELL U THAT I REALLY LOVE THIS PHONE. TECHINICALLY ITS MY 2ND ONE, THE FIRST ONE I OWED WAS THE BALCKBERRY PEARL FLIP BUT I ONLY OWNED IT FOR LIKE ABOUT 1 MONTH BECAUSE I GOT FRUSTRATED WITH IT AND SMASHED IT AND BROKE IT! IT KEPT ON FREEZING UP ON ME AND TO RESET IT I HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY AND THEN LET IT LOAD UP AGAIN, THE LOADING TIME TOOK FOR EVER! ITS ALOT EASIER TO TEXT WITH THIS PHONE THAN IT WAS WITH THE PEARL FLIP, OR MY RAZR. MY BILL IS A LITTLE HIGH BUT ITS REALLY WORTH IT, $95 MONTHLY INCLUDED ARE UNLIMITED MINUTES, UNLIMITED MY FAVES MIN, UNLIMITED AIM, UNLIMITED YAHOO IM, UNLIMITED TEXT MESSAGING, UNLIMITED WEB BROWSING, UNLIMITED EVERYTHING. I WAS THINKING OF GOING TO BOOSTMOBILE BUT I THOUGHT IT OVER MORE THAN TWICE, MY BILL IS HIGH BUT ITS WORTH IT. NO MORE WORRYING OF GOING OVER MY MINUTES OR GETTING OVERCHARGED FOR TEXT MESSAGES. WITH MY RAZR MY BILL WAS HIGH ON MORE THAN ONCE OCCASION, 85, 90, ETC, ETC, AND THAT WAS DUE TO THE OVER TEXT MESSAGING. GET THIS PHONE, YOU WILL LOVE IT LIKE I LOVE MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I miss the trackball!
June 15, 2010
Reviewer: C. Small
Had the older model of this phone (with a trackball instead of a pad) and loved it. Great phone and easy to text, which is the feature I use most. New phone has the same basic feel and the keyboard is great, but the trackball is gone! Maybe I'll get used to the new setup, but for now, I'm knocking a star off since the ease of use with the trackball was one of the things I really loved about the Curve and I think set it apart from other similar phones.
As for the other features, I don't really use them. Probably more phone than I actually need. These days it's hard to find a plain phone though, especially with a qwerty keyboard.
