You may be interested in other BlackBerry or T-Mobile phones.
 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 email on the go.
It's compatible with T-Mobile's myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts--on any network, even landlines--without using any of your minutes. Learn more about myFaves from T-Mobile.
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 email 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 email accounts (including most popular ISP email 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 email, 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.
BlackBerry Curve 8520 Phone (AT&T)
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BlackBerry Curve 8520 Phone, White (T-Mobile)
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BlackBerry Curve 8530 Phone, Violet (Verizon Wireless)
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BlackBerry Curve 8520 Phone, Black (T-Mobile)
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BlackBerry Pearl 8120 Phone, Indigo (T-Mobile)
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BlackBerry Storm2 9550 Phone (Verizon Wireless)
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Average Customer Review: 
based on 2 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) -
I've been a long time AT&T costumer. I thought I could live without having an actual keyboard when it comes to texting, but after a week without my Sidekick Keyboard - I decided to ditch my Samsung Eternity for the Blackberry Curve 8520.
I was hesitant about purchasing this smart phone because I was never a fan of Blackberry's (RIMM). I had a BB during their initial boom in the early part of the new millennium. However, the poor browser, poor cell phone network, lackluster screen color, non desirable keyboard, awful battery life, whack OS, & lack of T9 predictive text just couldn't win me over.
After I realized that I couldn't text on a touch screen phone, unless it was the iPhone. I decided that I must have a cell phone device with an actual qwerty keyboard, if I expect to survive my text message & email addiction.
I picked up the Blackberry 8520 with my corporate discount and walked away with a nice high end 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:
New Optical Trackpad (Over the old Trackball)
Big vibrant screen
3.5 MM headjack
New OS
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
Themes
Applications (Coming on April 1st)
My Favs
Full HTML Web Browser (Sometimes)
Excellent Multimedia Player (Accepts every format possible)
Includes 2 chargers (Wall Charger & USB charger)
Includes ear phones and carry case
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)
Video & Camera (2.0 Megapixel as oppose to 5.0)
Still no 3G (I thought i could live without it, but TMobile has no 3G BB yet & its really about time)
Cheap plastic rubber casing
Non RIMM Consumer Changes Mind!
For anyone who has wanted a BB but held off on getting one and want an entry level Blackberry at a decent price - this is the model to get. Everything about it is an upgrade. The device is basically the BB Bold with a different casing. The battery life could still use some more juice. With excessive email checking & non stop texting, the phone usually needs a charge after a day and a half of usage (Sometimes i can go a charge for 2 days before a charge so thats not bad). I did set the brightness of the phone to the lowest brightness available and it has lasted for a little over 2 days with no charge needed. Even on the lowest brightness, the screen is still very bright, sharp, & crisp. And i still do unlimited texting & web browsing. However, AT&T doesn't offer the best mobile minute plans on earth & their data plan is probably one of themost expensive around. They are fully aware that their signal is one of the best & in doing so, make up for it by charging their non-friendly services at non-friendly prices, which usually doesn't offers an abundant amount of minutes, unlimited data, internet, email, text etc will end up costing you a lot!
One complaint from other phone techs is the lack of 3G. Yes, i was disappointed that the device is only on EDGE & Wi-Fi, but if you have a 3G enabled phone with only 1 signal bar - The chances of having a 3G signal is pretty slim. The EDGE browser signal on this device is fine & works just fine. I havent encountered any issues & comparing it with a 3G phone - the thing almost runs at the same pace. NO major biggy at all! I have used the wi-fi a few times & i think its super fast on Wi-Fi.
I pay under seventy bucks a month for a decent amount of mins & unlimited everything else. My friend has a similar plan on Verizon, its not unlimited, and her bill is always over a hundred each month.
