Before 2009 ended, I gave you my impressions on Blackberry Curve 8520’s Operating System, Dashboard and Messaging. Generally, everything works pretty well but because the phone doesn’t have the power to take on too many opened applications, I’ve experienced several lags while using it.
This time, before I end my triparted impressions on this BB variant, let me give you my experiences on using the web browser and 3rd party applications. Then finally, I will my final verdict on this phone.
IMPRESSIONS (Part 3)
WEB
This phone can connect to the internet via GPRS, Edge or WiFi. If you’re used to connect through 3G or HSDPA, you will find GPRS or Edge connection a pain in the arse. Loading Engadget.com, for instance, took me 7 minutes to fully access it. Still, WiFi connection is the fastest (depending on your ISP) method of connection.
Unlike new gen mobile browsers, Curve 8520’s app doesn’t feature tabbed browsing unless you install Bolt Browser.
3rd PARTY APPLICATIONS
A handful of paid and free applications is available for BB Curve 8520. However, you should understand that some apps available for download in AppWorld require Blackberry Data Plan. Globe and Smart offer this kind of plan I believe. One of the applications that requires a Data Plan is Facebook. I tried downloading it but would not allow me since I don’t have a Data Plan. I used the phone mobile browser to access Facebook instead.
Here are some sites where you can download 3rd party applications:
VERDICT
Overall, Blackberry Curve 8520 meet my standards for a smartphone. Though it doesn’t boast the things I want for a phone like good processor, 3G/HDSPA, tabbed browsing, it has everything I need for a phone – a sleek look, good display, a decent camera, a qwerty keyboard and an optical trackpad for easy navigation. If you want to own a starter Blackberry, then grab this phone. But if you want a phone with hefty features and power, then ditch your thoughts on considering this phone.
This phone is available at Globe Hub nationwide for both postpaid and prepaid. I got my blackberry for Php 15,000.00 from Globe Prepard (It’s cheaper than Greenhills price). If you’re going abroad for good, you may have your phone sim unlocked through Globe Wireless Center for free or to your friendly neighborhood ‘Greenhills’ for Php 500.00.
That’s it for now! Tune in next week for another phone review – the Nokia N900.
[Rating:3.5/5]
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
