Sure, we all eye the iPhone with envious eyes, but there's life yet in the BlackBerry brand. The new Tour (stupidest...choice...for a promotional...product name...tie-in...ever) boasts everything you've come to love and expect from your CrackBerry (ROCKS email, calenders, messaging) with extra featu...moreres and a new, easier to use OS.

Some highlights:

-3.2 Megapixel Camera/Video Recorder WITH flash
Real crisp images, nice flash, real fast.

-Built in Quad-Band GSM for Global coverage
Comes with a Verizon or Sprint SIM card, but you can use your own

- New, polished, faster OS
4.7 (I think) is a big step up from my old Pearl. Smooth navigation, one button app switching for multi-tasking mojo, easier settings and memory management, simpler sound profiles, improved Messenger, faster browser with simple HTML view and one button Google/Wikipedia/Dictionary.com searching, built in BlackBerry App store....

-256 MB's Device Memory
Yes, the iPhone has gigabytes, but apps take up 0.5-3 MB's, tops. PLENTY of space to have all my apps installed and to download and try out new ones.

-Unlocked, stand-along GPS
Freakin' finally! Google Maps finds me in no time at all, down to the meter.

It also comes with a free 2 GB MicroSD card built in, and multiple outlet adaptors for your charger to fit your jet-set lifestyle. The screen is awesomely bright and clear, the keyboard is just the right mix of size, legibility and usefulness, and there's plenty of memory for downloading and trying out new apps.


And now my friends, for the cons:

-No WiFi. If you use it this is a glaring omission for a top of the line device, but otherwise, no big deal.

-Screen Ripples. Pressing on the screen or hard on the buttons directly underneath it make a slight ripple effect on the display. It's minor and varies in sensitivity from handset to handset, but it is a bit of a defect. Everything is always legible and clear though.

-Car Bluetooth Problems. Apparently the software has some bugs and people don't hear you so well if you try to use the phone with yrou car's bluetooth link. This is a pain but is expected to be fixed soon with a software update.

-Stupid Micro USB charging port. Besides having to get a new car charger, it's placed awkwardly on the left bottom side. Just annoying to have to flip the phone around to plug it in sometimes...

Other than some new release bugs, it's a great phone, and only $99 if you sign up for a new contract with Verizon (Who have the best coverage in NYC, IMHO and have pretty decent customer service). Great little multitasking, world conquering sidekick!


P.S. FashionKitty, you're a traitor to the cause.

P.P.S I actually like the name Tour, it was just stupid to try to associate it with Bono.