|
|
| BlackBerry 7100t |
| General |
| Network | Gsm 850 / Gsm 900 / Gsm 1800 / Gsm 1900 |
| Announced | 2004, 4q |
| Status | Available |
| Size |
| Dimensions | 119 X 58 X 19 Mm |
| Weight | 120 G |
| Display |
| Type | 65k Colors |
| Size | 240 X 260 Pixels |
| | - Backlit Qwerty Layout Keyboard
- Wallpapers |
| Ringtones |
| Type | Polyphonic (32 Channels) |
| Customization | Download, |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Memory |
| Phonebook | Yes |
| Call Records | Yes |
| Card Slot | No |
| | - 32 Mb Flash Memory
- 4 Mb Sram |
| Data |
| Gprs | Yes |
| Hscsd | No |
| Edge | No |
| 3g | No |
| Wlan | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Infrared Port | No |
| Usb | Yes |
| Features |
| Messaging | Sms, Mms, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Browser | Html |
| Games | Brickbreaker + Downloadable, |
| Colors | |
| Camera | No |
| | - Java
- Organizer
- Claculator
- Built-in Handsfree
- To-do List |
| Battery |
| | Standard Battery, Li-ion |
| Stand-by | Up To 200 H |
| Talk Time | Up To 5 H |
|
BlackBerry - 7100tReleased for T-Mobile, the RIM BlackBerry 7100t is the latest in the new 7100-line of devices; offering complete BlackBerry functionality so consumers can wirelessly connect with important communications and information.
[AD]
Straying from the boxy designs of the past, the 7100t features strong angular lines for a more phone-like appearance. With powerful email functionality, business productivity tools, and the first BlackBerry to include an IM client to support AOL, Yahoo!, and ICQ, the new 7100t taps into a new market; with an aesthetically appealing looks and strength.
Similar to the BlackBerry 7100g, released for Cingular, the 7100t provides a formidable combination of wireless phone and email and data device for users who want an all-in-one handset. The 7100t offers BlackBerry functionality, wirelessly connecting users with important communications and information with features such as speakerphone and Bluetooth technology.
Design
Taking a change from convention, the condensed 7100t measures 119 x 59 x 21 mm and weighs 120 g. Aggressive styling and angular lines give it a more aesthetic appeal; more similar to a phone than a blue box.
The front contains a 240 x 260 px screen capable of displaying 65K colors; rather large compared to other devices on the market. Below the display, a QWERTY keypad is flanked by Send and End, and a Convenience Key used to open a list of useful links or open selected lists. With just 20 keys, each key shares two letters; requiring up to two key presses to choose a letter. However, when combined with RIM's SureType predictive technology, users can text message normally, with one press, as the predictive text guesses what word is being typed.
A Power On / Off button and LED indicator are located on top; notifying users when new information has arrived. While the left side contains a standard 2.5 mm headset jack and USB port allowing data synchronization and battery charging. Meanwhile, on the right side, an End button and navigational trackwheel offers flexible navigation through the menu structure and email messages. On the back, a speakerphone port is located just above the removable battery door.
Out of the box, the RIM BlackBerry 7100t comes with a standard 960 mAh Li-Ion battery, handsfree headset, international travel charger, USB data cable, BlackBerry Desktop software, SIM card, and user manual.
Basic Features
Released for T-Mobile, the BlackBerry 7100t is quad-band GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz) making it compatible with most GSM networks in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific; provided the device is network unlocked.
[AD]
Running the BlackBerry OS, advanced security features enable business users to safeguard sensitive corporate data. Featuring password protection and keyboard lock, information located locally, such as messages, address book entries, calendar entries, memos and tasks, can also be encrypted.
Additionally, when paired with BlackBerry's Enterprise Server software, installed on existing corporate servers, the 7100t can be centrally managed and administered by IT departments. And when installed behind firewalls, BlackBerry users can securely access Microsoft Exchange and IBM Lotus Domino ISP email accounts, remote address book look-up, single mailbox integration, attachment viewing, and more.
An additional layer of protection can also be added to emails through using S/MIME (Secure Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) technology through Enterprise, using public-key cryptography, digital signatures, and writer-to-reader authentication. Furthermore, end-to-end Triple DES and AES encryption guarantees private information stays secure at all points between the server and the 7100t.
Rating the 7100t's 960 Li-Ion battery at 4 hours of talk time, and 8 days (192 hours) of standby, actual times will be slightly less. When handset manufacturers and cell phone carriers list talk time and standby time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times.
Screen
Including a large 240 x 260 px screen, the BlackBerry 7100t allows users to comfortably read and write emails, surf the web, and text message. Capable of displaying 65K-color, the STN (Super Twisted Nematic) screen, although inferior in technology, consumes less power to prolong battery life.
And since the 7100t is primarily used for business applications rather than programs requiring fast refresh rates, STN is actually more beneficial than the more energy-consuming TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology.
Audio
Handsfree functionality can be accessed through headphones connected to the 2.5 mm audio jack, a Bluetooth wireless headset, or speakerphone grill situated on the back.
[AD]
However, the BlackBerry 7100t lacks fun audio features becoming more popular among phones on the market today, Features such as an MP3 player or FM radio, found on some high-end phones are missing. To be expected, the 7100t is targeted more towards business consumers. But through the 32 chords synthesizer, the 7100t is still capable of reproducing harmonious ringtones.
Messaging
With the reduced 20-key QWERTY keypad, many keys contain two letters and a number; such as the '1' key used for letters 'E' and 'R.' Distinguishing between what is meant to be typed depends on the sequence of key presses; matching the combinations to a 35,000 word dictionary. Even though each key represents multiple entry possibilities, the English language has a finite number of acceptable arrangements.
With SureType predictive text technology, 7100t users are able to type as if it were a full QWERTY keyboard; pressing each key only once per letter.
Aside for typing, shortcuts even allows users to perform common tasks such as opening websites and applications. For instance, typing the letters "word\" anywhere can launch Microsoft Word. Similarly, typing "address\" will have the full address entered on-screen. To avoid mistakenly opening shortcuts, only when the special expansion key is typed after a word (by default, backslash) will SureType take effect.
Additionally, with mobile versions of AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, and ICQ included on the BlackBerry 7100t, users are never far away from their buddy list; keeping in touch with family and friends no matter where they are on the road.
Entertainment
Many common preinstalled PIM (Personal Information Management) tools come bundled on the BlackBerry OS. Through Address Book, users can call, email, SMS, or schedule meetings from one centralized location. Up to eight phone numbers, an email address, and two postal addresses, can be attached to a contact.
Through the Calendar, Day, Week, and Month views show all appointments in one convenient view, while Agenda view shows the schedule in a list. Alarm Clock and Calculator, and Memo Pad and Tasks are other miscellaneous programs to assist users in organizing their busy lives.
Extra software can be added as well. Through J2ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition), consumers can download and install Java games and applications on the 7100t. Being the most popular platform for Java applications, there are an abundance of applications and games already out on the market.
Supporting a broad range of file types, the 7100t can open and view email attachments from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Corel WordPerfect, Adobe PDF, Zip Archives, HTML, and ASCII documents.
But the 7100t's most attractive feature is its ability to connect with Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes servers through Enterprise Server. Managing email accounts from a single location, the 7100t supports email delivery in real time using "push" technology. From the user's desktop, email can be automatically "pushed" to the BlackBerry 7100t without needing to be prompted.
But if users don't work for a company with Enterprise Server installed, they can still check email through the BlackBerry Web Client. Using the web client, email messages can be wirelessly forwarded and retrieved every 3 to 15 minutes from up to 10 POP3 or IMAP4 accounts.
Internet
The BlackBerry 7100t features GPRS Class 8 (4+1) for transfer speeds of up to 40 kbps. Viewing web pages depends on which browser configuration is used. The WAP Browser uses WAP 2.0 to render the WML (Wireless Markup Language) content on the Internet. Using the BlackBerry Browser, users can access the corporate intranet using BlackBerry Enterprise Server supporting HTTP and IPPP protocols. While Internet Browser renders standard HTML pages as if the 7100t was a desktop. Users select the configuration that is optimal for the type of content they are viewing.
Storage
While the BlackBerry 7100t contains 32 MB of flash memory and 4 MB of SRAM, users will need to save memory accordingly. Because if users need more, they'll be out of luck; the 7100t doesn't come with any expandable memory slot.
Connectivity
Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, the BlackBerry 7100t can pair with Bluetooth headsets within a 10 meter radius; the limited range prevents interference between its peripheral devices and those belonging to other people nearby.
Unfortunately, supporting only "Audio" and "Voice" Gateways means that Bluetooth is limited to pairing headsets and handsfree devices. Dial-up connections, OBEX file transfers, and Bluetooth syncing has been restricted, but through the supplied USB data cable, many of the restrictions can be performed.
Conclusion
Primarily targeting business consumers, the previous BlackBerry devices were workhorses and not visually appealing. But with the release of the BlackBerry 7100t, the redesigned shape is more attractive, combining fashion and function.
Appealing to a broader demographic, the restricted Bluetooth connectivity could be a drawback. And the lack of an expansion slot means users may need to flush out old entries and contacts.
With fun features like MP3 players and built-in cameras missing, other multimedia phones may be worth considering for the average consumer.
But the BlackBerry 7100t was meant for work. For consumers whose office uses BlackBerry Enterprise and requires access to the intranet or secure communications, the 7100t is a simple choice. But for those who don't need such powerful email functionality or want more robust multimedia features, the 7100t may not be for them.
Regardless, the 20-key QWERTY keypad with SureType predictive text technology makes typing on a reduced keypad just like using a full-sized keyboard, and comfortably efficient.
[AD]
With Enterprise Server, sensitive corporate email is secured from prying eyes, while push technology ensures email is sent to the 7100t in real-time. For the constant road warrior who needs email synchronized with the company office, the 7100t may be a no-brainer.
The BlackBerry 7100t's colorful screen, attractive new design, and powerful functionality is expected to be a popular addition to T-Mobile's line-up, both towards business and casual users alike. |
| Common misspellings on this brand: blackberfry , blaqckberry , blackoberry , blackbberry , blackberru , blasckberry , blakberry , blackbeery , blacxkberry |
|
|
