BlackBerry Tour 9630 Review (Verdict: Get a Bold)

BlackBerry lovers using CDMA networks have been jumping for joy since the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Tour first peeped its head into the blogosphere as a concept sketch bearing the codename Niagara. Its development alongside the Bold lead to high hopes for a simultaneous release, but as is usually the case for CDMA BlackBerrys, many had to wait upwards of eight months after the belated AT&T (NYSE: T) Bold launch before the BlackBerry 9630 Tour came to market in the U.S. The Tour clearly borrows a lot from the Bold and Curve 8900, but introduces a few changes here and there to mix it up, like a one-sided external speaker and new battery door style, but overall it will be a familiar experience for those who have used a traditional BlackBerry.

BlackBerry Tour 9630

By Research in Motion (Sprint (NYSE: S) – $149.99, Verizon (NYSE: VZ) – $49.99, Telus – $229.99, Bell – $249.95)

Available Features

• World Phone Capabilities
• 3G Network
• Camera (3.2 MP)
• 256 MB Built-in Memory
• Enhanced Media Player
• Supports BlackBerry App World
• Built-in GPS
• BlackBerry Maps
• Wireless Email
• Organizer
• Browser
• Phone
• Corporate Data Access
• SMS/MMS

Size and Weight

• Height: 4.4 inches (112 mm)
• Width: 2.4 inches (62 mm)
• Depth: 0.6 inches (14.2 mm)
• Weight: 4.58 ounces (130 grams)

Battery & Battery Life

• Battery: 1400 mAHr removable/rechargeable cryptographic lithium cell
• Talk Time: 5 hours
• Standby Time: 14 days

Display

• Clear, high-resolution display
• Half VGA+
• 480×360 pixel screen
• Displays over 65,000 colors

Camera & Video Recording

• Camera: 3.2 MP camera
• Auto focus, image stabilization, and video capture
• 2X digital zoom
• Geo-tagging functionality
• Video recording capabilities

GPS & BlackBerry Maps

• Assisted, Autonomous and Simultaneous GPS enabled with preloaded BlackBerry Maps application and for e911 capabilities. Both User Plane & Control Plane GPS is supported.
• Includes BlackBerry Maps
• Picture geo-tagging functionality

Data Input & Navigation

• 35 key backlit QWERTY keyboard
• Trackball located on front face of device, ESC key to the right, Menu to the left
• Dedicated Keys: Send, End, Menu, Escape, Left/Right Convenience keys (default VAD and Camera) ,2 x Volume/Zoom, Sleep, Mute (Play/Pause)
• Intuitive icons and menus

Voice Input & Output

• Integrated speaker and microphone
• Hands-free headset capable
• Bluetooth headset capable
• Integrated Hands-Free Speakerphone
• M3 Rating for hearing aids (PDF)

Media Player

• 256 MB Built-in memory
• Expandable memory capability
• Synchronize iTunes® music and playlists to and from the device
• Enhanced multimedia support
• Music and video playback and video recording
• Video streaming and full track downloading
  Video format support: MPEG4 H.263, MPEG4 Part 2 Simple Profile, H.264 (encoding and decoding 30fps), WMV
• Audio format support: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, WMA ProPlus

Ringtones & Notifications

• Tone, vibrate, on-screen or LED indicator
• User configurable notification options
• 32 Polyphonic Ringtones – MIDI, MP3

Bluetooth

• Bluetooth® v2.0; Mono/Stereo Headset, Handsfree, Phone Book Access
• Profile (PBAP) and Serial Port Profile Supported. Bluetooth Stereo Audio (A2DP/AVCRP), DUN
• 3.5mm stereo headset capable

Security

• Password protection
• Screen lock
• Sleep mode

Wireless Networks

• Fully-functional World Phone that supports global roaming on 3G networks
• Quad-Band: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks
• Single-Band: 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA networks
• Dual-Band: 800/1900 MHz CDMA/EVDO Rev A networks

Pros
First traditional CDMA BlackBerry in ages
Considerable media improvements
World capable

Cons
No Wi-Fi
Troublesome mute/lock keys
Small change from older hardware