BlackBerry lovers using CDMA networks have been jumping for joy since the BlackBerry 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 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 – $149.99, Verizon – $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