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Overall
Are you an enterprise user who's wedded to their BlackBerry?
Do you cringe whenever someone utters the words "virtual keyboard"? Then the
Torch 9800 has a lot to offer you in the smartphone department-everything
you're familiar with, plus some new features which bring the BlackBerry
franchise more in line with rival offerings.
If you're a typical consumer, however, the choice is more
problematic. Those who primarily use their smartphones as communication
devices-whether that involves texting, email, or voice calls-will also find
many things to like here. But those wanting a smartphone with robust gaming and
multimedia capabilities may find themselves drawn to competitors with a better
screen and a broader app library.
I can only assume that the minor issues with the Torch's
user interface will be corrected in subsequent updates. In the meantime, RIM
seems to have developed a solid-although not exactly groundbreaking-platform
for holding its own in the smartphone wars.
The BlackBerry Torch is available Aug. 12, for $199 with a
two-year contract through AT&T.
