Customer Reviews

BlackBerry Curve 8520 Phone, Frost (T-Mobile)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Why are all BlackBerrys so expensive? Why can't we get the latest model in a reasonable price? The BlackBerry Bold was $299 with a two-year contract when it was first released on the AT&T network. The new Tour is $199 (with mail-rebate ) in both Verizon and Sprint. The Curve 8900 is $149 in T-Mobile -- still a little too steep for some people. Lower end users rejoice! Here comes the new Curve 8520! This new addition to the BB family has a new design and some introductory features, at an affordable price from T-Mobile.

What separates this phone from others of the BB family is the new optical trackpad. Instead of a trackball, you use the trackpad to navigate, scroll and click on the contents of your phone. It's similar to trackpads found in the new MacBooks and some netbooks, and it is similar to the Storm's click-touchscreen, and it's quite easy to use. In fact, it is better than the trackball, in my opinion, because it moves faster and it's less likely to break or skip applications on you. It only took me about ten minutes to get used to it and so far I'm loving it. The 8520 also sports a new look. It is mostly made of some sturdy plastic, with rubbery edges and side-buttons, and with music buttons on the top of the phone for easy access to your entertainment. This new BlackBerry seems to be marketed for multimedia phone lovers as well as smartphone users. You get a bit of both, for this BB still has its useful business functionalities. The QWERTY keypad is easy comfortable to type on, no much change there. T-Mobile offers WiFi for faster Internet speed as well as making phone calls through that network (instead of using your minutes). All you have to do is be at a WiFi hotspot to take advantage of this useful and affordable feature.

As good as the Curve 8520 is, there are some downsides to it as well.

* A mediocre camera. It has a 2 MP camera with no flash. A big downgrade from the Curve 8900 and the Tour 9630. If you like to take good pictures, this is not the best camera phone for you.
* No 3G network. But we already know that T-Mobile doesn't have 3G in most of the country yet, don't we? (Kind of obsolete if you ask me. Especially since other carriers like Sprint are already announcing the long-awaited 4G network.) You'll have to settle for EDGE speeds if you're nowhere near a WiFi hotspot.
* The phone's overall look is below par to other BlackBerrys. It doesn't feel as luxurious or as sexy as the Bold, Storm, Curve or Tour. It kind of looks like the older BlackBerrys, actually, especially the frost-colored one. I guess that's what you get for paying less for a smartphone.
* The screen resolution isn't as bright as the Bold, Storm and Tour. The WOW factor is cut shorter in yet another cool feature. It's no big deal, but it's disappointing nevertheless.

That is all I can think of at the moment. You may take the good with the bad when you decide to buy this phone. However, for the price it's more than just great. You get it for $129 if you go to the T-Mobile store, or you can get it for even less if you buy it on this site or take advantage of any of the other promotions available in stores like BestBuy or Radio Shack. Good luck and enjoy.

Length:: 2:57 Mins

I picked up the Blackberry Curve 8520 with my corporate discount and walked away with a nice phone at a very reasonable price. I have to say that I really enjoy the web browser on the new BB. You can zoom in & out with ease. I thought no browser could compare to the iPod Safari besides the Android G1, but after getting this device - I can safely say that this browser is also one of the best. Its right behind the safari and G1. Prior models were confined to small screens, thirty-five dollar internet only data plans, and no ability to zoom in or out. You were subjected to a small screen and reading small text till your eyes was squinting like grandmas.

Pros:
Nice price for new smartphone users
Nice fashion colors that only the CURVE series has
3.5 MM headjack
Nice form factor
New OS (ONly 5.0 OS for SPrint and Verizon users)
Decent call quality (No issues yet)
Excellent new broswer
Mini SD up to 16GB (Wish it was 32GB)
Use your songs as ringers
Wi-Fi
Personal Email (Up to 10 accounts can be added)
IM
BB Meesenger
BB App World
Full HTML Web Browser (Sometimes)
Excellent Multimedia Player (Accepts every format possible)
Crystal clear screen for playing videos
Includes 2 chargers (Wall Charger & USB charger)
Includes ear phones

Cons:
For long time BB users, this device is really just a cosmetic upgrade with a new OS (Flashier Icons)
Micro USB (No more Mini USB)
No Flash on the camera
Only one theme
Feels like a plastic toy
No threaded text messaging
Poor screen resolution
Non RIMM Consumer Changes Mind!
No 3G (ONly 3G for Sprint and Verizon users)

I just bought this BB and let me tell you it is great, the features in this device are very nice..

First at all I have to tell to those who says this device looks with a lower quality because it is cheaper that your are SO Wrong!! it looks classy and modern, the black one that I own.

Although the lack of flash might seem like bummer, let me tell you that for me is not that big deal, cuz at night if you have proper light you can take very decent pictures, the missing flash its something I can live without.

The track pad is the greatest of all features, You wouldn't beleive how diferent and better than the track ball this feature is, no wonder why RIM wants to incorporate this track pad to all the future models!!It is such great evolution to the BB world.

Excellent phone, I recomed it 110% !!!!!!!!!!

My review on the 8520 is pretty subjective......but here goes......I've owned nearly every RIM GSM device over the last 5 years.....honestly this is my favorite. I will admit I was extremely surprised at my fondness of this device. Out of the box the device has a sexy feel and the back is sleek and stylish......I love the way the new camera is designed and has the appearance of the iPhone.......being a trackball guy I was suspicious to say the least of the "trackpad" but fell in love not to mention the relief of knowing I wont have to regularly replace the ball......

The UI is still the same with an improved processor so you get much faster & smoother response. The overall housing is a pleasure to handle and I have received MANY compliments including those with iPhone's. Email and browsing experience is still the same with the ultra reliable "push" email and the disappointing browsing experience....but lets be honest if you wanted browsing you'd go iPhone or android.....

The keyboard is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C........spaced well, raised and great for us fat fingered guys....but also slanted a bit for the more petite....the screen is gorgeous.....the battery life is 2 full days including some web.....heavy email & texting throughout the day and 30-40 mins of talk a day in what amounts to wireless hell. The device uses a micro usb so be sure to purchase accessories accordingly......the device overall is easy to use one handed....not bulky.....sexy & sleek but also feels rugged due to the sleek rubber edges....comes in 3 colors including black ....frost.....white.

I love the BB messenger which is essentially a IM application only for BB's..........the weather apps and many others available [...] for free......free themes for customizing and the bevy of accessories.

CONS: NO FLASH!!!!!
......lack of ability to put apps on sd card......talk and end buttons being glassy feeling.

I highly recommend this phone......you get high end smartphone for entry level prices......ignore the iphone'rs who review this phone......its the best physical keyboard BB on the market and you wont be dissapointed

I've been a long time AT&T costumer. I thought I could live without having an actual keyboard when it comes to texting, but after a week without my Sidekick Keyboard - I decided to ditch my Samsung Eternity for the Blackberry Curve 8520.

I was hesitant about purchasing this smart phone because I was never a fan of Blackberry's (RIMM). I had a BB during their initial boom in the early part of the new millennium. However, the poor browser, poor cell phone network, lackluster screen color, non desirable keyboard, awful battery life, whack OS, & lack of T9 predictive text just couldn't win me over.

After I realized that I couldn't text on a touch screen phone, unless it was the iPhone. I decided that I must have a cell phone device with an actual qwerty keyboard, if I expect to survive my text message & email addiction.

I picked up the Blackberry 8520 with my corporate discount and walked away with a nice high end phone at a very reasonable price. I have to say that I really enjoy the web browser on the new BB. You can zoom in & out with ease. I thought no browser could compare to the iPod Safari besides the Android G1, but after getting this device - I can safely say that this browser is also one of the best. Its right behind the safari and G1. Prior models were confined to small screens, thirty-five dollar internet only data plans, and no ability to zoom in or out. You were subjected to a small screen and reading small text till your eyes was squinting like grandmas.

Pros:
New Optical Trackpad (Over the old Trackball)
Big vibrant screen
3.5 MM headjack
New OS
Decent call quality (No issues yet)
Excellent new broswer
Mini SD up to 16GB (Wish it was 32GB)
Use your songs as ringers
Wi-Fi
Personal Email (Up to 10 accounts can be added)
IM
Themes
Applications (Coming on April 1st)
My Favs
Full HTML Web Browser (Sometimes)
Excellent Multimedia Player (Accepts every format possible)
Includes 2 chargers (Wall Charger & USB charger)
Includes ear phones and carry case

Cons:
For long time BB users, this device is really just a cosmetic upgrade with a new OS (Flashier Icons)
Micro USB (No more Mini USB)
Video & Camera (2.0 Megapixel as oppose to 5.0)
Still no 3G (I thought i could live without it, but TMobile has no 3G BB yet & its really about time)
Cheap plastic rubber casing

Non RIMM Consumer Changes Mind!

For anyone who has wanted a BB but held off on getting one and want an entry level Blackberry at a decent price - this is the model to get. Everything about it is an upgrade. The device is basically the BB Bold with a different casing. The battery life could still use some more juice. With excessive email checking & non stop texting, the phone usually needs a charge after a day and a half of usage (Sometimes i can go a charge for 2 days before a charge so thats not bad). I did set the brightness of the phone to the lowest brightness available and it has lasted for a little over 2 days with no charge needed. Even on the lowest brightness, the screen is still very bright, sharp, & crisp. And i still do unlimited texting & web browsing. However, AT&T doesn't offer the best mobile minute plans on earth & their data plan is probably one of themost expensive around. They are fully aware that their signal is one of the best & in doing so, make up for it by charging their non-friendly services at non-friendly prices, which usually doesn't offers an abundant amount of minutes, unlimited data, internet, email, text etc will end up costing you a lot!

One complaint from other phone techs is the lack of 3G. Yes, i was disappointed that the device is only on EDGE & Wi-Fi, but if you have a 3G enabled phone with only 1 signal bar - The chances of having a 3G signal is pretty slim. The EDGE browser signal on this device is fine & works just fine. I havent encountered any issues & comparing it with a 3G phone - the thing almost runs at the same pace. NO major biggy at all! I have used the wi-fi a few times & i think its super fast on Wi-Fi.

I pay under seventy bucks a month for a decent amount of mins & unlimited everything else. My friend has a similar plan on Verizon, its not unlimited, and her bill is always over a hundred each month.

Why are all BlackBerrys so expensive? Why can't we get the latest model in a reasonable price? The BlackBerry Bold was $299 with a two-year contract when it was first released on the AT&T network. The new Tour is $199 (with mail-rebate ) in both Verizon and Sprint. The Curve 8900 is $149 in T-Mobile -- still a little too steep for some people. Lower end users rejoice! Here comes the new Curve 8520! This new addition to the BB family has a new design and some introductory features, at an affordable price from T-Mobile.

What separates this phone from others of the BB family is the new optical trackpad. Instead of a trackball, you use the trackpad to navigate, scroll and click on the contents of your phone. It's similar to trackpads found in the new MacBooks and some netbooks, and it is similar to the Storm's click-touchscreen, and it's quite easy to use. In fact, it is better than the trackball, in my opinion, because it moves faster and it's less likely to break or skip applications on you. It only took me about ten minutes to get used to it and so far I'm loving it. The 8520 also sports a new look. It is mostly made of some sturdy plastic, with rubbery edges and side-buttons, and with music buttons on the top of the phone for easy access to your entertainment. This new BlackBerry seems to be marketed for multimedia phone lovers as well as smartphone users. You get a bit of both, for this BB still has its useful business functionalities. The QWERTY keypad is easy comfortable to type on, no much change there. T-Mobile offers WiFi for faster Internet speed as well as making phone calls through that network (instead of using your minutes). All you have to do is be at a WiFi hotspot to take advantage of this useful and affordable feature.

As good as the Curve 8520 is, there are some downsides to it as well.

* A mediocre camera. It has a 2 MP camera with no flash. A big downgrade from the Curve 8900 and the Tour 9630. If you like to take good pictures, this is not the best camera phone for you.
* No 3G network. But we already know that T-Mobile doesn't have 3G in most of the country yet, don't we? (Kind of obsolete if you ask me. Especially since other carriers like Sprint are already announcing the long-awaited 4G network.) You'll have to settle for EDGE speeds if you're nowhere near a WiFi hotspot.
* The phone's overall look is below par to other BlackBerrys. It doesn't feel as luxurious or as sexy as the Bold, Storm, Curve or Tour. It kind of looks like the older BlackBerrys, actually, especially the frost-colored one. I guess that's what you get for paying less for a smartphone.
* The screen resolution isn't as bright as the Bold, Storm and Tour. The WOW factor is cut shorter in yet another cool feature. It's no big deal, but it's disappointing nevertheless.

That is all I can think of at the moment. You may take the good with the bad when you decide to buy this phone. However, for the price it's more than just great. You get it for $129 if you go to the T-Mobile store, or you can get it for even less if you buy it on this site or take advantage of any of the other promotions available in stores like BestBuy or Radio Shack. Good luck and enjoy.

I absolutely LOVE this phone! I've had mine for a little over a month now, and can't imagine life without it. It's easy to use, & has tons of great features. The keyboard takes a bit to get used to, simply because of the size of the keys, but once you get over that, you're all set! For those who want fun ring & alarm tones, this phone comes with quite a few that are really neat. I have a few custom ones, but still use some of the default tones. The picture quality is great, and I love being able to put pictures from my computer onto my phone. I would have to say this phone gets a 10 out of 10!!

Had the older model of this phone (with a trackball instead of a pad) and loved it. Great phone and easy to text, which is the feature I use most. New phone has the same basic feel and the keyboard is great, but the trackball is gone! Maybe I'll get used to the new setup, but for now, I'm knocking a star off since the ease of use with the trackball was one of the things I really loved about the Curve and I think set it apart from other similar phones.

As for the other features, I don't really use them. Probably more phone than I actually need. These days it's hard to find a plain phone though, especially with a qwerty keyboard.

Loved the phone. Had to return it when we weren't happy with the coverage with T-Mobile.

THIS IS MY FIRST EVER BLACKBERRY AND LET ME TELL U THAT I REALLY LOVE THIS PHONE. TECHINICALLY ITS MY 2ND ONE, THE FIRST ONE I OWED WAS THE BALCKBERRY PEARL FLIP BUT I ONLY OWNED IT FOR LIKE ABOUT 1 MONTH BECAUSE I GOT FRUSTRATED WITH IT AND SMASHED IT AND BROKE IT! IT KEPT ON FREEZING UP ON ME AND TO RESET IT I HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY AND THEN LET IT LOAD UP AGAIN, THE LOADING TIME TOOK FOR EVER! ITS ALOT EASIER TO TEXT WITH THIS PHONE THAN IT WAS WITH THE PEARL FLIP, OR MY RAZR. MY BILL IS A LITTLE HIGH BUT ITS REALLY WORTH IT, $95 MONTHLY INCLUDED ARE UNLIMITED MINUTES, UNLIMITED MY FAVES MIN, UNLIMITED AIM, UNLIMITED YAHOO IM, UNLIMITED TEXT MESSAGING, UNLIMITED WEB BROWSING, UNLIMITED EVERYTHING. I WAS THINKING OF GOING TO BOOSTMOBILE BUT I THOUGHT IT OVER MORE THAN TWICE, MY BILL IS HIGH BUT ITS WORTH IT. NO MORE WORRYING OF GOING OVER MY MINUTES OR GETTING OVERCHARGED FOR TEXT MESSAGES. WITH MY RAZR MY BILL WAS HIGH ON MORE THAN ONCE OCCASION, 85, 90, ETC, ETC, AND THAT WAS DUE TO THE OVER TEXT MESSAGING. GET THIS PHONE, YOU WILL LOVE IT LIKE I LOVE MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!