Which BlackBerry is Best for You?

by Mark Spoonauer on April 25, 2008

The name BlackBerry has become synonymous with real-time mobile e-mail—and for good reason. Once you’ve set everything up, new messages arrive automatically. These smart phones also do a good job of keeping you organized by synchronizing your contacts, calendar, and tasks with Outlook. Plus, BlackBerrys typically outshine the competition when it comes to battery life, and the Web browser is fast even without 3G or Wi-Fi (even if the page formatting is a bit crude).

But the real reason BlackBerrys are taking off is because the designs of the latest models are sleeker and more consumer-friendly than the button-down business devices of yore. Plus, they sport media players that allow you to listen to your favorite tunes while you surf the Web or check your inbox. We’ve also noticed a growing number of compelling BlackBerry applications ready for over-the-air downloading, including Yahoo Go, Facebook, and Google Talk.

The challenge is picking the right model for your needs. That’s where this guide comes in. (If you’re interested in other types of smart phones, such as the iPhone or Windows Mobile devices, click here.)

Not only are there three different BlackBerry series from which to choose—the Pearl, Curve, and 8800—the models’ capabilities can vary quite a bit as you go from carrier to carrier. For example, the BlackBerry Curve for T-Mobile has built-in Wi-Fi but no GPS or 3G data; the AT&T Curve 8310 has GPS but no 3G or Wi-Fi; and the latest Curve 8330 for Sprint and Verizon offer 3G data and GPS but no Wi-Fi. Confused? Use our handy cheat sheet to find the best BlackBerry for what you want to do.

Editors’ Note: Although we have reviews for several popular BlackBerry devices, we are working to rate every model available. Check back for updates.

BlackBerry Pearl

Best For: Style-conscious consumers looking for a compact messaging phone
Price Range: $99–$149
Screen Size: 2.2 inches
Weight: 3.1–3.4 ounces
Pros: One of the smallest smart phones on the market; typically the least expensive BlackBerry
Cons: SureType keyboard can be confusing and is not for everyone

Complete BlackBerry Pearl breakdown by carrier and to read our full reviews.

BlackBerry Curve

Best For: Those who want the best balance of productivity and multimedia features in a sleek design
Price Range: $149–$249
Screen Size: 2.4 inches
Weight: 3.9–4.2 ounces
Pros: Best keyboard and overall design of any BlackBerry; sharp 2-MP camera and very good media player
Cons: Memory card behind battery; AT&T and T-Mobile version sometimes have problems connecting calls

Complete BlackBerry Curve breakdown by carrier and to read our full reviews.

BlackBerry 8800 Series

Best For: Those who want the best balance of productivity and multimedia features in a sleek design.
Price Range: $199–$349
Screen Size: 2.4 inches
Weight: 4.6–4.7 ounces
Pros: Built-in GPS; good keyboard and media player; longest battery life in BlackBerry line; best speakerphone quality
Cons: No camera; bulkiest BlackBerry; lame 2.5mm audio jack

Complete BlackBerry 8800 Series breakdown by carrier and to read our full reviews.