Short Version: Unless you’re shopping specifically for the Palm Pre, this is the smartphone to buy for Sprint customers. The weight is right, the speed is right, the OS is at the perfect point in its evolution.
Review:
I have no issues with recommending this phone to anyone. It’s the perfect fusion of everything that makes a BlackBerry device what it is. The screen is extremely sharp, the camera does well in almost every situation, and despite what Peter said, the keyboard is perfect. Yes, Peter is wrong, I found absolutely no problems with the keyboard on the Tour.
Voice quality is significantly improved over the other BlackBerry devices I’ve used or tested, and calls are clear and sharp, with minimal background noise. Of course, this is to be expected from Sprint’s network, and during the testing period, I experienced no dropped calls. They’ve even added a “lock” button on the top of the phone. This is something that I always look for, and usually end up reprogramming one of the other buttons on the phone (typically the camera) to do this very function. Good idea, RIM!
This phone also supports overseas networks, so you will be just fine leaving the country with it. Again, watch those data overages that companies love to gouge you for, especially if you leave the US.
The software package that comes with the phone is acceptable, and if you are a sports fan, Sprint also includes the option to install their MLB Premium, NFL Mobile, and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile software. The phone also has Sprint TV installed, and it streams quite nicely. While waiting for my wife at the doctor’s office, I was able to sit and watch a full episode of one of my favorite shows with no problems.
The web browser is still junk, no question there. A commenter on Peter’s review recommended installing an alternative browser, however I didn’t get a chance to do this. It might be an option if you absolutely hate the default one, but for my purposes it did fine. Just keep in mind that it’s a mobile browser, through and through. You won’t come close to replicating the desktop browsing experience like you would on, say, the iPhone or Android.
If there is one thing I didn’t like about the Tour, it’s the lack of a Wi-Fi antenna. I don’t understand why this is not a standard feature on more phones? It makes perfect sense to me to have it so you can use your Wi-Fi connection when you are at home, instead of running up your data bill. Or maybe that is the point.
Conclusion
Despite the lack of a Wi-Fi option and the so-so web browser, the BlackBerry Tour is a great phone. If you want a BlackBerry OS smartphone, this is the best you can buy. The Tour is currently available to Sprint subscribers for $199.99
I want to know when RIM is going to release an updated Pearl, the size of the TOUR is just too big even compared to the 8900.
Same. My friends think that I’m crazy for wanting the same. I prefer the Pearl keyboard and SureType finishing off my words for me.
Good Review. As a Sprint customer with 5 phones, I always welcome reviews of the various phones available.
Your next to last paragraph sums up the phone. It’s a piece of junk! No modern smart phone should be without wireless. It was a huge oversight on the part of RIM. Probably why they have already discussed releasing the same phone next year with wireless.
If you are in the market for a smart phone. Stay away from this one. If it comes with wireless next year, we’ll talk. But for now go with the Palm Pre. You can get it online for $99!
genius. you just said its a smartphone without wireless, and that sucks. and then you said go for palm pre….uh, no wireless there too….somebody living with double standards?
Are you clueless? The Palm Pre is wireless. I can connect to any wireless hotspot that isn’t secured and on the secured networks like home and work I simply type in the password one time and I’m golden.
Not sure where you’re getting your info – but I’d switch to something more reputable…
:)
I have this phone for Verizon and I can echo the sentiments here. I personally don’t miss the wifi as Verizon’s (and probably Sprint’s as well) data service is quite fine for my usage. I have an 8GB card mostly full of music along with Slacker, Pandora and Flycast 2.0 installed so I have any kind of music I could possibly want anywhere I could possibly want it. The camera is perfectly passable for quick shots to upload to Facebook or wherever as well. My only complaint is the battery life. I absolutely HAVE to charge every evening without question. Outside of that, it’s pretty much everything I want in a phone and then some. For those that complain about Verizon locking their phones down, this one thankfully has unlocked GPS so you can use any of the plethora of GPS-enabled apps out there. Great phone and worth every penny.
looks great. I am thinking about getting one with VzW, but not sure if I should wait for the wifi version. Any one knows the ETA of Tour with WiFi?
If you have a sprint data plan, you cant run up a high bill. My data plan is unlimited. I have this phone and I love it. With all cell phone, there must be a target market for the product. I need my phone for business and security clearance. I am that target market. I do not want a Iphone with what I do, just not professional enough. You should do a blog on classified networks or business security. Blackberry is the top dog for that market. Don’t the President sport a BB also? No wifi is perfect for someone that does’nt want their phone hacked.
Correct. Wifi is really unnecessary for my usage habits as well. I suppose I’m out and about more so than I am at coffee shops and around a hotspot.
I think is one of the Best Blackberry phones as of yet, well besides the blackberry bold. But this phone is typical for business men/women, if you want a toy go get a Iphone. No need to have WiFi if you have unlimited data. So far I’m impressed!
BlackBerry Tour is pretty good for blackberry fans,
even lack of a Wi-Fi.