The 8703e is the last of its breed: It will probably be the last BlackBerry with a trackwheel. While we wait for the QWERTY-equipped version of the BlackBerry Pearl sometime this year, the 8703e is bargain-priced, at just $199 after rebates from Sprint and $249 from Verizon (each with a two-year contract).
With a pleasing size and weight, and a quality feel arguably superior to that of the Treo 700p, the 8703e nails the slab form factor. It's thinner, wider, and at 4.7 ounces, a bit lighter than the much-loved Palm handheld. It's also all black, further emphasizing the corporate look. The 8703e gets kudos for its bright, sharp screen and easy-to-use trackwheel. I particularly appreciated the trackwheel's positive engagement and accurate feel. The keyboard is a joy, as much as one of this size could ever hope fo. And it needs to be, e-mail being the primary reason most people get a BlackBerry in the first place.
The 8703e's user interface (UI) might feel strange if you're coming from a Windows Mobile or Palm-based handheld. But there are lots of neat touches to guide you. For example, the unit prominently displays your phone number, which is helpful if you're using the BlackBerry for business e-mail and don't have the number memorized. The UI conveniently shows you a graphic of which key you need to press next in order to complete a task. It also feels fast compared with that of Microsoft Windows Mobile and Palm-based smartphones.
I placed a variety of test calls on the 8703e. Voices sounded great in both directions, and the unit's ear speaker was unusually clear and full sounding. Paired with a Plantronics Voyager 510, the 8703e sounded punchy and clear in both directions, and better than my reference Cingular 2125. The 8703e's speakerphone is sufficiently loud for outdoor use, though the phone's plastic casing tended to vibrate sympathetically with the voices at high volumes. In short, I'd feel confident making and receiving important calls on the 8703e.
Since it's a BlackBerry, its built-in e-mail client is great, with glorious push e-mail and a simple, uncluttered interface. As with all of RIM's smartphones, push e-mail doesn't work out of the box. You either need a BlackBerry Enterprise Server installed at your workplace or you have to sign up for a hosted solution such BlackBerry Internet Service. Either way, it costs extra money, but that's the price you pay when you hop on the BlackBerry bandwagon.
Both carriers' phones are short on multimedia features. The Sprint model is GPS-enabled and comes with the BlackBerry Messenger instant message client, but it lacks built-in Handmark office apps and doesn't even connect to Sprint's own Power Vision network. The Verizon version doesn't connect to V Cast either, and it lacks an IM client. Whether you're on Sprint or Verizon, you'll get the benefit of EV-DO data speeds whenever you're in a major U.S. city, which makes quick work of checking your e-mail and browsing the Web. You can also use the 8703e as a laptop modem; expect speeds averaging 400 to 700 kilobits per second, the same as provided by other EV-DO cell phones.
Some aspects of the 8703e's software show its age. The Web browser is a little clumsy, requiring too many button presses to visit Web pages. In the increasingly archaic BlackBerry tradition, the 8703e lacks a camera or music player. You'll either have to spring for the current Pearl (sans full keyboard) or wait for the upcoming QWERTY-equipped Pearl variant to see those features. It's not all about the consumer market, either; a camera helps in certain professional situations, such as that of a contractor who needs to take photos of construction jobs in progress while out in the field. In other words, it's time for a built-in camera, guys.
RIM rates the 8703e's battery life at 8 days standby and just 3.3 hours of talk time. Fortunately, in our battery rundown test, the test unit far exceeded the rated talk time, lasting 5 hours 39 minutes—a much more acceptable number.
Faced with a choice between Sprint and Verizon, I'd give the nod to the Sprint version based on its lower data plan fees, lower entry price, and built-in GPS and IM features. Call it an addiction or, at worst, a ball and chain fettering you to your office (albeit a very light one). But however you see it, you'll have a hard time finding a better handheld to serve your business needs.
- Service Provider: Sprint PCS, Verizon Wireless
- Operating System: BlackBerry OS
- Screen Size: 2.75 inches
- Screen Details: 320x240, 65k-color TFT display
- Camera: No
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Web Browser: Yes
- Network: CDMA
- Bands: 800, 1900
- High-Speed Data: 1xRTT, EVDO
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