RIM Blackberry 7100v

Most mobile phones offer some form of basic email access but the Blackberry 7100v aims to make everything more like your computer. Emails can be sent to the Blackberry just like text messages, so you get them as soon as they arrive, rather than having to log in to some convoluted mobile system and check.

The 7100v is sleeker and more like a mobile phone than previous models. Although verging on the large side it is still small enough to fit into a pocket. The screen is excellent, very bright and clear and even small text is easy to read.

Unlike most handheld computers, which are designed with a touch-sensitive screen that can be used with a stylus or finger, the Blackberry uses a scroll wheel. Using a combination of this and the 'back-button', situated on the right of the device, you can navigate the various menus and switch between applications. Although this might be unnatural to long-term handheld computer owners, it's actually an effective method of operation and, with a bit of practice, can be as quick as the touch-screen system.

However, as the scroll wheel is designed to be used by the thumb on the right hand, left-handers might find it uncomfortable. Our southpaw guinea pig didn't find it impossible to use, just a bit awkward.

The other difference from most mobile phones is that the keypad is laid out differently. It uses the familiar QWERTY design but with two letters assigned to each button, which helps to reduce the size of the whole device (there are only 23 buttons). Words can be entered in a couple of different ways. The first option is to used predictive text (SureType), just like you would on a mobile phone and select suggested words from the dictionary. Another way is to employ the 'multi-tap' technique, which requires you to press a key twice if you want the second letter listed on that button. Unfortunately, neither methods felt entirely natural.

Users can create a Vodafone email account, or you can choose to forward email from an existing account using POP3, IMAP, MSN and Hotmail. It all works very well and our emails were received soon after they were sent. If you use Outlook for your contacts and appointments you can synchronise these with the Blackberry.

What the Blackberry lacks, in relation to other handheld computers and mobile phones, is a digital camera, infrared port or support for MMS. However, it is quad-band, which means it will work in most countries worldwide, including North America. It's also got an integrated speaker for handsfree operation and Bluetooth support, allowing you to print off emails on a Bluetooth-compatible printer or connect to a Bluetooth hands-free car kit. Neither come with the 7100v but it's nice to know that you could add these devices in the future.

The price of the Blackberry varies depending on what monthly plan you go for, and there are a lot on offer. However, all cater for email on the move and if that's your bag, you won't find a better way of accessing it than by using the Blackberry 7100v.

Retail price: £82 plus contract (from £32 a month)

Contact:
Vodafone 08700 746 464
www.vodafone.co.uk

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