BlackBerry Torch 9850

“This is the device that RIM should’ve put out three years ago when they embarked on the touchscreen form factor with the original Storm 9530. As we know, the key to success in the industry is partly related to timing, and it’s remarkable to witness that RIM is finally coming around to producing a decent all touch BlackBerry.”

“We can't help but feel a bit underwhelmed by the Torch 9850. It's reasonably slim, feels well made and, aesthetics-aside, is certainly not a bad handset. The thing is, it just isn't as good as t'other Torch that's also been released today, the 9810, because a 3mm gain in thickness gets you a full keyboard when you want it (and you will want it) plus a bit more internal storage. Sure, you lose out on screen size, but we never felt like there was all that much to do with the extra pixels here anyway.”

“Not to say that this is a useless device. Per the BlackBerry standard, it still has excellent email and communication capabilities, and some aspects of the new OS 7 interface are a step up from OS 6 and previous iterations. But I said this about the Bold 9930 and I'll say it about every other BlackBerry OS 7 device: you're better off waiting until RIM's QNX OS-based BlackBerrys hit the market. Then, I suspect, you'll be in for something new and different.”

“With little in the way of must-have features, it’s tough to recommend the 9850 to those who would otherwise be considering an iPhone or Android device. RIM’s strength has always been in its text entry and messaging talents, but while the IM/BBM/email combo is present, the onscreen keyboard underwhelms. Third time’s the charm when it comes to RIM’s attempts at an all-touch device, but while the Torch 9850 is far better than the Storms that came before it, it still lacks the stand-out appeal that could break it out of the BlackBerry niche.”