BlackBerry Curve 8300 AT&T QWERTY Camera Phone | 
| Brand: BlackBerry
List Price: $499.00
Buy New: $344.99
You Save: $154.01 (31%)
New (4) Used (1) from $289.99
Rating:  60 reviews
Sales Rank: 8815
Color: Titanium
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Operating System: BlackBerry Handheld Software
Modem: Wireless cellular modem
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 5.5 x 3
MPN: CURVEATT-MP
Model: Curve 8300
UPC: 843163014640
EAN: 0843163014640
ASIN: B000R94J6U
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Bluetooth headset, hands-free and serial port profiles supported | | • | Full QWERTY keyboard | | • | Dynamic, highly responsive experience when viewing attachments and graphics, browsing the web and running applications | | • | Next-generation media player with audio and video playback in a variety of formats | | • | 2 megapixel camera with built-in flash |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Featuring clean lines and soft edges, the BlackBerry Curve 8300 smartphone is the smallest and lightest BlackBerry smartphone ever to come with a full QWERTY keyboard.It?s packed with incredible features, including a camera, BlackBerry Maps, a media player, expandable memory, Voice-activated Dialing, tethered modem and trackball navigation. Plus you get all the core functionality you?ve come to expect in a BlackBerry smartphone - email and text messaging, instant messaging, web browser and advanced phone functionality.The BlackBerry Curve - it?s your connection to everything that matters.
Amazon.com Product Description
Adding a fashionable touch to Research in Motion's formidable arsenal of telephonic, PIM, and media tools, the BlackBerry 8300 Curve is also the smallest, lightest BlackBerry phone that includes a full QWERTY keyboard. This amalgam of the svelte BlackBerry Pearl and the more business-oriented 8800 combines RIM's long-valued corporate email and messaging platform with a host of advanced multimedia features, including a 2-megapixel camera and stereo Bluetooth (for listening to music via wireless headphones). Available in the U.S. exclusively from AT&T, it communicates over GSM/GPRS and EDGE networks and offers global voice and data roaming in over 130 countries. Key features at a glance:
The svelte, liquid silver BlackBerry Curve has a QWERTY keyboard and 2.5-inch screen on the front, and a 2-megapixel camera on the back (with flash and 5x digital zoom). | 
The full keyboard and the innovative trackball navigation system (placed above the keyboard) makes accessing your data and writing email a breeze. |  | - Automatic delivery of enterprise or personal email
- Easy-to-use intuitive trackball navigation; integrated spell checker with user-customizable dictionary
- Full PIM organization capabilities, including calendar, tasks, address book, and memo pad
- Connect to instant messaging networks using a variety of applications
- Speakerphone, conference calling, and voice dialing
- Noise-cancellation technology to offset background noise
- 2.5-inch TFT display with 320 x 240-pixel resolution
- 2.0 Megapixel camera with flash and 5x digital zoom
- Bluetooth 2.0 with stereo headset support; USB 2.0 connectivity
- Micro SD memory card slot
The Curve is fashioned in a liquid silver finish with chrome highlights and subtly curving corners. Measuring 4.2 x 2.4 inches, the Curve is just as slim as the Pearl (0.6 inches) and weighs in at 3.9 ounces--just 0.7 ounces heavier than its predecessor. It features a bright 2.5-inch color TFT screen that provides 65,000 colors and a 320 x 240-pixel resolution, and it includes a light-sensing feature that automatically adjusts backlighting for indoor, outdoor and dark environments. Like the BlackBerry 8800, the Curve includes a trackball navigation system located on the top of the QWERTY keypad, and it also features an integrated spell checker with a customizable dictionary to help maintain accuracy while on the go. It has 64 MB of internal ROM memory, and is expandable using MicroSD memory cards. The battery provides up to 4 hours (240 minutes) of talk time and up to 17 days (408 hours) of standby time. You can snap vivid photos (though no video) using the 2-megapixel camera on the back of the Curve, which also features a 5x digital zoom, built-in flash, self-portrait mirror and full screen viewfinder. It can capture images in up to three picture quality and size resolutions that can be shared instantly by email, MMS or BlackBerry Messenger, or even uploaded to your Flickr account with the Yahoo! Go service. Photos can also be immediately set as a unique caller ID or Home Screen image. You can edit photos and create albums within the Curve using the PhotoSuite application. Pictures can be cropped, rotated and straightened, and flaws can be fixed by removing redeye or changing the brightness, contrast, and saturation levels. Listen to your favorite music and watch downloaded videos using the included stereo headset, or use an optional wireless headphone thanks to the Curve's support for the Bluetooth stereo audio profile (A2DP/AVRCP). The Curve is compatible with a wide variety of file formats, including MP3, WMA and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ audio and WMV, MPEG4 and H.263 video. Dedicated volume controls are conveniently located on the side of the handset. You can also subscribe to the AT&T Music service, which includes access to online subscription music content from eMusic, XM Satellite Radio and more. With the Voice-Activated Dialing (VAD) feature, you can initiate a call just by telling the Curve who to call from your contact list--either via the integrated speakerphone or using an optional Bluetooth wireless headset. Other advanced phone features include advanced sound technology that cancels out background noise and echo, dedicated volume and mute keys, and the ability to customize the Curve with polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Though it doesn't come with an integrated GPS receiver, you can add an optional Bluetooth-enabled receiver to take advantage of the BlackBerry Maps application. Check maps for fast turn-by-turn directions virtually anywhere--simply click on an address in your address book, type it or paste one in. Staying Connected
With BlackBerry's push email technology, your email will find you without having to initiate a connection. BlackBerry devices are designed to remain on and continuously connected to the wireless network, notifying you as new email arrives. In addition to the text, you can also receive and view attachments in a wide range of popular file formats, including Microsoft Office, Corel WordPerfect, and Adobe PDF. Browse the web with the integrated, full-featured browser, which quickly and efficiently displays HTML pages as well as enables you to set up RSS feeds to stay connected to up-to-the-minute news and blog posts. And keep up with your contacts using a variety of instant message (IM) networks, including the integrated Blackberry Messenger as well as downloadable clients for Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, and Lotus Sametime. This quadband phone operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's EDGE network, with availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. It also offers AT&T's Push to Talk (PTT) feature, which enables walkie talkie-style instant voice communication with other AT&T users--either one-on-one or with groups--and it allows you to convert the PTT call to a regular voice call if you need to have a longer discussion. The Curve delivers all the corporate email and messaging capabilities you've come to expect. It's supported on BlackBerry Internet Service, giving you access to up to 10 work or personal email accounts (including most popular ISP email accounts), as well as BlackBerry Enterprise Server, enabling advanced security and IT administration within IBM Lotus Domino, Microsoft Exchange and Novell GroupWise environments.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 55 more reviews...
 Best Smart Phone On The Market June 14, 2007
James Shannon Bussey (Mississippi)
121 out of 123 found this review helpful
I never spend $300.00 without first checking it out thoroughly, and this phone was no different. I researched everything I could find on all smart phone as well as pocket PCs. I personally was looking for a phone that I could push email to, that was number one, and secondly it would be nice if it could surf the net. I looked at numerous blackberries, starcoms, window based smart phones such as the blackjack, but I kept coming back to the the Blackberry Curve. The Curve, first and formost has an excellent email set up. After just a few minutes I was receiving and sending my original POP3 email from my phone. Another thing that I loved is that when you delete an email, the phone ask you if you want to delete it just from your BB or your BB and your desktop. Here are a few other things that made me decide on the BB Curve.
1) "Independent" Voice Commands - This is very important because "independent" voice commands do not have to be trained with the phone. The old way, "dependent", requires you to go through your program and say every word and number before hand and train it.
2) Media Player - As much as I have wanted a smart phone, I have also wanted a media player that would play videos as well as digital music. With the BB Curve, I killed two birds with one stone. This phone has an awesome media player.
3) Data Card - This phone uses micro sd cards for data storage. This is a plus for the media player. Currently I have a 2GB card and they say that 4GB will be available soon (or is already available). With 4GB you have plenty of room for videos, MP3s, as well as pictures and other applications.
4) Size and Feel - The form factor, or shape, of this phone is fantastic. I just recently purchased a BB case but before that it fit snugly into a RAZR case. It also has rubber sides that make it easy to hold and harder to drop. At less than 4 ounces, and just a little more than a 1/2 inch thick, what else can you say.
5) Excellent Battery Life
6) Numerous useful applications
7) Great camera with 2+ megapixel
8) Excellent Speakerphone
I have heard some people complain because it is not 3G but I sometimes wonder if 3G is not overrated.
The only problem I have with the phone is desktop manager could be a little simpler. I have had trouble using. Overall this phone is outstanding.
 Fine form factor - misses on the media player June 19, 2007
Wayne Schulz (Glastonbury, CT USA)
76 out of 83 found this review helpful
I moved over from the Blackberry 8800 to the Curve and while I generally like the form factor, camera and keyboard - there are a couple things that are real misses for Research in Motion.
1. Build Quality - Out of the box the area between my volume and camera button was loose. My 8800 had the "squeaky side rails" syndrome (a well documented issue on early devices where the sides of the BB squeak under the slightest pressure) and to some extent this one does as well. For a device which is priced so highly, these types of build issues should be worked out well in advance of production. The volume keys are difficult to push and recessed into the body of the 8300.
2. Media Player - My experience dragging and dropping mp3 both via the included software (s--l--o--w) and direct transfer was disappointing. Some tracks failed to transfer entirely. I am copying mp3 files into different folders and am not certain whether BB has a bug with reading mp3 files from folders. Update: I'm still not having much luck with copying lots of MP3s to this device. And it doesn't support any type of DRM (Digital Rights Management) or streaming audio.
3. Continued lack of html email capability - third party kludgeware is starting to eek out - but there still is the inability to natively read html emails. This is the year 2007 not 1980.
4. Pokey EDGE network. One of the included apps from ATT is XM Satellite Streaming. My experience with this app was very mixed. When it worked - it was cool (but VERY overpriced at $8.99/mo). However most of the time the stream was sporadic and had a lot of cutting in and out. Update: AT&T seems to have beefed up their EDGE network and I'm not able to get an acceptable audio stream from this app.
For all it's faults, the BB 8300 is still with me on a daily basis. The pictures from the camera are decent. I wish it had GPS capability like the 8800.
I think for business use you still cannot beat Blackberry.
For casual users, I think there are better solutions. Many users forget (or don't know) that the Blackberry requires an additional BB specific data plan in order to do just about anything useful.
Update:
Camera - I've been using my camera on this phone a LOT this summer. I email pictures directly to my flickr account. I think the quality is pretty good and it keeps me from having to carry a camera around. (Search flikr for member mas90guru to see samples)
Time to upgrade June 27, 2007
KK (Seattle, Washington)
51 out of 52 found this review helpful
It was time to put my old BB to rest. I was not sure I could part with an old familiar friend. However within a week of owning this fashionable, light weight, highly sophisticated media system I fell in love. For me that is a statement in itself. I am not an early adopter. I do not follow the latest in cool toys. My primary use is corporate email and a messaging platform as I am on the road year round. Unlike most of the reviews you will read I have little to no interest in explaining all the reasons why I love the 2.5-inch TFT display with 320 x 240-pixel resolution or the 2.0 Mega pixel camera with flash and 5x digital zoom. I am not even sure I know what that means as the end user. What I do feel is relevant to shoppers like myself is the following:
*The piece fits nicely in your hand and is light light light.
*The trackball is easy to use and surprisingly quick to adapt to.
*I really appreciate the integrated spell checker with user-customizable dictionary.
*The organization tools are a must have when you are busy and on the run. Capabilities, including calendar, tasks, address book, and memo pad are easy to use and great to have.
*The clarity of this phone finally makes me feel like the BB is more then an email tool. I can actually hear people talking. The Noise-cancellation technology to offset background noise must really work.
*The camera is a bonus.
Fantastic buy! No complaints.
Forget about iphone August 9, 2007
Some Reveiwer Guy (Secret Location, USA)
30 out of 32 found this review helpful
My friend just got an iphone and I just got a Curve. Here is my comparison and some advice:
The iphone is definitely the better multimedia phone, with its big screen. If you're looking for a toy, or want to replace your ipod, go with iphone. But the curve is probably better than you realize at some of the things the iphone is famous for.
The Curve comes with a quality 2mp camera, surfs the internet, and plays video and mp3's. You can't store quite as much on the Curve, but you can add a 4GB micro SD card for less than $50, or 2GB for $20.
The Curve does not have wifi, although it's not really necessary if you have a data plan. If you install Opera Mini 4 browser on your Curve, you can get most of the internet features included on the iphone - including that cool thing where you can see the whole page and zoom in to see the detail. You can't view flash video like on Youtube, but you have full functionality otherwise, including file downloads.
If you have professional needs (or even just a busy schedule), the Curve is the better choice. The calendar is nice - similar to what you would get with Outlook and you can sync it up with your computer. The push e-mail service rocks. You can link to any e-mail account and it comes instantly. The e-mail is pushed to your phone, so no waiting to download e-mail. The batter life is excellent. I get 2 full days from a charge even with checking my e-mail 20 times per day and using the internet.
Oh, and the Curve is free after discounts - can't beat the price. All you have to do is buy a micro SD card for memory.
I've had my Curve for a week and it's a keeper. I can't wait to see what other applications there are for download that will make it even more fun.
Best Business PHONE out there July 1, 2007
N. Jenkins (Raleigh, NC)
25 out of 27 found this review helpful
Blackberry is the most popular business PHONE out there -- for good reasons. They work! And the interface is straight forward to use with the side "wheel" acting like the mouse on your computer.
While Blackberry hasn't always excelled when it comes to being a cell phone -- it evolved from a PDA into a cellphone -- it has consistently improved it's Voice capabilities. With the 8300, the phone capabilities have clearly caught up with other phones that "morphed" into PDAs. The voice reception and sound quality is very solid and with AT&Ts service, I rarely have dropped calls. (I originally was a cingular subscriber and when AT&T took over, I have not experienced any decrease in the level of service). You can use it without a headset which feels a bit clunky -- but when you lose bluetooth headsets at the rate I do, it is nice to know that when all else fails, it is very functional by itself.
As a PDA -- this is where Blackberry really outshines its competition. It is the most widely supported Enterprise-wide email. It integrates with Outlook which is pretty much a necessity if you live in the corporate world. Now with the addition of GPS compatibility, Blackberry solidifies it's desire to be a "grownup" phone/device.
To me, a PDA/Phone should help you get through your day. It should tell you where you need to be next. Help you get there. Tell people if you aren't going to be there. Keep in touch via email when you are there.
I don't need it to play music -- I've got my car stereo for that. I don't need it to take pictures. When I'm at work, there is very little I want to take pictures of -- certainly not my coworkers :-O. When I'm waiting in a doctors office -- the browser is adequate to kill some time though I generally plan ahead and bring an old-fashioned analog book -- you know the type -- the one with pages and real ink on it. If you have a notebook, this phone also makes a pretty handy wireless modem -- though it is rather slow. That way, you don't have to worry about where the nearest Starbucks is to connect to the internet.
So I guess it boils down to what do you want your phone to do. If you want it to be a phone and be straightforward to use, then Blackberry is the perfect device. It will keep you connected to home, office and places in between, Blackberry 8300 is what will serve you best.
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