BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone
Amazon.com Product Description
Powerful and refined, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone for T-Mobile includes built-in support for both 3G connectivity and voice calls over Wi-Fi networks (802.11b/g). Enabled for T-Mobile’s expanding high-speed 3G network, the Bold 9700 offers fast data delivery and an enhanced Web-browsing experience that lets you connect quickly to social networking sites such as Facebook. And, of course, you’ll enjoy all the communication and connectivity features you’ve come to expect from a BlackBerry phone–including email served up by the BlackBerry Internet Service and a full menu of messaging options (SMS, MMS, and IM).
The BlackBerry Bold offers built-in support for 3G cellular connectivity and both data downloads and voice calls over Wi-Fi. |
Other features include access to BlackBerry App World, a 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera with video capture capabilities, and Bluetooth connectivity. |
Offering top-of-the-line performance and functionality, it features a sophisticated, high-gloss black finish, chrome highlights and leatherette back. It also includes a distinctive, highly tactile full-QWERTY keyboard for fast and accurate typing, and an innovative touch-sensitive optical trackpad, which makes for a great navigation experience.
The built-in GPS supports navigation and location-based services via the included BlackBerry Maps application. A hot-swappable microSD/SDHC memory card slot provides additional storage for multimedia files and archiving applications, with a 2 GB memory card included and support for optional 32 GB cards. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming,
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 offers easy access to BlackBerry App World, the official app store for BlackBerry smartphones, enabling you to browse and download fun and functional mobile applications to their phone. Many applications are readily available directly on the smartphone, such as Slacker Radio for easy access to free music, TeleNav GPS Navigator for turn-by-turn directions (trial version), and visual voicemail for easier access and response to voicemails.
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.
For corporate users, this BlackBerry device delivers all the enterprise email and messaging capabilities you’ve come to expect. It’s supported on the BlackBerry Internet Service, giving you access to up to 8 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.
Key Features
- Fast 3G connectivity via T-Mobile’s HSDPA/UMTS network (1700/2100 MHz bands, UMTS/HSDPA; see more about T-Mobile’s 3G service below)
- Unlimited nationwide Wi-Fi Calling with T-Mobile’s Unlimited HotSpot Calling service or the new Wi-Fi Calling with MobileOffice solution for business customers. Get great coverage at home when used with a T-Mobile HotSpot @Home wireless router, and receive unlimited nationwide calls over Wi-Fi, at home or at any U.S. T-Mobile HotSpot. (Learn more)
- Quad-band GSM phone for good global voice connectivity (850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands)
- BlackBerry OS 5.0
- Support for BlackBerry App World featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include travel, productivity, entertainment, games, social networking and sharing, news and weather, and more.
- Visual Voicemail enables you to listen to your voicemail messages in any order, respond in one click and easily manage your inbox without ever dialing in to the network.
- GPS navigation and location-based services via BlackBerry Maps and other third-party solutions. (Learn more)
- 2.44-inch display with 480 x 360-pixel resolution and 65K color depth.
- 35-key backlit QWERTY keyboard
- 3.2-megapixel camera with auto-focus, image stabilization, 2x digital zoom, flash, and geotagging capabilities.
- Video capture capabilities with up to 480 x 352-pixel resolution for sharing (176 x 144 pixels for sending via MMS)
- Multi-format digital audio and video player with compatibility for MP3, WMA 9 Pro/WMA 10, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, MPEG4, H.263, H.264, and more.
- BlackBerry Media Sync is built right into your BlackBerry Desktop Software and lets you sync your desktop iTunes or Windows Media Player music files with your BlackBerry smartphone. If you’re a Mac user, just choose the “media” option and you’re ready to sync your iTunes music collection from your BlackBerry smartphone onto your Mac.
- Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits.
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB. A 2 GB card is included with the phone, and it also has an internal 256 MB memory.
- Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging (via popular services including AOL, Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger, and Google Talk)
- BlackBerry Browser for accessing Web sites.
- Organizer tools including calendar, task list, memo pad, and calculator
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
- Integrated hands-free, full duplex speakerphone
- Voice-activated dialing capabilities
Vital Statistics
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 weighs 4.3 ounces and measures 4.2 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of talk time, and up to 360 hours (15 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as T-Mobile’s 3G network (1700/2100 MHz).
What’s in the Box
BlackBerry Bold 9700 handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD memory card, USB cable, wired hands-free headset, BlackBerry Desktop Software, quick start guide, user manual
T-Mobile Services
- High-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile’s 3G network: In addition to its quad-band GSM connectivity, this phone is also compatible with T-Mobile’s UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web or downloading content from the T-Mobile Web2go content portal. T-Mobile’s 3G network now covers 170 million people in more than 235 cities nationwide and by the end of 2009 is planned to be available to approximately 200 million people across the U.S.
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the via T-Mobile’s EDGE network (which stands for “Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution”). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.
While this phone is optimized for use with T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network, many of its functions will also work well on the moderate-speed EDGE network. If you plan to access the Internet extensively on your phone, 3G network coverage may serve you best.
Activities that work well on EDGE or 3G networks:
- Email, instant messaging, and texting
- Downloading ringtones, CallerTunes, wallpaper, light data files
- Sending photographs via e-mail or picture messaging
Activities that work best on a 3G network:
- Viewing content-heavy websites (lots of images or videos playing)
- Viewing YouTube and other video files (they will play on EDGE, but require loading time)
- Uploading large files (photos, videos, presentations) to sharing websites
- Downloading large files from an e-mail or a website
- T-Mobile HotSpot Enabled service: Effortlessly transition between Wi-Fi calling and T-Mobile’s wireless network while you talk with T-Mobile’s Unlimited HotSpot Calling service or the new Wi-Fi Calling with MobileOffice solution for business customers. Unlimited nationwide Wi-Fi Calling requires either Unlimited HotSpot Calling mobile plan or Wi-Fi Calling with MobileOffice service, qualifying rate plan, broadband Internet connection and wireless router. Regular plan minutes are used when call does not originate on Wi-Fi network.
Learn More
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BlackBerry Maps
Always know where you are and how to get where you need to be with BlackBerry® smartphones featuring BlackBerry Maps and GPS (Global Positioning System) capabilities. Enter an address and receive directions to businesses, restaurants and other locations. Type or paste the information, or launch a map by clicking on a pre-existing address in your address book to view routes and step-by-step directions.
- Interactive maps allow you to pan left, right, up and down and to zoom in and out
- Local search lets you find locations based on keywords. Enter a search term like “pizza” to find pizza places near you
- Send maps via email
- Bookmark your favorite locations for future reference
- Fully optimized for BlackBerry smartphones for fast loading times and efficient data usage
- BlackBerry Maps works with your current wireless network, so no carrier switching is required.
Technical Specifications
- Video format support: DivX 4, DivX 5/6 partially supported, XviD partially supported, H.263, H.264, WMV3, MPEG4, Sorenson Spark & On2 VP6(Flash support)
- Audio format support: .3gp, MP3, WMA9 (.wma/.asf), WMA9 Pro / WMA 10, MIDI, AMR-NB, Professional AAC/AAC+/eAAC+
- Email support: BlackBerry Enterprise Server and BlackBerry Internet Service (POP3/IMAP4)
- IM client: Yahoo, MSN Live, AIM, Google Talk, ICQ
- USB connectivity: USB port allows charging and data synchronization of the device with a USB “A” to micro-USB “B” cable
- Bluetooth support: Mono/Stereo Headset, Hands-free, Serial Port Profile, Bluetooth Stereo Audio (A2DP/AVCRP) and Bluetooth SIM Access Profile (version 2.1)

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 Phone by Techno Chat|Tech Blog!!, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.



November 24th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
I really enjoy using this phone. The operating system is smooth, the trackpad is so easy to use and is a great upgrade from the trackball. The phone has a VERY high resolution screen and fits perfectly in your hand. IT has an extremely slick design and is sexy enough to show off. Whether you are a business user or consumer, this phone is for you unless you NEED a touch screen. If you need a touchscreen I would try out the STORM 2…if is much improved over the first and very fun to use. The Bold 9700 is the perfect upgrade from the first and perfect for first time smartphone buyers and previous owners of smartphones.
Rating: 5 / 5
November 25th, 2009 at 2:27 am
I’m switching from the flip…for 5 years I’ve used a bb with 2 letters per key..I was ready to switch to this one, because I want the 3g for web…I also like the larger screen vs. the convenience of carrying the smaller ones….this is a great machine…a little computer is what it is. I also saw that this has new software and my other would run so slowly, while it processed…so far, day 2 this seems pretty fast in terms of operating system. loading web had some issues yesterday, but tmobile said that’s was due to it being 1st day and too much activity..today has been smooth.
The buttons on this feel more substantial (bigger/better) vs. the 8900… If you’re looking for a great phone, and e-mail is your focus, there’s no beating this blackberry on Tmobile..Only thing I’d improve is web browser, but gets the job done and I think they’ll upgrade soon too…btw, haven’t tried the visual voicemail yet, but that’s new on this one too (just like the iphone I imagine on that)
Rating: 4 / 5
November 25th, 2009 at 2:40 am
I have used Blackberry devices for almost 6years. I just upgraded from the Pearl 8100 to the Bold 9700 and I absolutely love it.
G3 is super fast.
zoom in & out is great
the battery last a really long time
love the slacker radio
they included a leather belt clip case
love the trackpad
i happen to like the rubberized back cover…it won’t scratch or slide across slick surfaces.
the camera is actually 3.2MP… does pics & video
phone feels sturdy
expandable memory. i already had a 2GB in my pearl, so i just popped it in the bold 9700
maps/gps
really good speakers.
good call quality… i’ve never had a problem with tmobile call quality in the 5+yrs i’ve had them.
not crazy about the micro usb, but i didn’t have to buy it
***phone does not support my faves***
can’t wait til there are some better themes.
the buttons are a bit tricky as i am used to the pearl’s layout, but in time, i’ll master them.
don’t like the earbuds that are included. i wish they’d include in-ear buds with silicone tips.
**************UPDATE ABOUT MYFAVES**************
The device does not support the myfaves icons on the homescreen, however, if you have a myfaves plan and keep it (which I did), you can still take advantage of unlimited minutes of your 5 myfave contacts and it will be billed as such. so, you just have to remember who those 5 are. they are phasing out the myfaves plans, so i don’t know if they’ll allow me that billing until my 2yr contract is up or make me change.
Rating: 5 / 5
November 25th, 2009 at 4:36 am
The Bold 9700 is an outstanding phone but I got used to suretype with the Pearl 8120. If the Bold would have it, 5 stars, hands down, b/c the phone is very fast and has incredible features. 3g is spectacular, you will love it, I would never go back to Edge network. Typing out full words with the small keyboard is a royal pain and I’m considering returning it. That’s the only downside on a great phone, but an important one b/c typing is so important… otherwise, 5 stars..
Rating: 3 / 5
November 25th, 2009 at 4:52 am
The Blackberry Bold 9700 is a great new Blackberry with speed that I have yet to see on any model out there. Before this model my favorite was the Blackberry 8900 which lacked 3g capabilities and thus was a little tedious at times. The 9700 truly has everything that you will ever want out of a Blackberry:
* 480×360 High Resolution Screen
* Touch Sensitive Track PAD Which is FANTASTIC (the track ball on previous models was always a problem)
* A new upgraded CPU which makes this device SCREAM with speed.
* 3G and EDGE Cellular Service
* Wi-Fi (Which can be used for UMA on T-MOBILE – allowing you to use your internet connection to make/receive calls and email, etc).
* 3.2 MP Camera with Auto Focus, Image Stabilization and a LED Flash.
* A new operating system – Version 5.0.x to be specific.
* Includes a 2gb Micro SD Card for storage of Music, Images, Videos, and Applications.
* Super clear speaker both in the handset and as a speakerphone. Loud and Clear… (Note, the previous bold had stereo speakers, this one does not)
* Micro USB Charging (Industry standard – previous bold had mini-usb)
* Elegant design with leather embossed battery cover
If you are looking to find a negative here then you will not…I have used these devices ever since the first one was introduced in the mid/late nineties and I can say will full confidence that it is the BEST BLACKBERRY I have ever used.
All of that being said…my only gripe is with T-Mobiles lack of 3G coverage, at the moment. I sincerely hope that with a superb device like this that they will invest in their network and improve it quickly….
Please ask me any and all questions via the comments system and I will answer them as best as I can.
PS: Quick Note: I have a leather holster for my 8900 – the 9700 fits in it perfectly.
Rating: 5 / 5