The BlackBerry Curve (8300) is becoming one of the hottest devices for deaf and hard of hearing users, for a variety of reasons, including its slim form factor, a full QWERTY keyboard, the great new trackball interface, and a nice 2 megapixel camera as well. The only problem with this model is that it has only been available through AT&T for the last couple of months.
Now that T-Mobile has introduced their own version of the BlackBerry Curve (8320), it looks like the Curve will be adopted by even more deaf users looking for a step up from their Sidekicks. If you’re a seasoned deaf Sidekick user, you may be happy with the coverage that T-Mobile offers, but want a device that can do more for you. The Curve may just be what you want.
The main difference between the AT&T and T-Mobile Curve is that T-Mobile’s version includes WiFi, allowing you to stay connected anywhere there is a wireless hotspot. This will be great for those who are used to the “window” pager phenomenon - placing your pager in your window to catch a stray signal that pops through once in a while. Now, if you have poor coverage in your house, just use your WiFi connection. This is basically the same thing the iPhone does - roam on WiFi if you have it.
The T-Mobile Curve is available in grey “titanium” and a T-Mobile exclusive “pale gold”. Some people think that the titanium Curve looks even better than the AT&T silver/grey one.
Over the years, RIM, the manufacturer of the BlackBerry line has had the opportunity to optimize the keyboard design, and it is apparent with the Curve’s excellent keyboard. The spacing is just right, and the keys are easy to find and press.
One big advantage for the Curve over a Sidekick is for those who are deaf and have low vision or are legally blind. You will be able to change the default system font to a larger and/or bolder version that is easier to read.
The Curve is the latest and hottest BlackBerry available, and it’s very consumer (and deaf) friendly. If you’re unsure about getting a Curve, give it a try - you won’t regret it, and you’ll love the long battery life, the great form factor, and being able to connect via WiFi! It has all the basics that all BlackBerries have, such as the standard PIM (Calendar, Address Book, Task list, etc) applications, a web browser, the ability to install software, and there are a couple of dedicated Relay applications available for the BlackBerry platform (Sprint and IP-Relay, etc).
For those deaf and hard of hearing users out there, who are looking to save some money on phone calls by hearing family members at home - it’s possible to get the @Home service from T-Mobile, which basically lets you make unlimited phone calls from your Curve via your home WiFi connection for a small monthly fee.
45 responses so far ↓
1 Richard Roehm // Sep 27, 2007 at 9:09 am
Comment Deleted, Richard Rochem is banned from this Blog.
2 Lantana // Sep 27, 2007 at 9:55 am
I have a Blackberry Curve through AT&T and it is my very first mobile device, so I cannot compare it with anything else, but I do like it very much. We live in a small town and do not have T-Mobile available here.
And yes, I adjusted the font to a larger and clearer one for my “old eyes”. No problem at all reading my messages!
AT&T sells a sleeve for the 8300, a genuine leather sleeve that works really well and looks nice, too.
I am happy with my choice.
Lantana
3 Cindy // Sep 27, 2007 at 10:17 am
Lantana, Great to hear from you. Deafpagers.com does offer ATT Curve too.
If anyone want to upgrade it, we suggest you to visit your local T-Mobile Direct Store
4 Seek Geo // Sep 27, 2007 at 10:47 am
CQQL!! I already decided that I want to purchase BB curve but not sure when is a good time to purchase but I will get one eventually. And I had no idea T-mobile now offer BB curve, that’s cool.
But, I probably will still want to get one from AT&T only because they have better coverage than T-mobile especially in Tri-Cities where I will be moving to in a bit.
-SG
5 Chris // Sep 27, 2007 at 10:52 am
Curious if anyone knows what the “data only” monthly charges are between ATT and T-Mobile?
6 Glen // Sep 27, 2007 at 10:57 am
Well. I have one and i hate it. Finally return it and got a iPhone. Now, I am happy!
7 admin // Sep 27, 2007 at 11:13 am
ATT: 49.99 per month
T-Mobile 39.99 per month
I will have editor to create compare chart and post it on Blog later.
8 AHK // Sep 27, 2007 at 12:12 pm
You neglected to mention that 8300 curve is NOT HA compatible while the 8320 curve IS HA compatible. Also, two new sidekicks are coming out…the high end LX in October and the low end Slide in November.
9 Lee P. // Sep 27, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I upgraded mine directly from T-Mobile website last week (the very first day of its release) since I was qualitified for instant and mail-in rebates. My 2-year contract with T-Mobile after receiving the 8700g model was going to expire in November.
Today, my titanium Blackberry Curve had just arrived. I immediately unpacked it, charged it and activated it.
All I can say is that after all these years of using SK, SK2. SK3 and BB 8700g, this Curve is the BEST pager I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I’ve been i-Phone, but I’m telling the all of you who is reading this very comment, that i-Phone cannot beat what Curve has to offer for a Deaf person like myself.
If any one of you consider about buying a Blackberry Curve…
GET ONE FROM T-MOBILE!!
10 Mish // Sep 27, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Lee, I upgraded mine directly.
My SK died few days ago and I was going to do an exchange but thought I’d need to upgrade. I need more since I am an independent contractor for a large group of ER physicians and would like to have more options in my phone (calendar, text, outlook, capability to do some work on doc/spreadsheet, and many more). I am hoping Curve is the answer!
I can not wait! What was your waiting period before you receive your Curve today? I assume less than a week?
11 Diane // Sep 27, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Sprint? ummm wary of that company. I have gotten a new BB today (replacement) I ordered it three months ago! A long story … Lee, I wish I had known about the T mobile that sells BB Curve. I feel comfy with T-Mobile company .. sigh I am stuck with @$%^&* Sprint because of the two years contract.
12 Lee P. // Sep 27, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Mish - Congratulations on upgrading yours! Curve is certainly the answer.
However, I would like you to be aware that Blackberries (in general) are not as user-friendly as SK’s are. There are so many things you can do with the Blackberry, manually rather than what you can do with the SK. After I switched from SK3 to 8700g, it took me about 3 months to get to learn almost every function and how to use the OS software, downloading some games and 3rd party applications, etc.
Also, if you tend to use AIM or any instant messaging services, I would strongly suggest you to download JiveTalk software from www.beejive.com (Yes, you can do it over-the-air). JiveTalk is an instant messaging software that allows you to log on AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber and Window Live Messenger, all at once. It’s a wicked awesome software, compare to the pre-installed IM software that comes with the Blackberry.
Trust me, you will be killing a lot of time figuring things out and playing around with your new toy.
I placed my order through UPS express and it took 5 business days for my Curve 8320 to be shipped over.
Diane, my dear local friend - I almost went for Sprint after my contract ends in November. For some reason, I just couldn’t trust Sprint. I don’t really know why. Maybe it’s because I never really liked Sprint?
I’ve been a T-Mobile customer since the day the first model of SK1 was released back in 2002. Everytime I call the customer service for any reason… by the end of the conversation with a representative, they always say, “Thank you for being a valuable customer since 2002…” and that’s probably the main reason why I feel more comfortable with T-Mobile.
13 V. Harmon // Sep 27, 2007 at 10:09 pm
I got my Blackberry Curve from AT&T.. I got rid of my Sprint [used] PPC-6700, but before that I had the SideKick 1-3 from T-Mobile, but now the reason I use AT&T now is so I can contact my family members when I am out of state, without any bad signal whatsoever.
T-Mobile is good for close-range call and such, but AT&T is good for long distance things without any signal droppings.
SideKick users need to replace that phone with a Blackberry, it is so much better and you will enjoy it just as much as I have. :]
V. Harmon
P.S.
Sprint sucks. It is a rip-off!
14 Donovan // Sep 28, 2007 at 7:17 am
Forgot to add..don’t be so quick to advocate for BB…they’ve got problems which is why one major company does not want to sell them.
15 admin // Sep 28, 2007 at 7:22 am
AHK: We did not “neglect” to mention HAC. We already mentioned the AT&T Curve (8300) is NOT HAC compatible in our prior look at it. We are unable to find any HAC info on the T-Mobile Curve (8320), and if you could kindly show us where to find that info, we’d appreciate it. (Already checked T-Mobile site, RIM site, read 8320 manual, etc.) One of the FCC requirements for HAC compatibility is that the HAC rating should be easily found. It’s my guess that either the 8320 isn’t HAC compatible or they’re “still testing it.”
16 Cindy // Sep 28, 2007 at 9:53 am
I suggest you to read this article at http://www.deafpagers.com/blog/2007/05/21/
17 Lee P. // Sep 28, 2007 at 10:21 am
Donovan - BB aren’t the only ones that have problems. SK, iPhone, Motorola and so on, they all have problems of their own. No devices are made perfect. BB are much easier to troubleshoot than SK and iPhone.
18 Lantana // Sep 28, 2007 at 10:30 am
I drive right by an AT&T store several times a week. At first when I got my BB, I walked in there whining quite a few times, there were so many things I did not understand! The girl that sold it to me included her own email in my addie book so that I could call her anytime and the office was always willing to iron out any problems I was having. AT&T did not understand about Relay, so after awhile I was able to program that in myself. ‘Good experience for me.
I did not get “voice” since that would have cost me more. There are alot of things on the BB that I would like to throw out, like the music, etc. but I don’t know HOW yet. I do not have any problem getting my GMail on the BB.
So far, so good.
Lantana
19 Lee P. // Sep 28, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Lantana - Your experience of using BB shows that BB is NOT user-friendly. You can throw out any unwanted applications and music files. But, it’s alittle complicated to do that. If I had a webcam, I would be very happy to make a demonstration about how to remove applications and files.
There is a website where you can look into, it’s a forum where most BB professionals post instructions and troubleshootings. Check out this site: www.pinstack.com. That site is where I tend to go to, to get the solutions.
I’d say about 75% of my acknowledges of how to do almost anything with BB were from learning through Pinstack’s website.
20 Diane // Sep 30, 2007 at 8:23 am
Thanks Lee my local friend! I will check out this site www.pinstack.com. I am deathly afraid to use my new BB again! It’s sitting on my bureau in my room now. The first one is already damaged by water *shrug* since I got it on the first day — I have had a trouble with the first BB ever since! I would call it Lemon-berry! lol Hope all are well for you.
21 Lester // Sep 30, 2007 at 2:19 pm
I purchased new AT&T Blackberry Curve 8300 last week. Oh Yeah it great for me to able to read the font sizes and styles than Sidekick from 1 to 3 and Much Better Coverage than T-Mobile.
last few months ago, I bought Treo WX 700 from Sprints and found out this device has defect and coverage is great such as e mail, SMS and web browser.
Well, I used to have previous Sidekick from 1 to 3 under T-mobile. Coverage is okay depend where you live and inside building but Travel is okay coverage too.
Otherwise Big City is great coverage.
AT&T is national wide and much strong coverage.
AT&T has 39.99 per month
by the way, Im working on AT&T relay to see if work.
Thank you
22 Farbes // Sep 30, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I was a content sidekick user since 2002. on 2/2007, I switched from sk to 8700g. Now I purchased the 8320 curve diectly from t-mobile store on 9/22 before tmobile is supposed to release new tmobile 8320 on the launch 9/24.
I love the sexy curve, Because I can take pictures from my sweet curve anywehre! and curve has full packaged IM clients use data for free like Skidekick does.
Please check site: http://www.alldeaf.com/841576-post125.html and http://www.alldeaf.com/842893-post28.html
23 marlene // Oct 1, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I purchased my very first BB and just love it! However, the AOL IM doesn’t work the same way it does on my computer. T-Mobile tech support said it’s an “issue” they’re working on right now since all of their 8320 models are running into the same problem. BTW, I’ve had Sidekick I and II–and this Blackberry Curve is tops!!
24 Jean // Oct 3, 2007 at 9:05 am
I am using Ramble IM for my T-mobile bb pager, 8700g but it is not a great one; it usually turns off if I don’t use it more than a few minutes. I am considering to purchase a T-mobile BB Curve. I am concerned about AIM whether if an orginial one or Ramble IM has a same problem on it. Anyone can help?
25 Farbes // Oct 4, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Jean, To honest, Blackberry AIM is very reliable and stay connect unlike Ramble IM program. But Yeah it only showed like 30 of my buddies. Pretty lame! Overrall, Blackberry AIM stay always connect like BlackBerry Y! IM does. but like Marlene said ” Tmobile is now working on AIM issues in her post as above. ;o)
But I heard that BB8700g user tried Blackberry aim on it, its actual work. you should give a try.. let me know, how it turn out!
26 Jean // Oct 5, 2007 at 9:31 am
Farbes,
I forgot to mention AIM issues according to Marlene’s post. Yes, the T-Mobile tech support told me “it’s an ‘issue’ they’re working on right now”, but that was old news: one year ago. Now, it is one year later and they could have solved that issue problem, isn’t it? So BB aim was not a best one so I turned to Ramble IM software. Anyhow, I ordered BB curve few days ago. OFC, I can imagine, it is tops! I will check on that pinstack forum and perhaps it may solve hopfully.
27 Lester // Oct 5, 2007 at 3:02 pm
I suggested to use JiveTalk than Ramble IM. See Lee P message or paste this:
I would strongly suggest you to download JiveTalk software from www.beejive.com (Yes, you can do it over-the-air). JiveTalk is an instant messaging software that allows you to log on AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber and Window Live Messenger, all at once. It’s a wicked awesome software, compare to the pre-installed IM software that comes with the Any Blackberry version from (8300 to 8800).
Last time I purchased blackberry 8703g last year for my wife birthday. I tested on Ramble IM but I wasnt satisfield so I finally found what Lee P suggest so I downloaded the beejive in Blackberry Curve. Oh wow I love it I can use some IMs in once than switch other IM like Sidekick 1 to 3. Ramble IM is only one AIM
28 Jana // Oct 5, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Hey, DEAFPAGERS.COM.. please pay attention to this.. I ordered last Sunday for this product.. Blackberry Curve. I have not heard a response from DeafPagers.com support customer service. I appreciate the response. Their services is very very SLOW!!!!
29 Jana // Oct 8, 2007 at 6:19 am
The Deaf Pagers is slow in responding the emails. I emailed them several times waiting for the confirmation I ordered. Nothing. I dont know why. I want to replace my SK to Blackberry Curve. How come I do not hear from you, the DeafPagers team?
30 Farbes // Oct 8, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Jana, I do understanding that you are frustrate with deafpagers who didn’t reponse you back asap. I wondering why not you order blackberry curve your account thru “My T-Mobile” instead of this? If you ordered it as upgrade phone on your account. Your device will send directly your home in 2 to 3 days. you will pay it later as it will appear on billing account in two months instead of you pay it now before send your device out. trust me.
I always buy it directly from tmobile store or upgrade phone on my account thru “My T-Mobile”.
Hope this help.. :o)
31 tad // Oct 13, 2007 at 4:16 pm
the price between my t-mobile and deafpages is different. at tmobile is $249 and deafpagers is 149 plus free auto changer.
32 Betty Jean Brandt // Nov 9, 2007 at 9:35 pm
I am looking at these two different pagers; I want to know more about them. Do they need security checks? How much does each pager cost? Thank you.
33 Betty Jean Brandt // Nov 10, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Did you get my earlier message yesterday (Friday, Nov 9th)?
BettyJean Brandt
34 Farbes // Nov 12, 2007 at 1:19 am
Betty Jean Brandt , No they are same device. just different color.
35 Jazz // Nov 14, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Hey if I get the black berry curve…am i able to leave personal away messages if I am on AIM and not just have it say away!! And if not do one of the programs from AIM that i can download allow me to have the feature!?
36 Moo // Nov 14, 2007 at 7:09 pm
Hey,I am thinking about buy blackberry. But only AT&T for blackberry. I haven’t AT&T my area home. I stuck with that is it. I want to know Blackberry curve have include GPS (maps)?
37 admin // Nov 14, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Moo, T-Mobile and ATT offer Curve this time. Yes, you can add GPS for ATT Curve or T-Mobile Blackberry 8800 or 8100
Check at http://www.telenav.com/
38 FARBES // Nov 15, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Jazz, ABSOLUTELY!, ofc BB AIM or JiveTaLK have notice away.
I highly recommending you go to get the download by www.beejive.com on your BB Curve, Because the BEST the Mulit-IM client programs EVER! :o)
check that site: http://www.alldeaf.com/deaf-products-technologies/42384-jivetalk-new-im-bb-devices.html
39 Plumie H. Gainey // Nov 26, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Hi everyone, I’ve been following the new wave, BB Curve 8320 to switch from SK due to its network status being disconnected on a frequent basis and lacking signal strength at 2 or 3 levels of underground areas such as the food court and subway. Now I’m being told that I should not find fault with SK because T-Mobile is the carrier and it does not provide full coverage; only Verizon is the advantageous carrier for BB Curve. Does anyone have any input?
40 Heidi // Nov 28, 2007 at 1:12 pm
hi everyone, Im going to purchase a blackberry curve today cuz my old phone keep dieing out on me. But Im not so sure what the blackberry carries, does it come with aim and msn messenger cuz thats really all i use oh.. and if i pay for e-mail am i covered for aim, msn messenger and interenet. does anyone know what im talking about if you do please reaspond
thanks
41 FARBES // Dec 2, 2007 at 11:28 am
^^ Heidi, If you purchased the BlackBerry Internet Service Plans for Curve. All Multi-IM apps will use DATA which is FREE, FREE. no charge it on your billing.
Check data plan: http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/Default.aspx?plancategory=7#BlackBerry%c2%ae out there right away.
My data plan is $29.99 that is billing me every months since 2/2007.
Hope this answer your question.
42 FARBES // Dec 2, 2007 at 11:34 am
Plumie H. Gainey, I have no idea when curve will release for verzion wireless. Remember that Verzion and Sprint don’t running GSM unlike ATT and T Mobile running GSM as International.
43 Sarah // Dec 5, 2007 at 3:47 am
i have been a Sidekick user for ever since SK I came out and am currently a SK III user. i am now looking into Blackberry pagers and am awfully confused as to which to choose between 8300, 8310, 8320, 8800, 8810, or 8830. i have gone to Blackberry’s website to compare the features and i don’t know what features meant such as whether having WiFi is an advantage over having just GPS or whether 8830’s dual connection is better. What the heck do these features mean, sigh…help?
thanks!
sarah
44 FARBES // Dec 5, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Sarah,
8300: (AT & T)it is no longer selling nor products. Expect international (outside USA) still does selling the 8300 only.
8310: GPS and NO WiFi for AT & T
8320: EGDE or WiFi and NO GPS for T-Mobile.
8800: (AT & T and T-Mobile) No GPS and NO WiFi. it is more business.
8810: there is no 8810 BB, But (AT & T) 8820 is new verison of 8800 that is running WIFI and no camera.
8830: is similar the version of 8800, just is different hardware and network as EV–DO networks. not GSM/ EDGE network.
You want to know more about BB, You can check it out which site: www.blackberryforums.com or www.alldeaf.com
45 Bri // Dec 26, 2007 at 10:12 am
Man, I just got my new Blackberry Titanium curve and I am in Love!
Its awesome, great service- wifi, hotspot, aim
Way better then my old sidekicks
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