Hands on: BlackBerry Curve 8530 QWERTY Experience
by The PocketBerry Team
Besides having push email, awesome apps, and sleek looks, the BlackBerry gains high popularity for its QWERTY keyboard. Without even mentioning, we all know that there are SureType devices such as the 71xx and 81xx series. Upcoming is the new Pearl 9100 which sounds pretty promising so far. Back to the QWERTY, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 which we have been testing for well over a week does have a QWERTY keyboard (obviously).
We hate comparing the 8530 to higher ranked devices such as the Bold 9700, but there is a huge difference we see. The keyboard is the same style as the other Curve 83xx and 8900 series as the keys are all spaced out more. This one is more like the 83xx series where they are tougher plastic material and make a whole lot of sound when typing. If you’re looking to get away with typing on your Berry in a very quite workplace, then don’t get the 8530. For everyone else, you’ll be fine and won’t have much to say upgrading from other Curve series (except the 8900).
Going back to the key spacing, I find myself preferring them to be spaced out rather than glued together sometimes. My fingers aren’t that wide (I don’t think so at least) but the Curve 8530 keyboard is better for those who have bigger fingers. When they’re all stuck together, it becomes difficult typing and loss of interest in the device happens right then after.
So just to recap everything all in one shot, if you have skinny or fat fingers, don’t work in a quiet workspace, and don’t mind the clicking noise, then using the QWERTY keyboard on the BlackBerry Curve 8530 will suit you fine.
-by Mac Jadalhack
