RIM BlackBerry Bold 9000 Smartphone Review

My Goal:  Find a "smart phone" that can replace my laptop 80% of the time
Solution:  Blackberry Bold

Why:  Blackberry has spent the time on key functionality that actually allows a user tools for productivity vs. meaningless apps (well, they aren't all meaningless)

I have been a BBerry user for over 7 years and have always been happy with their products.  While not the most sexy phones out there (most look like hockey pucks) they deliver the functionality necessary to get a job done quickly.  One of the tools that I enjoy the most with the Bold is the fact that I can run multiple applications at the same time.  I do a lot of research in my line of work and there are many times that I'll be browsing the web on my phone and need to capture a thought or COPY AND PASTE (sorry iphone users, you have to wait).  With the blackberry bold, I haven't had any problems navigating from one program to another while leaving them open.  If you are a avid computer user, you know about the ALT + Tab key combination and the BBerry offers the same functionality (alt + return) pops up a list of available apps to switch to while leaving your existing program running in the background. 

Web Browsing:  MUCH BETTER WITH 3G and new browser.  The browser that comes with the Bold is fine, but I recommend using Opera Mini for a better experience.  Being able to view a full web page in its intended form is great and the zoom feature lets users browse more closely if needed.

View & EDIT Microsoft Office applications?  Yes, you can view Word, Excel, Powerpoint documents with the BOLD, but you can also edit and save.  There's even functionality to show a powerpoint presentation on the BOLD.  This should be great news to all the road warriors out there.

Typing is still the best on a BlackBerry.  I've tried using an iPhone and I am a fraction of the speed as I am with a physical BlackBerry keyboard.  I've really tried to like the iphone (was offered a free one) but it never came close to what I wanted.  I bought my wife an iPhone and she is happy with it, but when it comes time to writing a lengthy email, she prefers the computer = FAIL in my book.

Other items of note:
- Great keyboard
- Amazing screen resolution (better than the iPhone)
- Shoots video
- MP3 Player
- Upgrade to 32 Gigs via SD cards
- Great looking (compared to other versions)

Overall, it replaces my PC 80% of the time and for that, I'm grateful.