The great BlackBerry comeback of 2011: Blackberry Bold 9930

One year ago it felt like the beginning of the end. A friend and fellow BlackBerry user approached me with a simple question. Her BlackBerry had just died and she needed a new one. “What’s the newest model on Verizon I should get?” she asked. It left me scratching my head. There really was nothing on their shelves or on the horizon.

A few months later a different friend asked the same question. Again, I had no good answer. The newest Verizon device was the BlackBerry Curve 9330, but that wasn’t much different than the Curve 8530 — which is the device he was looking to upgrade. There was the Bold 9650, too, but I had just gotten one and was not pleased with the performance. And so again I was left without a strong recommendation. Predictably, he waited a week and then bought an iPhone.

The lack of new BlackBerry models wasn’t just limited to Verizon, though it was most noticeable there. They had nothing new to offer — or, at least, nothing that represented more than a marginal upgrade over their 2009 line of devices. AT&T did have the BlackBerry Torch, which RIM hyped through the roof, but it was an underpowered device that didn’t take full advantage of the new operating system. Sprint brought on the Style 9670, and while it brought a new form it didn’t bring anything in terms of functionality. In other words, RIM was left with an inventory of dated and uninspiring smartphones. At the same time, the Android platform spread like wildfire and Apple had deepened its cult with the iPhone 4. None of those boded well for RIM’s future.

In early 2011 we got a glimpse of how RIM would start to turn things around. In January a few prominent tech blogs published leaked documents depicting what was next for RIM. The results brought a somewhat optimistic outlook. They were done with releasing devices not powerful enough for the modern mobile landscape. Each of the new devices contained a 1.2 GHz processor, which is as fast or faster than the leading Android handsets. They also added a touchscreen to the flagship model, adding another dynamic to a time-tested design. The only downside was that we’d have to wait eight months to get our hands on this new line. But it was worth the wait.

Blackberry Bold 9900 and 9930

While all of the new models stand out in their own ways, the Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9930 represents the greatest development for RIM. Where they previously held back on physical features they let go with the 9930. This leads to not only a greater physical experience, but also a better software one. It adds up to what is, with little doubt, the best BlackBerry ever released. The only issue RIM now faces is of how they’re going to top it next year.

The differences start under the hood. After spending years filling their devices with underpowered processors, RIM finally went all out with the 1.2 GHz model for the 9930. It was a much-needed upgrade. Where the Bold 9650 lagged and froze, the 9930 blazes. Just as a quick example, I was able to open Twitter, check my mentions, and clear my DMs in about half the time on the 9930 than on the 9650. The resolution on the 9930, 640 x 480 pixels, is also considerably better than the 9650, 480 x 360 pixels. The overhaul has made the BlackBerry a more enjoyable overall experience.

BlackBerry 9930 Blackberry Bold Touch 9930 Verizon CDMA GSM Unlocked Phone with Touch Screen, 5MP Camera and Blackberry OS 7 - Unlocked Phone - No Warranty - Black

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On the exterior the changes are easily noticeable as well. The Bold 9930 is a bit wider than its predecessors, but that’s actually an advantage. It means a bigger screen size, which fits well with the resolution. The touch interface is flawless, and allows for even speedier navigation of the device. The processor plays a large part in that, too; I doubt that a 9650 with a touchscreen would perform half as well. They keyboard, too, has undergone minor but useful changes. While BlackBerry has consistently created the best mobile phone keyboards, they outdid themselves with the 9930. Its soft buttons and quick action make for even faster typing.

(In other words: get ready for a fast device. Fast launch times, fast navigation, fast typing. It’s all there.)

In terms of software, RIM made no large leap from OS 6 to OS 7 — it’s really more like OS 6.1. There are some useful changes, including tweaks to notifications and display settings, but it’s essentially the same thing. This might sound discouraging to those underwhelmed by OS 6, but there is good news. Part of the problem with OS 6 was the old processors. They were not powerful enough to run even a simple mobile OS. The new, faster processors allow users to get the most out of OS 7. It’s no Android or iOS, but it is a practical, usable mobile operating platform.

RIM certainly didn’t blow the doors off the mobile industry with the Bold 9930. They didn’t set a standard to which others will aspire. But they did help restore their reputation. They should have released these devices last year, but that they were willing to get them out at some point is a testament to their understanding of the market. But at the same time they’re absolutely targeted at enterprise customers, and likely won’t sell well in consumer circles. That’s not of great importance, though. The important part is repairing their reputation ahead of their true consumer offering: QNX-based smartphones. If they had gone straight from disappointing devices to QNX, it might not have worked. But with a lineup of usable devices now in their repertoire, maybe they can start convincing people that they are a viable choice for consumers and business customers alike.

Joe Pawlikowski is the editor of BBGeeks.com. Every day he provides tips and features apps that can help users get the most out of their BlackBerry smartphones.