RIM BlackBerry 8703e

The BlackBerry 8703e is a great solution for business users who need a powerful messaging hand held that doubles as their primary cell phone. The 8703e, like the 8700g and 8700c that preceded it, is missing some important features, namely multimedia playback, which we'll get to below.

Nonetheless, it's one of the best choices out there for a dedicated e-mail, phone, and Web-browsing smart device.

The 8703e is the last of its breed, it will probably be the last BlackBerry with a track wheel. While we wait for the QWERTY equipped version of the BlackBerry Pearl sometime this year, the 8703e is bargain priced, at just $199 after rebates from Sprint and $249 from Verizon (each with a two years contract).

With a pleasing size and weight, and a quality feel arguably superior to that of the Treo 700p, the 8703e nails the slab form factor. It's thinner, wider, and at 4.7 ounces, a bit lighter than the much loved Palm hand held.

It's also all black, further emphasizing the corporate look. The 8703e gets kudos for its bright, sharp screen and easy to use track wheel. It particularly appreciated the track wheel's positive engagement and accurate feel.

The keyboard is a joy, as much as one of this size could ever hope fo. And it needs to be, e-mail being the primary reason most people get a BlackBerry in the first place.

The 8703e's user interface (UI) might feel strange if you're coming from a Windows Mobile or Palm based hand held. But there are lots of neat touches to guide you. For example, the unit prominently displays your phone number, which is helpful if you're using the BlackBerry for business e-mail and don't have the number memorized.

The UI conveniently shows you a graphic of which key you need to press next in order to complete a task. It also feels fast compared with that of Microsoft Windows Mobile and Palm-based smart phones.