With already two weeks of using the BlackBerry Bold 9700 which I got through Globe Telecom’s BlackBerry Plan Php1599, it’s just about the right time to come up with a review. This review will be centered on the Bold 9700′s features and functionality as applied to Philippine setting. For a more general review, please check out this article.
Now on with my Globe BlackBerry Bold 9700 review:BlackBerry Bold 9700 – Design and Form Factor
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is RIM’s second handset in the Bold series, the first one being the BlackBerry Bold 9000. Both handsets sport almost the same set of features and the difference is perhaps could only be ascertained with their design and form factor. Specifically, the Bold 9700 is smaller and slimmer.
Also, this is my third smartphone and the only non-touch screen model, the other two being the iPhone 3GS and Google Nexus One. So coming from both touchscreen devices, it kind of felt ackward to be using a real QWERTY keyboard again. The last time I used phone with this kind of keypads was with the Sony Ericsson P990i.
If you’re used to touchscreen smartphones, it would take quite some time before you get use to the QWERTY keypads of the BlackBerry Bold 9700. If you’re use to using the usual mobile phone numeric keypads, your learning curve in using the Bold 9700′s keypad will be quicker.
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 is the lightest of my three smartphones. It is also the smallest. Design-wise it sports a similar classy design and is at par with the look and apperance of both the iPhone and Nexus One.
The phone’s back panel has a leather lining which adds class and sophistication to the phone. The glossy black and silver combination finish of the phone is highly desirable, despite the fact that it is also a magnet for finger prints and smudges.
Overall, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is a well designed and crafted mobile phone which is expected of any RIM devices.
Day to Day Usability
One distinguishing feature of the BlackBery Bold 9700 is the concept of always being connected. It is supposed to be a business-oriented device that gives you access to your corporate email accounts as well as your webmail accounts. Indeed, it gives you all those features plus another distinct feature of all BlackBerry devices – the BlackBerry Messenger App. Simply put, this is a mobile IM client that utilizes the BlackBerry’s unique PIN number for communicating with other BlackBerry devices.
To get the most out of these features, it is highly advisable that you register for unlimited data plans with your mobile phone providers. For Globe Telecoms postpaid account holders, there is an existing Unlimited BlackBerry Plan which requires you to pay a monthly fee of Php 2000 over and above your monthly service fee. So if you got the plan Php1599 and you connect your BlackBerry to your webmail account, browse the internet regularly, visit Facebook and Twitter – then the unlimited data plan is a must.
Basically, you usage of the BlackBerry Bold 9700 will revolve around Instant Messaging, Text Messaging, Web Browsing, Social Networking and Voice Calling.
BlackBerry Bold 9700 – Applications
Like the iPhone and Android phones, BlackBerry devices also have their own applications market – the BlackBerry App World. Unfortunately, we, BlackBerry users in the Philippines are not yet supported. So our only chance at getting BlackBerry applications is through direct downloads on the web. Fortunately, third-party apps abound on the Internet.
And besides, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 comes preloaded with some of the mostly used applications including Facebook, MySpace, Yahoo Messenger and more.
Third-party apps behave faster on BlackBery devices and are useful add-ons to the functionality of the BlackBerry Bold 9700.
Why You Should Get the Globe BlackBerry Bold 9700?
Unlike the iPhone, Android Phones and other Smartphone models, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 will not lead you to incur a huge amount of data charges. It closely monitors your daily usage and lets you set a limit to your KB downloads that once you’ve reached that threshold, it will remind you immediately to close apps that maybe open and incurring data chargers even if you are not using them. And that’s the biggest reason why you should get the BlackBerry Bold 9700.
All the other features of this smartphones are value added that you can enjoy using without worrying too much about mobile data cost.
Suffice to say, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is great smartphone with heavy usage intended for business and corporate purposes.
could you tell me more about the BB Data Plan with Globe? Does that mean that I’ll just pay the monthly 1599 to get a BB for free for 24 mts? OR do i have to get a postpaid line that offers the BB AND then get a BB Data Plan?
If you are getting a BlackBerry handset from Globe, it’s automatic that you’ll be getting any of the three BlackBerry Plans available with Php1599 being the cheapest plan. You’ll just add around 2K for the unit plus the first monthly fee. The BlackBerry Plan 1599 is already a data plan. The 1599 I think is consumable with various terms and conditions.
To have unlimited internet browsing capability, you might also want to register for the BlackBerry Unlimited Data Plan which will require you to pay Php2,000 over and above your MSF.
Thanks so much!
hi. do facebook, twitter, BBM and normal web browsing work thru wifi? or those wont work if i don’t have data plan service. thanks!
Sir quuestion lang
can i set in the phone the siZe of the mail to be downloaded for emails? Example 1kb, just headers, etc? I applied for the lowest plan with 30mb and i will only use this for corporate email.
If im at home with wifi can i use this to get push mail so i can save on the 30mb free?
Thanks
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@Rosette -> web browsing and BBM works with Wi-Fi connection. If you’re using Facebook mobile (http://m.facebook.com) it will also work on Wi-Fi.
But if you’re signing in to Facebook using the BB app, it won’t work unless through 3G or GPRS/EDGE. I haven’t checked for Twitter.
@Ploggy – Re: your first question, I think it’s possible although I haven’t tried it yet. As for your second question, yes! That’s what I’m doing.
hi, again.. maybe you can do me a favor. ubertwitter works thru wifi ba? i want to get kc BB9700 plan 1599. is it true that should i choose wifi, hindi ako makakreceive ng calls and texts? help me pls. thanks
grabe the wait for the BB 9700 with Globe ha… I just applied yesterday and I have to wait for 1-2 months for the actual unit. Argh.
@Rosette – Yup, you need 3G/GPRS/EDGE to receive calls and texts. Wi-Fi works for web browsing only. So it is a must to have a data plan with BlackBerry or if prepaid naman, make sure to take advantage of those unlimited surfing plan.
@Nina – A Globe CSR told me that new units of BlackBerry will be coming in first week of March.
Errr.. I dont think Ill take the CSR’s word.
The morning before I applied at Globe Megamall I called Globe and asked if there was a wait time for the unit and the CSR said there was none – Even said that the units maybe taken home on the same day of application at any Globe hub. Lo and behold, I was told about the 1-2 months wait time by the sales rep at the hub… waaaaah.
thanks for your answer arnold. just curious, do you exceed your 1599 plan with data charges?
@Nina – try going to Globe Podium or call them first. The staff there are very efficient.
@Ploggy – read your post at Philmug. Congrats on your new BB Bold 9700. To answer your question – yes. My first month bill for my BB Plan 1599 amounted to 3000. But that’s because I connected my Gmail account which is my “multi-purpose” email. Anyway, to cushion data charges this month, I unsubscribed to email alerts and notifications which I don’t mind before.
Hi arnold, just got my BB9700 also from globe. i got worried with your first month billing, I might got the same. with regards to unsubscribing w/ email alerts, how will i do that?
Thanks
I got my bb9700 2 weeks ago. I’m availing the prepaid services and i believe it’s more affordable and practical than having a line with globe/smart because i believe when you are @ work, you would normally have an e-mail access. the only time that you would be needing internet connection is when you’re out of the office, especially on your restdays as well as days when you are on field. they offer daily services, one week or for 1 month. the good thing about prepaid is that you have the choice whether to activate or deactivate it depending on your need–it doesnt even require a maintaining balance–even zero load, you could still use the BIS as long as you have subscribed to it.
@Rhoda – I thinking of removing my Gmail account from the Globe BIS. That’s the only way to stop it from pushing my emails to my BB Bold. As much as possible surf the web (facebook, twitter, etc.) using Wi-Fi.
@Andre – Yup, I agree. Especially if you’re with Smart. You can even register for unlimited data plan for a month if you load up your sim with Php1200. Compare that with the unlimited BlackBerry plan for postpaid which is Php 2000 over and above your MSF.
Do you use filters? I’m subscribed with Globe, use it for Corporate emails, but had filters enabled so I can only select what Subjects or from whom my BB will get emails.
Does anyone know if bbm data is going through WIFI if I am connected?
I was forced to use filters for my Gmail after getting around 3K Globe bill during my first month of using my BB. AFAIK BBM doesn’t work through WIFI.
I just got my BB 9700 today…and it was requested last week…purrrfect! Love the BB chat.
I’ve been using SuperSurf for Globe and that’s only 1200 on top of my monthly plan. Even the new prepaid unlimited for BB of Globe is also 1200 only. They said that this is just a promo (which started last year) but I’m hoping they will retain this rate ofr SuperSurf.
Hey arnold! Great review. Am planning to apply for a BB Bold 9700 from globe maybe this afternoon.
If they have the units available, and I do fulfill all of their requirements right away, will they give unit today? Or do I have to wait until they approve my application or something. And how about the monthly payment? I pay 1599php monthly and 2450php for the phone. Aren’t there any additional charges?
The plan 1599 gives 100minutes of free calls and 350sms a month. If I won’t use everything of it, will those remaining minutes and sms’ be forwarded on my next month? Ngayon lang po kasi ako magapply ng plan ng cellphone eh.
Thank you sir, for any response you can give me.
@Dan – if you have requirements plus the cash-out and there are units available, you can have your phone right away. Monthly payment will be Php1599 plus excess data charges over and above free usages. If you don’t use the allocated free data services, it won’t be carried over to the following month.
@JoyCB – How much is your data plan?
hi!m interested to buy the bb9700 but i got some questions yet..hope you can answer.can i browse the net even if i dont apply for a data plan but just use wifi?thanx!
@Quennie – yes you can. But it won’t be a BlacBerry if you don’t have a data plan, even if it’s just prepaid.
Thank you, sir. I will be applying maybe after holy week. I need my mom to apply for the phone. I don’t have any income as of the moment, I just passed the board exam for nurses, and I’m not yet working.
I’ve read so many reviews about the bold 9700, and I think I won’t regret getting one. My father tells me that it’s a little bit expensive, on the other hand, it’s just monthly, and I can manage to pay for that amount.
Another question sir. Can i just take out the postpaid sim and use my prepaid sim instead? Thank you sir.
Hi arnold.. Just wna ask kc I’ve read an article from yugatech, it said, at plan 3,799.00 bb plan, data plan will already be included no + charge. Given that I only consumed the free services within my plan, I won’t be charged for an add’l 2k, right?
Hello Arnold!
I very much enjoyed your review of the 9700 that is why it made me buy one.
I just have a concern here, I bought a genuine unlocked device one in green hills. was able to set it up with my wifi and the connection is okay (as per indicated by the symbol I see on top) but this is having the wifi symbol in the black and gray shades plus my wifi network name. As per the manual this means that device is connected with wifi network but does not have blackberrry services over the wifi connection.
how could this be?
can you help me out please?
Thanks,
Tom
Hello again Arnold!
I already got it, through blackberrytune.com, thanks to that website.
its simple, just click browser.
while its loading, press menu.
click on options, then general properties.
for the default browser field, choose hotspot, save it.
voila! you save a lotta money on your browsing by using your home w-ifi internet.
hope this helps some people.
Now its time to study the push mail thing, hehhehe!!
Thanks,
Tom
Hi again, sir!
Just want to ask if you’ve heard about Skype for the blackberry bold 9700. I’ve been searching for it but can’t seem to find the right spot. Any news on how to get it working on the BB Bold 9700?
Thanks
Hello again Sir!
I’ll be needing help again. Though now, I am able to use the internet browser using WI FI, it seems that I can’t stream you tube with it. Referred to the BB’s support forums and they say there that I need to set up the APN in TCP setting. I just don’t know how can I get the APN and have it set up with my device. It is in the OPTIONS-ADV OPTIONS- TCP/IP. In it, there are 2 boxes waiting to be checked, and down under there are fields for APN Username and APN Password. Can someone give me info on how this thing work please? Should I checked both of the boxes, or just one? And which one? And what am I supposed to put in the user name and pass word field?
As I mentioned in my previous post, I bought this BB brand new, complete with the legit stuff even the pin, etc, yet unlocked (came from Europe as per the supplier, Hungary). I am an old time prepaid subscriber of Globe. I tried to call their CS, but as expected, they won’t give me any info since their company didn’t earn money out of my purchase of this unit. They say those units they sold are pre set accordingly to work.
Also, I read a news that App World is already available in the Phils recently. I tried to download it direct to the BB but it says there that my device is not supported.
Also, I havent set the email yet. I dunno where to get that Enterprise Activation Pass Word.
I suspect that I would need a crash set up on this device.
Hope someone can help me out.
Thank yo so much,
Tom
@Tom, @Jei, @Dan – Hey guys, glad that you’re enjoying your BB Bold 9700 and that somehow my review convinced you to get the phone. I will try to answer each of your concerns later. I’m pretty busy covering the news about the Apple iPad right now.
Thanks for the comments. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks Arnold, just another question, Plan 1599 gives 30mb a month free data usage. Is the a limiter where i can set all of my application usage to just use 30mb of data to avoid any additional payment on my monthly bill? Thank you
Dan
@dan – I’m using this app called Mobile Data Alerter. It keeps track of your data usage. You can set the limiter to 30MB.
Thanks Arnold, I’ll wait for your answers and thank you so much on your effort to assist us.
Someone named gonein60secs tried to help me on setting it up and suggested to subscribe for a prepaid dtaa svc for bb from globe since I’m a pre paid user (thanks gonein60secs, talk to you later, just asking here for more inputs). Still its not working yet, waiting for Globe CS’ reply on my complaint, I was told they are doing their stuff for it.
Help so I can maximize my usage of the BB.
Thanks Sir Nold and more power.
Tom
Hi Arnold. NIce blog you got here. i have the bb plan 1599 of globe. question, do they support enterprise email push? like can i sync my company email to my bb? i know before that globe doesnt support enterprise email
thanks
@Whitewash – I think you need to purchase a BlackBerry Enterprise Server license and then ask your IT support for the password to your enterprise server. License cost I think is around 4K. But if you can ask your company’s IT support regarding this, much better.
hi, thank you for the review! it’s very informative. anyway, i’d just like to ask, my bb bold 9700 won’t connect to the internet if there is no wifi service available. would you know how to fix that?
thanks again!
@Brie – you mean you want to connect to the Internet via mobile network? If yes, make sure that you have Mobile Network selected ON. Go to “Manage Connections” And check the first option.
Hope this helps.
thanks Arnold. grabe naman ang globe. they should be able to have enterprise email incorporated to their bb plans. hope they improve this and lower the unlisurf to 800 or 600.
more power!
Just an update with my prob, everything’s fine and working already with BB but the youtube.
How to have them played?
Thanks,
Tom
guys, try this:
turn off the mobile network in mnage connection, click turn-on the wifi. then you can now access facebook for BB and ubertwitter using wifi. great. dont know though if this still access thru your data service
Hey, just a question, am not also sure about this: If i turn off my mobile network and turn on the wifi, do i stil get charged with the kb browsing thing? or is the wifi free to use? thanks. I’m just afraid my first bill will get over 5000php. hehe
Hello,
Great review on the BB. Am planning on getting one.
Globe informed me that for P1199, you have unlimited “blackberry services” (whatever that means) i understood it as being able to receive and send unlimited #s of email (max of 10 email accts can be pushed) and having unlimited browsing capability thru BB. However, this service is limited to manila only.
Upon reading the comments, it says u have excess usage despite your 1200 plan. So, just checking if I got it wrong or if u got an old plan? Pls. let me know.
Thanks!
@Joy – globe’s current BlackBerry Plan 1599 only gives you 30MB free data download – that covers email, facebook browsing, etc….in excess of that, you’ll be charged with the usual data cost. Unless you enroll your plan into a BB Unlimited Surfing Plan which will cost additional 1200/month over and above your MSF of 1599.
@Dan – WiFi is of course free to use.
hi arnold. after reading your review, I ordered a 9700 from Globe. it’s gonna get delivered today. i did plan 1599 as well. obviously it’s not unlimited so i’m looking for ways to not exceed 30MB. now here are a few questions which i hope you can help with:
1. i’ve read that we can use Wifi to access BIS. when Wifi is available, BB will prioritize that data path and not the carrier. can you confirm this? for obvious reasons, globe didnt provide an answer to this.
2. when out of the country, what is the roaming charge to access BIS? i’ve also read somewhere that #1 above is very effective in avoiding roaming charges.
see the article on the link: http://www.blackberrytune.com/blackberry-services-supported-over-a-wi-fi-connection/
it also has links to knowledge base.
hope you can help confirm
thanks.
i just haven’t seen any confirmation in the Philippines about this, but have been on many forums and that seems to be the case. even
i heard that there’s a price difference between applying online or thru a business center from globe, true?
btw, do you suggest BB curve from globe? thanks!
@James – True, whenever I tried to browse the web or do something online (BIS, FB, Twitter), my phone will prompt me to join a WiFi network before proceeding to connect online.
But for BIS on WiFi, some say yes, some say no. In my experience it’s a no. Haven’t tried using my BB out of the country.
@Donato – I don’t think so. If you’re getting the BB Plans, the cash out is standard. If you have the budget, go for the Bold 9700. BB Curve is not as good. My wife the BB Curve and I got to play with it. I was more impressed by the Bold than the Curve.
hi arnold. i’ve successfully configured wifi on my 9700. and i can confirm that BIS works over Wifi. this will save us all some phone bills. now, if i go to manage connections, then services status, i can see Mobile Voice: Mobile Network; BlackBerry Internet Service: Wifi; Blackberry Enterprise Server: Wifi; Mobile Network: EDGE; Mobile Network Provider: GLOBE
so now when I’m at home or in the office, i get my push mail via Wifi, which does not eat into my 1599 plan
quick question on the mobile data alerter: which version did you install? the website has no version for 9700 yet. thanks
@James. Oh yes. I remember that one now. You are correct. BIS works with Wi-Fi. But what do you do when you get out of the house and there’s no Wi-Fi? How do you turn BIS off temporarily?
re mobile data alerter – ver. 310.907.171.758
@Arnold, it’s kinda weird.. i tried applying from one of their biz centers and asked for 11k cash out for bb bold.. but when i inquired online shop and chatted with their online support chat she told me it’s only php2450. anyways, thanks for all the hints where very helpful!