The main claim to fame of the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is that it is a better version of the original Torch smartphone. There’s a lot to expect from the Torch 9810 because the original Torch was quite a successful model. And that something improves can only mean good things. Released alongside the BlackBerry Torch 9850/9860 and Bold Touch 9900/9930 models, the Torch 9810 built on what worked so well with the original Torch and fixed whatever glitches the Torch had at the time.
The BlackBerry Torch 9810 runs on a 1.2 GHZ processor with 768 MB of RAM, powered by the latest version of the BlackBerry operating system, 7. The latest BlackBerry 7, RIM claims, offers 40 percent faster browsing than the latest version. and is 100% faster than BlackBerry 5. This is ideal for the introduction of RIM’s Liquid Graphics technology which uses a dedicated graphics processor to deliver smoother panning, zooming and scrolling. Affectionately called the Torch 2 by some, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 features a hybrid form factor with the 3.2-inch touchscreen sliding up to make way for a keyboard that’s slightly more comfortable to use than what it came with. the original Torch, with the keyboard made to be wider than the original.
As for navigation, there were mixed reviews for the BlackBerry Torch 9810. Some had no problem at all, while others had to deal with lag time when zooming in. However, when it comes to simply navigating through the main operating system, reviews agree that it was seamless, with email, contacts and home screens opening and scrolling beautifully. The BlackBerry Torch 9810 also has a 5MP camera that charges fast.
Form-wise, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 feels like a very solid phone even if it has moving parts due to the sliding keyboard mechanism. Since the keyboard is wider, it’s easier to use overall, but those with larger thumbs will need to spend a bit more time getting used to using the keyboard equipped with the Torch 9810. The slider mechanism itself is very easy to use. and yet it locks securely into place.
There’s still the old, trusty BlackBerry Messenger so you can send messages to anyone else who’s using a BlackBerry model for free. Along with the augmented reality features offered by the Wikitude app and the phone’s built-in magnetic compass, simply point your BlackBerry Torch 9810 in any direction and nearby BBM users will be tracked so you can interact with them. Custom avatars will even appear on your screen as a BBM user is being tracked. While augmented reality features are nothing new, integrating them into specific features offered by BlackBerry models is a unique move by RIM that deserves a lot of credit.
The BlackBerry Torch 9810 can be purchased through Rogers, Telus, Bell and AT&T for subscribers in North America. Availability and pricing in other locations is available through the official BlackBerry Torch 9810 product page.