Nov 5 2010, 01:29 PM
QUOTE(CKJMark @ Nov 3 2010, 10:32 PM)
Picked up my Torch today and have been playing with it for the last 3 hours. A few observations I'd like to share for those considering buying one:-
Sliding mechanism
- firm, solid, no goyang-ing when its slid out or tucked in. Test it before you take it home in case you get a defective unit
Resolution
- a lot has been written about this, and the general view is very damning because of the numbers. Good news, the negative reviews are not true. Ok, so you don't have a HD screen, but pictures are well rendered, so are sites and text. It won't win any photography awards, but it will do the job without you really noticing the difference (unless you are really fussy). Not fantastic, but not horrible.,
Touchscreen keyboard
- good and not easy to make typing mistakes (this coming from a touchscreen noob)
Weight
- Heavier than the bold, but I think its not overly heavy. On par or lighter than Iphone 4 if you want to compare
Scrolling
- No lag noticed. But thats probably because I close what I don't use when I browse. If you happen to have 4-6 apps running in the background, it will likely lag but not yet tested.
Battery life
- This is my main complain. Gonna try the solutions on RIM support forums and see if it helps. Do bear in mind the Torch's battery is weaker than the Bold 9700, and the Torch is more power hungry, so the shorter lifespan is reasonably expected. Hope a higher capacity battery is out soon.
Keyboard
- Thinner than Bold, takes a while to get used to. Buttons are just as good as the 9700, but the thinness will feel a bit odd at first
Keylock button
- Too sensitive (maybe just mine, or maybe its the design). Tend to accidentally unlock.
Optical trackpad, BB button, Call/DC button
- I noticed my model has a loose panel. Gonna take it back tomorrow to have it changed. Double check your model before you go home to avoid this (apparently its a fairly common problem).
Boot-up time
- fast compared to Bold 9700 (1-2 minutes)
Phone locking up / hanging / freeze
- No instances so far
Summation:-
I like it. Doesn't make me drool or hyper, but keeps me happy. Easy to get used to coz all the basics we love are still there, and lets you taste what its like to use the touchscreen. Migrating data from my Bold to Torch was easy with DM6, and OS6 is a nice facelift. New webkit is a big improvement over the old native browser, reminds me a bit of opera mini.
Cons:-
- shorter battery life
- loose optical trackpad panel (check yours before you accept it)
very concise review. i tend to share the same opinion.Sliding mechanism
- firm, solid, no goyang-ing when its slid out or tucked in. Test it before you take it home in case you get a defective unit
Resolution
- a lot has been written about this, and the general view is very damning because of the numbers. Good news, the negative reviews are not true. Ok, so you don't have a HD screen, but pictures are well rendered, so are sites and text. It won't win any photography awards, but it will do the job without you really noticing the difference (unless you are really fussy). Not fantastic, but not horrible.,
Touchscreen keyboard
- good and not easy to make typing mistakes (this coming from a touchscreen noob)
Weight
- Heavier than the bold, but I think its not overly heavy. On par or lighter than Iphone 4 if you want to compare
Scrolling
- No lag noticed. But thats probably because I close what I don't use when I browse. If you happen to have 4-6 apps running in the background, it will likely lag but not yet tested.
Battery life
- This is my main complain. Gonna try the solutions on RIM support forums and see if it helps. Do bear in mind the Torch's battery is weaker than the Bold 9700, and the Torch is more power hungry, so the shorter lifespan is reasonably expected. Hope a higher capacity battery is out soon.
Keyboard
- Thinner than Bold, takes a while to get used to. Buttons are just as good as the 9700, but the thinness will feel a bit odd at first
Keylock button
- Too sensitive (maybe just mine, or maybe its the design). Tend to accidentally unlock.
Optical trackpad, BB button, Call/DC button
- I noticed my model has a loose panel. Gonna take it back tomorrow to have it changed. Double check your model before you go home to avoid this (apparently its a fairly common problem).
Boot-up time
- fast compared to Bold 9700 (1-2 minutes)
Phone locking up / hanging / freeze
- No instances so far
Summation:-
I like it. Doesn't make me drool or hyper, but keeps me happy. Easy to get used to coz all the basics we love are still there, and lets you taste what its like to use the touchscreen. Migrating data from my Bold to Torch was easy with DM6, and OS6 is a nice facelift. New webkit is a big improvement over the old native browser, reminds me a bit of opera mini.
Cons:-
- shorter battery life
- loose optical trackpad panel (check yours before you accept it)
did u manage to swap your unit due to the loose panel? was it on the return key (between the trackpad and end call key? I seem to have the same problem at times - it kinda has a faint click sound when i lift my finger off the button but it works well.
The lock button is also way too easy to press - i liked the lock button on my 9700 more.
One other point i wanted to add for those with a BB Storm who want to upgrade - i feel that the Torch's touch screen works well with the trackpad. someone (either on this thred or the other 9800 thread on lyn) mentioned that you cant get pinpoint accuracy on the touch screen especially when browsing. I had this same issue with the Storm but with the Torch, its easy to scroll down with the trackpad and click on the link.
The Torch is a nice step forward from the Storm/Bold - it kind of combines aspects of both the devices well. I find it a little heavy as I am so used to the lighter Bold2 and featherweight Samsung Galaxy (my secondary device). The screen is nice but is no match for the Samsung (or IP4) but its still nice.
Battery life is poorer than my Bold2 (which is expected) but I am usually not far from a charger or portable charger.
Mark - i guess you have to try an alternative lock app (like UltimateLock US1.99, BerrySlider US2.99, PaternLock US2.99). All these apps dont really work 100% well with the Torch yet but hopefully the developers improve it. I bought UltimateLock but its a little buggy at the moment. I might buy BerrySlider to check it out. Pity none of these apps have a trial version.
I had the Storm1/2 for a while and sold it within 2-3 months of getting it. Torch is so far a keeper and I'm looking forward to the integration with the Playbook.
Hopefully RIM get it right in the next few upgrades. There are rumours about a Amoled Screen RIM device which would be great (with a larger battery i hope). They still have some ways to catch up with the iphone and the android devices but they're getting there.
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