The Telus branded BlackBerry 8350i Curve is out and engadget has taken it through its paces. They like the device, but one big black eye is the lack of SMS. The 8350i can receive SMS but can't send without some workaround. Not cool. Other than that it's a cool phone.
"While the BlackBerry 8350i may not have the same type of cache as, say, the BlackBerry Bold or 8900, it is an excellent device in its own milieu. Overlooking the glaring lack of SMS is tough, but the neato factor of Direct connect and a weak but functional workaround helps to soothe our souls. Simply put, if you want Telus' Mike Direct Connect functionality and BlackBerry services, this is without question the best device in the lineup. We used the set a fair bit over the course of a couple weeks, and found that we grew pretty fond of it as it transitioned from being called "the BlackBerry" to "my BlackBerry"."
"While the BlackBerry 8350i may not have the same type of cache as, say, the BlackBerry Bold or 8900, it is an excellent device in its own milieu. Overlooking the glaring lack of SMS is tough, but the neato factor of Direct connect and a weak but functional workaround helps to soothe our souls. Simply put, if you want Telus' Mike Direct Connect functionality and BlackBerry services, this is without question the best device in the lineup. We used the set a fair bit over the course of a couple weeks, and found that we grew pretty fond of it as it transitioned from being called "the BlackBerry" to "my BlackBerry"."
