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We have heard it time and time again that “Jamaica is BlackBerry Country”. That is indeed true not only for Jamaica but all over the Caribbean and the developing world. While the iOS powered iPhone and a plethora of Android devices have taken over the limelight lately BlackBerry is eager to prove that they are still relevant and a viable choice to the typical smartphone user or enterprise client. BlackBerry 10 is the new version of the BlackBerry operating system that has been rewritten from the ground up to be faster and more powerful – basically a modern mobile platform. The first BlackBerry 10-powered phone available in Jamaica from LIME is the sleek touch-only BlackBerry Z10. Over the past few days I have been putting the Z10 through its paces and while I was honestly skeptical initially, after using the device I am happy to report that I have grown to appreciate the Z10 and its rewritten OS; I’ll even go as far to say I was impressed.

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The Z10s 4.2 inch screen feels good in hand

Acceptable looks and specs

From looking at photos of the phone itself I initially thought it was a bland brick void of any personality. However, after holding the device and using it the simplicity and functional nature of the device shines through and while it might not win any smartphone beauty contests it just feels good in the hand. A myriad of sensors, ports, mics, speakers and cameras adorn the Z10. The 9mm thick device weights in at a balanced 135g with a 4.2 inch screen, dual core 1.5GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. A front facing 2MP camera and a 8MP rear facing camera capable of 1080p HD recording and crisp photos combine with bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and a battery that provides up to 10 hours of talk time round out some very acceptable specs.

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Functional and Responsive Software

On the software front the Z10 holds its own as well. BB10 is a vast improvement over previous versions of the BlackBerry operating systems and the touch-only Z10 is functional, responsive after a new user gets over the initial light learning curve. Adapting to a new operating system can be a little daunting but once you start getting into the groove navigating the Z10 becomes second nature – a testament to the excellent design by the software engineers. BlackBerry is known for having great physical keyboards but the virtual keyboard on the Z10 is easily one of the best I have used. BlackBerry Hub offers users the opportunity to have access to as much or as little information and messages as they want ranging from email, notifications, BBM, voicemail, even tweets and status updates. Add in the ability to completely separate your work information from you personal information with the click of a button and its like having a work and play phone in one.

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The web browser is probably the most improved feature of the Z10

Poor App selection but vastly improved browser

The selection of application remains limited on Blackberry which can be a good or bad thing depending on the type of user you are however some of there more popular apps such as Fourquare and Plants and Zombies are available for the BlackBerry Z10. The web browser is probably the most improved feature of the Z10 and staples like BlackBerry Messenger which has been the primary attraction for Blackberry users in Jamaica work well.

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The BlackBerry Z10 is available on postpaid and prepaid plans from LIME

Get your BlackBerry Z10 from LIME

LIME Jamaica launched the BlackBerry Z10 at a glitzy event in Kingston last month and was the network endorsed by BlackBerry representatives for both general and enterprise users.The Z10 is available on postpaid and prepaid plans from LIME with attractively priced data plans starting at just JA$50 per day. Visit the LIME Jamaica BlackBerry page for more details and pricing and pick yours up from LIME today.

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3 responses to “BlackBerry Z10 gives BlackBerry a worthy competitor in the Smartphone Race”

  1. Great review! It took a bit to get used to it for me. But it’s not that bad. The app part is what is killing me. But you can side load Android apps. I just have to make the time to do it.

  2. I hit it up on the weekend. Was not too impressed with the screen or the price or the developer software. Will wait for the Q10 to come out to see if they polish it up a bit more to get me to replace my cheap old blackberry curve.