My mobile phone is a vital part of my life, as it is with most people living in the present in the UK. It was unfortunate then when I decided to swap my old Black Berry 8900 (a slightly better model than this - mainly aesthetically) for a Samsung Galaxy Ace courtesy of my 'friend' at the Orange call centre. I was delighted when I first had a play on my new Ace, and I was pleasantly surprised at its mass of applications and general intuitiveness. It was only over time that I came to realise the devastatingly slow response times of the Ace, and the poorly laid out menu system, e-mail and call log. Sadly, I'd sold my old Black Berry and so back to the nice man at Orange I went, this time opting for the Curve 8520 - at last I was happy again.....

This phone has the best functionality of any mobile I've come across, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The Galaxy, one of BBs main competitors have got it all wrong - and it all comes down (as usual) to simplicity, and simplifying consumer requirements:

For a start the menu system on the Curve is far simpler to understand and operate. The interface is all controlled about the 'home' screen, which has customisable icons allowing you to decide which areas of the phone you use most before placing them in central view. yes, the Ace does this to a degree, but why add in multiple home screens which can be flicked through - it adds confusion and annoyance.

The Curve is far easier to operate too. There's no slow, life-draining (battery and sole) touch screen which continually malfunctions in slight, annoying ways - like when it freezes for no apparent reason. The Curve uses a familiar tool, the touch pad, which allows for the up, down, left, right movement through icons, texts and numbers. Similarly, this pad can be used to browse the internet by controlling an on-screen curser and using it select menus and icons.
When you want access the phones list of features you use the physical button on the front of the device (bearing the blackberry logo) to enter it. These are no delays, screen glitches or misconceptions to worry about. The features and applications which do exist pre-loaded on the Curve are substantial and range from games, word-pads, web-browsers and email hubs to text messages, phone books and direct link icons (like the one you can download to access YouTube instantly). Everything on the phone works excellently and takes you to the destination you are clicking in quick time.

The build quality of the Curve is immense also. The relatively small screen (in comparison with the 3.5 inches of the Iphone and Galaxy) is tough and will resist falls well. Similarly, the key pad and back panel - made from strong plastic - will resist impact excellently. The phone isn't water-proof but it will carry on working when splashed, only when it is fully submerged does it fail and short-circuit.

It is worth considering the newer models, as I'm sure the company has improved their concept and added new innovative ideas to the interface. I would however move away from the tocuh screen BBs, like the new 9300. I just don't see the need to add a touch screen which could potentially cause more hassle, and which isn't really required if you are using correctly the existing buttons and joy-sticks supplied.

Overall I love my 8520 and think it will be a model which lasts on into the future, despite newer models attempting to take to the stage. New technologies will render the 8520 useless eventually, but not for at least the next 5 years, as internet capability is still the most important element of any portable electronic device today - and this phone covers that area very well.