Review: BlackBerry 9670 Style
Browser
The WebKit-based browser continues to be one of BB6's better features and brings it into the modern mobile web era with more features and power than previous BlackBerry browsers.
The options and BlackBerry key work as on older BlackBerrys. Users can set the home page, set the default search engine, add/sort bookmarks, subscribe to RSS feeds and so on.
It stinks that the Style isn't a touch device, because it loses the BB6 browser's best features: pinch-to-zoom, double-tapping, and so on.
The Style's browser does support multiple open tabs at a time. The tabs can be accessed by choosing a little button in the upper right corner of the browser window. The tabs are shown in a visual bookmark fashion, making it easier to see which site you're jumping to.
Browser performance was faster on the Style than the Torch (AT&T). The Torch's browser was slow even over Wi-Fi. The Style's speed was very good when the network coverage was good, and excellent over Wi-Fi. The software has definitely been tweaked a bit for better performance.
Customize
The Style can be customized somewhat by users. Ringers, ringtones, wallpapers, and all that stuff is easy to adjust. RIM's use of ringer profiles is always helpful. It allows users to set up distinct alert actions depending on pre-defined circumstances (Normal, Silent, Meeting, etc.).
The home screen can also be customized to a certain extent. It's not as vastly customizable as an Android handset, but users can populate the five different screens with a number of apps, shortcuts, and so on. According to RIM, more HTML5 and WebKit-based widgets are on the way, which will further allow users to customize their handsets.
Last, the Style can access and install a range of themes, though only a few come preinstalled on the device. More are available from Sprint. The themes make subtle changes to the appearance of the menus and screens.