The BlackBerry Curve (8300) is becoming one of the hottest devices for deaf and hard of hearing users, for a variety of reasons, including its slim form factor, a full QWERTY keyboard, the great new trackball interface, and a nice 2 megapixel camera as well. The only problem with this model is that it has only been available through AT&T for the last couple of months.

Now that T-Mobile has introduced their own version of the BlackBerry Curve (8320), it looks like the Curve will be adopted by even more deaf users looking for a step up from their Sidekicks. If you’re a seasoned deaf Sidekick user, you may be happy with the coverage that T-Mobile offers, but want a device that can do more for you. The Curve may just be what you want.

The main difference between the AT&T and T-Mobile Curve is that T-Mobile’s version includes WiFi, allowing you to stay connected anywhere there is a wireless hotspot. This will be great for those who are used to the “window” pager phenomenon - placing your pager in your window to catch a stray signal that pops through once in a while. Now, if you have poor coverage in your house, just use your WiFi connection. This is basically the same thing the iPhone does - roam on WiFi if you have it.

The T-Mobile Curve is available in grey “titanium” and a T-Mobile exclusive “pale gold”. Some people think that the titanium Curve looks even better than the AT&T silver/grey one.

Over the years, RIM, the manufacturer of the BlackBerry line has had the opportunity to optimize the keyboard design, and it is apparent with the Curve’s excellent keyboard. The spacing is just right, and the keys are easy to find and press.

One big advantage for the Curve over a Sidekick is for those who are deaf and have low vision or are legally blind. You will be able to change the default system font to a larger and/or bolder version that is easier to read.

The Curve is the latest and hottest BlackBerry available, and it’s very consumer (and deaf) friendly. If you’re unsure about getting a Curve, give it a try - you won’t regret it, and you’ll love the long battery life, the great form factor, and being able to connect via WiFi! It has all the basics that all BlackBerries have, such as the standard PIM (Calendar, Address Book, Task list, etc) applications, a web browser, the ability to install software, and there are a couple of dedicated Relay applications available for the BlackBerry platform (Sprint and IP-Relay, etc).

For those deaf and hard of hearing users out there, who are looking to save some money on phone calls by hearing family members at home - it’s possible to get the @Home service from T-Mobile, which basically lets you make unlimited phone calls from your Curve via your home WiFi connection for a small monthly fee.