Tech pick: The new BlackBerry Torch

By Jonathan Loek

Earlier this week, we attended the launch of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 (at select mobile providers). As fairly fresh users of the Curve, we were excited to take the Torch for a test drive. The difference is unreal. The pinch-and-zoom touch screen is smooth and responsive. (Don’t worry if touch typing isn’t your thing, because it also has a slide-out keypad.) There’s a 5 mega-pixel camera and a better browser, but for us, the topper was when we found out that when the Torch is paired with the BlackBerry Music Gateway, so you can play tracks wirelessly through any stereo and use your smartphone as a remote control. (Just this afternoon we took a dance break with Eric B. & Rakim.) Truly, next level.