BlackBerry 7230: The First Business-Focused Color Smartphone

BlackBerry 7230 (2003): Detailed English Noun Explanations & Full Specifications

The BlackBerry 7230 (2003 – released business – focused 2G GSM smartphone, model 7230) is the first BlackBerry with a 65K – color TFT display, featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry OS, 1MB RAM, 16MB internal storage, a 1000 mAh removable Li – Ion battery, and core connectivity like GPRS and USB, tailored for enterprise and business users prioritizing push email, messaging, and voice communication.

Core Terminology & Definitions

Term	Definition & Key Details
BlackBerry 7230 (Model 7230)	A 2003 – released 2G GSM smartphone from RIM (Research In Motion), part of the 7200 series. It is the first BlackBerry with a color screen, featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry OS, 1MB RAM, 16MB internal storage, and a 2.6 – inch display, focusing on business – oriented communication and productivity.
Full QWERTY Keyboard	A standard QWERTY layout with dedicated keys for each letter, backlit for low – light typing, enabling fast and accurate input of emails, messages, and notes, which is ideal for business – heavy communication.
BlackBerry OS (v4.0)	Proprietary OS optimized for push email, messaging, and enterprise – level security, supporting Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) apps, email attachment viewing (Word, Excel, PDF), and seamless integration with BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) for corporate use.
2.6 – inch 65K – Color TFT Display (240×160, 111 ppi)	65K – color TFT panel with 240×160 resolution and 111 ppi, backlit for day/night use, offering clear text and basic graphics for emails, messages, and organizer apps, suitable for the device’s business – centric purpose.
1MB RAM / 16MB Internal Storage	1MB SRAM for smooth OS and app operation, 16MB flash memory for storing emails, contacts, apps, and data. No expandable storage slot, so users rely on internal space.
1000 mAh Removable Li – Ion Battery	Removable Li – Ion battery delivering up to 240 hours of standby time and 5 hours of talk time, ensuring all – day use for business users with easy replacement.
Mini – SIM (Single – SIM)	Uses a Mini – SIM card and supports single – SIM 2G GSM connectivity (900/1800/1900 bands), meeting basic voice and data needs for business professionals.
Basic Connectivity Suite	Includes GPRS Class 10 (data), proprietary USB (sync/charging), no Wi – Fi/Bluetooth/GPS, focusing on essential business connectivity for email and web access.
Push Email	A key feature enabling real – time email delivery via BES/BIS, automatically pushing new emails to the device without manual checking, which boosts business communication efficiency.
Organizer Suite	Built – in tools like calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes, integrated with the OS for efficient scheduling and productivity management, meeting business users’ daily organizational requirements.

Full Specifications

Category	Details
Launch Timeline	Announced: June 2003; Released: Q3 2003; Discontinued; Mid – tier price point at launch (~$120 – $150)
Form Factor	Slate (20 mm thickness; plastic back/frame, blue/black variants)
Dimensions & Weight	113 × 74 × 20 mm; 136 g
Display	2.6 – inch 65K – color TFT, 240×160 resolution, 111 ppi, backlit, no touchscreen
Processor & Memory	Unknown chipset; 1MB SRAM; 16MB flash internal storage; no expandable storage slot
Cameras	No rear/front cameras (focused on business communication, not multimedia)
Network	2G GSM (900/1800/1900 bands); GPRS Class 10 (no EDGE)
Battery	Removable 1000 mAh Li – Ion; Standby: up to 240 h; Talk time: up to 5 h
Connectivity	Proprietary USB (sync/charging), no Wi – Fi/Bluetooth/GPS/3.5mm jack
Software	BlackBerry OS 4.0 (optimized for push email, messaging, enterprise security, J2ME support)
Color Options	Blue, Black (varies by carrier/region)

Key Features & User Experience

First Color Screen BlackBerry: 65K – color display improves usability for reading emails, attachments, and organizer apps, enhancing visual clarity over monochrome predecessors.
Full QWERTY Typing: The standard QWERTY keyboard with backlighting enables fast and accurate typing, which is ideal for business – heavy email and messaging.
Push Email & Attachment Viewing: Real – time email delivery via BES/BIS and support for viewing Word, Excel, and PDF attachments keep professionals connected and productive.
Enterprise Security: BlackBerry OS offers robust security features like encryption, suitable for corporate data protection.
Removable Battery: Easy battery replacement ensures uninterrupted use for users who need long – lasting device availability.
Basic Organizer Tools: Built – in calendar, contacts, and notes streamline daily scheduling and task management for business users.

Market Position & Value

The BlackBerry 7230 was a 2003 business – focused smartphone that emphasized productivity, push email, and color display usability with the full QWERTY keyboard. It targeted professionals and enterprise users who prioritized communication and organization over multimedia. It marked a pivotal shift for BlackBerry from monochrome to color displays, strengthening its reputation in enterprise mobility, even without modern features like cameras or Wi – Fi.