The new BlackBerry 7100t is nothing like any BlackBerry before it. It's the first to look, work, and feel like an actual phone. And the 7100t's impressive e-mail compatibility and bargain price put it over the top as our Editors' Choice for smart phones with keyboards in this story and in our First Looks review of October 5.

At 4.3 ounces, the 7100t fits comfortably in your hand. It has a high-quality speaker phone and supports Bluetooth wireless headsets. Because it's a quad-band GSM phone, you can use it overseas. And the 2.1-inch, 240-by-260 color display is sharp and bright.

RIM ditched the usual full keyboard for a strange, 20-key hybrid keypad that relies heavily on predictive text. Most keys have two letters and a number on them, but the keys are in the familiar QWERTY layout. RIM's SureType predictive text system is far better than its competitors'; after 15 minutes, we were typing with ease.

The 7100t includes a full HTML Web browser; AIM, ICQ, and Yahoo! instant messaging; and very easy-to-use e-mail and PIM applications. It can access almost any personal or corporate e-mail, and the included desktop software syncs PIM data with a wide range of apps quickly and easily. It even plays downloadable Java games.

Our only criticism of the 7100t is that it lacks some more advanced business and multimedia features. For example, it strips the formatting out of e-mails and attachments, doesn't play MP3s or videos, and can't be used as a modem for your laptop.

The 7100t is a new device for a new generation of users, many of whom will be lured by its low price. If you're looking for a powerful, portable, personal e-mail phone, this smart phone is no doubt an excellent buy.

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