BlackBerry 6 has been talked to death. It’s better than OS5 but not good enough for people not to be leaving the platform in droves. It’s got a nice touch overlay, but it still runs very nicely with a trackpad. In fact, I’d argue it works better with the trackpad.

The Style 9670 is a CDMA-only device, and runs on Telus’ EVDO 1x network. For an older-generation 3G phone, it’s quite fast, especially when combined with BB6′s improved WebKit browser.

I quite liked the Style, but it’s no Spring Chicken: there are some definitely problems with the (lack of) processing power in these newest-generation BlackBerry devices. When loading large websites, the device chugs along, attempting in earnest to render a page that just isn’t able to keep up. As a result you’ll see a lot of “checker-board” pieces, as a stand-in for the final render.

I found the build quality on the Style to be excellent, and rivals the Torch, which is $150 more in most places. In fact, for $79.95 on a 3-year term, the Style is a much better deal than the current $209.99 on Rogers. What you’re paying for is the “Torch” name and the ability to use it on an HSPA+ network. If you’re satisfied with a slightly-slower 3G network, this phone, with its two screens and full-sized QWERTY keyboard, will be an excellent choice for you or your kids.

I must say, however, that I’ve found, especially in lower-reception areas, the EVDO network does not handle call quality very well. Voices sound slightly muddled and sometimes incoherent. I can’t speak for all CDMA phones, but I’ve found GSM BlackBerries to have superior voice quality. Just something to keep in mind.

Highly Recommended for the kids, Recommended for the wife, not so for the husband. But, hey, go for it, man.

Check out the BlackBerry Style 9670 from Telus for $79.99 on a 3-year term, or $399.99 without a contract.

*We mentioned the incorrect price in the video, and the article has been changed to reflect the accurate price. We regret the mistake.