Sprint Announces New BlackBerry Pearl 8130

Sprint is planning to launch its first multimedia BlackBerry handset with the new BlackBerry Pearl 8130, an upgraded version of the original BlackBerry Pearl announced in September of 2006. This will be the first Sprint BlackBerry device with an integrated camera.

The device is 4.2 x 2.0 x 0.6 inches and weighs 3.4 ounces. Some of the upgraded features include access to Sprint's high-speed Mobile Broadband network (EV-DO) for faster internet access, a 2.0 megapixels camera, stereo Bluetooth support, added GPS functionality, and access to Sprint's PowerVision services such as Sprint's Music Store, Sprint TV, OnDemand, and Sprint Navigation.

The phone will be available next month. You can sign up for alerts on device availability by going to www.sprint.com/pearl.

Alltel Now Selling BlackBerry 8830

Alltel is now selling the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition. The phone will be available from Alltel for $249.99 with a two-year contract. It is already available from Sprint and Verizon. Sprint is selling the device for only $199.99 after rebates and service agreements, while Verizon is selling the device for $299.99 after discounts and contract.

Phonepotential.com first reviewed the device back in April. (Read Article)

BlackBerry Goes Wi-Fi

It looks like a Wi-Fi BlackBerry may be entering the US market sometime later this year. Last week, RIM received FCC approval for the first BlackBerry device to include a Wi-Fi component. The handset was approved for GSM and EDGE frequencies, so it will most likely be available through AT&T or T-Mobile. RIM did not comment on when the phone would be available, but we're thinking it will be available sometime in the 4th quarter.

AT&T Now Selling BlackBerry Curve

The BlackBerry Curve is now available from AT&T. The Curve has been given the distinction of being the lightest and slimmest full QWERTY BlackBerry device. It is RIM's second consumer oriented device, with the Pearl being the first, and comes with a 2 megapixels camera. It is available for $199 with contract and rebates.

Phonepotential.com first reviewed the device back in April. (Read Article)

Verizon Now Selling BlackBerry 8830

The BlackBerry 8830 is now available from Verizon. This is the first global CDMA device from BlackBerry. It retails for $399, but is available for either $299 or $199 based on rebates and plans chosen. The device is expected to be available from Sprint sometime in June/July.

Phonepotential.com first reviewed the device back in April. (Read Article)

The Next Consumer BlackBerry - The Curve

Research In Motion is planning to release it's newest consumer device, named "The Curve", later this quarter. The phone will be exclusive to AT&T (Cingular). It will have most of the features seen in the Pearl, but will have a full QWERTY keyboard.

Some of the features of the new device are
- speaker independent voice recognition for dialing
- a media player and manager
- HTML browser with RSS
- trackball navigation
- 2 mega-pixel camera
- stereo Bluetooth support
- MicroSD slot that supports 4 GB cards
- 3.5 mm jack for standard stereo headsets

See the device at www.blackberrycurve.com

BlackBerry 8830

The BlackBerry 8830 is the CDMA version of the 8800 which is currently available from GSM carriers Cingular and T-Mobile. Verizon and Sprint will both carry the 8830 starting this summer. Verizon will have it in May and Sprint is planning to have it available in June or July.

The device is a quad band device so it will be able to work overseas, making it BlackBerry's first CDMA device that will work internationally. It will also have a media player, a MicroSD slot, Bluetooth, full QWERTY keyboard, and built-in GPS.

Although Sprint will be the last carrier to launch the device, it will be worth the wait to hold off getting it from the other carriers. The reason is the phone will be unlocked from Sprint, while it is locked with other carriers. When traveling internationally with a Cingular 8800 or a Verizon 8830, you will be required to use the carrier's SIM card, meaning you will incur international roaming rates. Sprint gives you the option to use the SIM card of a local in country carrier, meaning you will be charged local per minute rates versus international roaming rates. This represents substantial cost savings for the international traveler. One caveat is that if you wish to keep the same number internationally, you will need to use the Sprint SIM card, incurring Sprint international roaming rates.

One cool feature about the MicroSD slot is it is located inside the battery cover. This makes it impossible to accidentally pop out and difficult to be stolen. The bad to this, is it won't be easily accessible, but security is key here.

Still missing from the 8830 is a camera/video recorder. Again, security is the reason for this.