More details on RIM's BlackBerry 8800, 9x00 series
by Chris Ziegler 
posted Jan 16th 2007 at 7:19PM
We hate to temper the joy of BlackBerry-philes everywhere anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 8800, but we're starting to hear whispers of a "9xxx" series -- specific model number unknown -- that one-ups the 8800 with a 3G radio, support for backup to microSD, and a new processor and UI for Q4 launch on Cingular. Granted, the fourth quarter is a ways off yet (assuming they're talking calendar quarters, not fiscal quarters), so Boy Genius has blessed us with a few new details on the 8800, too. The Pearlesque 8800 will apparently hit Cingular mid-February with a slightly shorter keyboard than the 8700, making it easier to type. What it won't do, though, is come with a cam (great news for businessfolk with paranoid bosses) or WiFi. Hey, it's still a pretty hot upgrade from the 8700 though, right?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hong @ Jan 17th 2007 1:14AM
I think RIM should come right out and announce these two products with full specs and the upcoming roadmaps. After the iPhone announcement, this kind of piecemeal disclosure is very annoying. BlackBerry used to be the leader for the smartphone market. Every cell phone vendor is coming up with a model to mimic the BlackBerry keyboard. Yet, Steve Jobs slapped RIM on the face by telling people the keyboard approach was the wrong branch on the evolution tree. I think RIM should tell Steve the BlackBerry is on the right path and the keyboard approach will prove to be the real evolution.
Curtis @ Jan 17th 2007 2:46PM
very true! heck, RIM is just next door to me. lol... i'll go tell them to backfire and tell Jobs doesn't know how to "reinvent the phone"... lol...who thought typing with their index is faster than thumbboards on a BlackBerry? lol... i'm pro for RIM!!!
drew nolen @ Jan 17th 2007 8:58PM
Who is this gu who works for Cingular...Can tell by stanardCingular issue HP keyboard, Lucent Phone, and SIM card reader. Why haven't all stores received prototype model.
jwag @ Jan 17th 2007 10:10PM
The 8880 is codenamed the 'Aggie' for those interested.
fyrestarrter @ Jan 18th 2007 11:11PM
No Camera is a DealBreaker for me. They need to release an 8800 & an 8801 with the Camera. I use the one on my Pearl DAILY at least 3 or 4 times a day! No Camera equals no 8800 for me!