Fun rumor du jour: BlackBerry Bold coming to Sprint this quarter

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jan 2nd 2009 at 6:14PM

We're hearing from a source -- a source who's pegged big stuff before, we'd like to add -- that Sprint will be replacing its BlackBerry 8830 this quarter with a CDMA version of the Bold. The move would certainly make sense, seeing how the Bold is essentially a direct replacement for the 8800 series (though this could be bad news for those who appreciate the 8830's camera-less nature) and the handset's probably just about due for a refresh. We're told that the Bold will feature EV-DO Rev. A, more memory, and a revised UI to match Sprint's current corporate branding. We'd also guess that it's a global phone in the same vein as the 8830 and the Storm, though we don't know that for certain. More as we get it!

Filed under: Handsets, RIM, Sprint, EV-DO, CDMA

Tags: 8800, 8830, blackberry, bold, rim, rumor, sprint

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Neutral

bubbatex @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:31PM

Have seen this rumor around for a few weeks now. There is some evidence that the 8830 is on its way out. It is no longer carried in the stores and both Sprint and VZW have not updated it to BB OS 4.5 that everyone and their brother are screaming about.

Neutral

Sean @ Jan 3rd 2009 4:02AM

Sprint has taken some time to get on the ball but it looks like they are heading in the right direction theyre custumer service just came in #1 in the last survey for the first time and it looks like they will be the first us carrier to offer 4G. When wimax comes to ny im deffinatly jumping ship if not earler from att to sprint. I jumped from verizon to att and and still believe that was a good decision, being verizon was such a facist company and just now are they reluctantly releasing their grip off their crippling features/ verrizon UI bit. Sprint being the underdog are offering more value across the board at this point to keep/ gain market share and are deffinatly more intrested in the custumer then the other 3 carriers..a wimax blackberry storm or even a bold and sprint will be back in buisness but please sooner rather then later sprint if you can hear me

Neutral

donnie @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:38PM

It's about #@%&*)^%#@!*^ time!!1

RIM has the sorriest product launch record of any phone manufacturer on Earth. I don't give two squats that they put out GSM-version products first, either.

Blackberry market share is leveling off at 40 percent, while Apple iPhone share is gaining fast. And what does lame-brainy RIM do? They keep signing exclusive product launches for each new phone with a sole vendor, such as AT&T or Verizon.

Good going RIM. You're marketing division is run by a bunch of clownz...

Low Ranked

Riley Freeman @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:12PM

aint this the damn truth. im a hardcore windows mobile user. i have an htc touch pro with telus in canada. i love it. i recently got a blackberry about 3 weeks ago (i have 2 phone lines) i got the pearl initially and now after realizing i have about 36 contacts with a bb i switched to a curve cuz typing is easier. i only got it for bb messenger and anything over 4gb on the memory card slows down the o.s. setting up ringers is not as clear as on windows mobile. a lot of the menus are terrible.

nevertheless its okay but rims product launches are terrible and i agree they take forever to do everything.

Neutral

Melissa @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:41PM

When does this quarter end? I recently purchased a Curve and have about a week before my 30 days is up to decide whether I'm keeping it or waiting on the Bold. I'd much rather have the Bold, but don't want to wait forever. Thoughts as to the truth of this and the end of quarter are appreciated! :)

Neutral

dna @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:00PM

The quarter runs from January 1st to March 31st, so it can drop at any point in that time frame according to the rumor.

It may be true, but who knows. You could be waiting for a longer period. I'm more interested with the Niagera.

Neutral

Melissa @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:09PM

Which one is the Niagera? I've got the 8330, and I'm not too impressed -- mainly because Sprint is behind the times when it comes to OS upgrades, and I'm still running the 4.3 OS. Also, the Curve isn't MMS capable on Sprint, even though the phone itself is capable. Hoping that whatever comes out next comes MMS capable from Sprint.

Highly Ranked

Riley Freeman @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:07PM

u can update ur phone with the os from anyone

here download o.s. 4.5 here

http://www.mediafire.com/?4jwwlymnge4

then follow these instructions
http://www.blackberryforums.com/general-8100-series-discussion-pearl/156668-latest-os-8130-4-5-0-122-4-5-0-89-multilanguage.html

while they are for the pearl its the same process delete the vendor file and voila u have o.s. 4.5

Neutral

thepenguin @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:49PM

I thought a CDMA 8900 was coming to Sprint? And is there still plans for a CDMA Flipberry? Nonetheless Im still exited to hear that the Bold may come to Sprint

Neutral

Riley Freeman @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:07PM

the pearl flip is scheduled for feb on telus in canada so expect it around the same time on sprint. and yes the curve 8900 is still coming to cdma

Neutral

Melissa @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:11PM

I appreciate the update info on the OS -- I was previously aware that I could update using any 4.5 update, however, I'm choosing not to at this time. I would rather have the official update from Sprint to ensure that I have compatibility with all of my sprint programs and options. I would also rather have the newer technology from a Bold or an 8900, rather than the 8330, if at all possible.

Neutral

Riley Freeman @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:15PM

u wont lose any programs as far as i know. it backs up all ur current programs and loads them back onto the phone. i have done it and not with a telus version and i have everything i had before

Neutral

Melissa @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:21PM

Either way, I'd still rather have the newer phone with the newer OS rather than the antiquated version when sprint decides to release a new version. Even if I upgrade the phone, there is still a newer phone coming out -- I just have to decide if I want to wait and live with the regular handset I have or if I want to keep what I've got and pay a higher premium for the new blackberry from ebay or whatever.

Neutral

Jack @ Jan 5th 2009 12:07PM

You can indeed upgrade to 4.5 without the loss of programs, and I believe at least the majority of the Sprint programs work. However, I downgraded back to the official 4.3 OS since RIM introduced a bug in 4.5 we refer to as "speakerphone blast". This is probably why Sprint isn't supporting 4.5 yet, or at least a part of the reason.

Neutral

Mitch @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:01PM

I wonder if it's coming to Verizon too and that's why the Pearl is only $20 bucks?

Neutral

Nick @ Jan 3rd 2009 5:37AM

Maybe, but I wouldn't imagine they'd liquidate 8130 stock for a 9000, more likely they'd have 8830 liquidations (possibly 8330, but then I'd be more inclinded to expect the CDMA 8900 variant). But then again, who knows, maybe you're onto something?

Highest Ranked

Periks19 @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:10PM

Finally a Bold with real 3g speeds unlike ATT'S lousy 3g network

Neutral

William Becker @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:35PM

I have an 8330 with US Cellular and I talked to the people at my store and asked them if they would be coming out with the Storm and they told me, "No". But they did tell me that they did see something about a CDMA version of the Bold coming by the spring. I'm a Crackberry fanatic and will not upgrade until a new Blackberry comes out on US Cellular. By the way my US Cellular 8339 already has version 4.5

Lowest Ranked

shugg @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:59PM

Highest Ranked

Celz @ Jan 3rd 2009 5:44AM

cool.,do these have remote control docks for music.?,these play music right,do these offer car integration for steering wheel control.,so u can control artist,title song thru wheel.,?hows the touchscreen wifi browser on these.,?do mass sensors work ok?

Ok Normally on a smart phone you look for things like push email, laptop tethering, document editing, cut and paste to transfer info from documents/ email/ texts and web browsing, powerpoint slide viewing, physical keyboard for long emails/ notes/ or docs, multitasking.. all of the things you mentioned are an afterthought and dont matter at all when a business minded person buys a phone. Dont get me wrong those are some cute features if you buy your phone as a toy...

And to answer your questions; They do play music, the opera browser is up there with safari, and wifi is great. As for the motion sensor.. why would a phone that isnt physically made to be rotated have a sensor to rotate the screen, and please dont say to play imitation wii games like on iphone. As for the automated dock and car stereo... thats what music players are for to play music.. You get a smart phone to handle business... I think you may have your Iphone confused for a smart phone or a blackberry confused for a Mp3 player lol.. Get it straight.. And just so you know I personally prefer WM my Touch Pro beats the Bold and the IPhone any day

Neutral

CapnShiner @ Jan 7th 2009 4:17AM

@Celz:

Just so you know, Shugg is an iPhone fanboy who has irritated people before with his rampant iPhone comparisons. I am pretty sure his comment was nothing more than sarcasm and an attempt to bait someone into starting another iPhone vs everything else battle. Don't let him get to you.

Neutral

Anton Wahlman @ Jan 2nd 2009 10:14PM

It's always been obvious that the kind of device described here (CDMA-centric version of 9000/Bold) would make it to Sprint and Verizon. The question is only when, and given that the 9000/Bold was first announced on May 12 and became available to most parts of the world by September, one would think it could be at Sprint/Verizon as early as March. However, there is no way of knowing the timing -- yet. What ought to be obvious is that there will be at least a few differences compared to the original 9000/Bold: (1) MicroUSB instead of MiniUSB, (2) At least 256 meg flash compared to 128 and (3) 480x360 screen compared to 480x360. Probably also a 3.2 mp camera compared to 2.0. It would have the same radio setup as the 9530/Storm (i.e., HSPA for Euro/Asian frequencies, EV-DO on North American frequencies, and no WiFi).

Highly Ranked

Tmacfan4321 @ Jan 4th 2009 12:48AM

I really want it to have WiFi. The only thing that would make me get a CDMA Bold on Verizon over the Omnia on Verizon would be WiFi. Other than that, I really don't see the point. Verizon should start loosening up with the restrictions soon just because of their mandatory Data plans on smartphones. I would really like to see more WiFi enabled smartphones on Verizon like the Omnia and the Touch Pro.

Low Ranked

bubbatex @ Jan 2nd 2009 10:29PM

The 8900 and Niagara (CDMA Bold) are both coming to CDMA - just a question of exactly when.

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 2nd 2009 11:49PM

Pearls to Swine. Pearls_to_Swine!

Shareholders in Deutsche Telekom luv watching you Sprintster fanbois cream all over yourselves.

Neutral

mike240se @ Jan 3rd 2009 1:18AM

does this mean it will drop on verizon around the same time? if so i may have to return my storm before the return period is up.

Highly Ranked

SM1LEZ @ Jan 3rd 2009 2:04AM

OMG! YES! i was about to switch to at&t just for this phone but now I can have cool phone and good service at the same time. I just hope it doesn't take forever to release this phone

Neutral

PH0ENIX @ Jan 3rd 2009 3:26AM

Finally! I hated the 8830 that work gave me, and stuck with my crappy RAZR. I'm looking forward to the Bold! Just need to ask for it from work once I'm certain Sprint has stopped selling the 8830s altogether. Hope Engadget will let us know!

Neutral

brian @ Jan 3rd 2009 8:51AM

I gotta tell ya'll i havent heard anything about this. IF we(sprint) are getting the bold, it will not be this quarter. Maybe they changed the calender for next quarter around but i dont see it it being this quarter. Sorry to be a "BuzzKillington" .

Neutral

Dark Cobra @ Jan 3rd 2009 1:17PM

WoW! I was just about to take the plunge into a Storm on my Verizon network until I saw this. I was also tempted to switch to AT&T for the Bold as someone else said. However, if this is coming to Verizon within 90 days or so (March) as people here seem to by saying then I too will definitely be holding off for the Bold on Verizon. Perhaps at the 2009 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) Jan. 8-11 there will be an announcement from RIM &/or Sprint/Verizon. Let's just hope.

Highly Ranked

backbeat @ Jan 3rd 2009 3:44PM

@bubbatex- The Niagra is _NOT_ a Bold, but Javelin/8900 hardware with semi-Bold-like specs. Get your facts straight.

Neutral

JFrank @ Jan 3rd 2009 5:38PM

uh..to clarify.. it would replace the 8330 or 8830? the link above says 88, and sends to 83.

Neutral

Chris Ziegler @ Jan 3rd 2009 5:39PM

Whoopsie, fixed. Thanks.

Neutral

Anton Wahlman @ Jan 4th 2009 12:04PM

It could replace both the 8830 and the 8330, in most ways. What are the differences between the 8330 and 8830 now anyway? (1) GSM/international coverage on the 8830 vs. (2) camera and 96 meg on the 8330 vs 64 meg on the 8830. So let's postulate that the new device (call it 8930, 9030, or whatever) will have camera (3.2 mp), at least 256 meg flash and the same radio chip configuration as the 9530/Storm, then what's the room for any meaningful difference anyway? The only remaining item I can see is the 9000 platform's 1 gig on-board fixed storage, which isn't on the 8900 (yet, anyway). Hardly a difference for which Sprint/Verizon would bother keeping 2 otherwise similar models, one would think. The actual body of the device could look like the 8900 or the 9000 (doesn't matter, they're so similar anyway) or some evolution of the 9000 (reasonably likely). Keep in mind that under any circumstance, such a 9000 evolution would have MicroUSB instead of MiniUSB as well as a 480x360 screen, compared to the 9000's 480x320. The 8900 and 9530 both have 480x360 screens. The data points, evidence and logic seem to point to a May 2008 launch for such a device at Sprint and Verizon. Remember, in recent years, they have tended to launch their new devices in late May.

Neutral

semicoln @ Jan 3rd 2009 6:37PM

A little bit late but worth the wait… Hopefully this will be the first of Sprint’s wave of new phones to make up for falling behind. Combine a wave of cool new hardware with already great plans and network and Sprint will have a successful comeback!

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 3rd 2009 7:16PM

In what fantasyland are you living? Sprint is still hemorrhaging profusely and a couple new cool phones are far too little too late. Their fate is already written.

Neutral

semicoln @ Jan 3rd 2009 9:44PM

It is more than just a few new phones, there has been widespread change underway at Sprint and as a customer I have witnessed the effects of that change. Their low cost, simplified service plans that emphasize trends in cell phone use, drastic changes in customer service, and new customer loyalty benefits are great and all reasons that they are on their way back to competitiveness. If you want to focus on headlines from the past few quarters then sure, things sound bad, but if you stay current with things that are going on with Sprint right now then you would see a whole different picture.

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 4th 2009 2:15AM

It's called the market for a reason. I'll bring the popcorn for the next Sprint earnings report.

Frickin' Apologist.

Neutral

semicoln @ Jan 4th 2009 4:48PM

And the market will decide, just like the market decided after Apple's many missteps of the 90s. Many companies have emerged stronger than ever after learning from their mistakes and taking appropriate corrective action. I have made no apologies for the Sprint of the past, I am looking toward the future and mentioning things that show they are acknowledging their problems. You can be a Sprint hater if you want but I am happy where I am and wish them all the best. I am also looking forward to a revised CDMA/EV-DO Blackberry or a Samsung Android-based phone with awesome 3G coverage at a reasonable price!

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 4th 2009 6:47PM

Hope you plan to buy millions of those cool new phones, since 10x that number are leaving your sinking ship each and every quarter. Don't blame me because I can face reality while you continue to whistle past the graveyard.

Neutral

Mike B @ Jan 3rd 2009 11:15PM

Anything but AT&T...i mean is there anything worse than AT&T's coverage and customer service...?!? CANT WAIT TO CANCEL AT&T, and get the bold with Sprint. I'm paying the $175 to ditch this B.S. reception in Los Angeles he day this comes out. Not to mention how RUDE and DUMB the reps at AT&T stores are.

Neutral

AT&T SUCKS @ Jan 3rd 2009 11:19PM

I agree...AT&T has REALLY bad reception. My iphone drops calls all the time...so basically I have a really cool ipod, that ummm...plays music. I going to switch to sprint and get that $99 plan, paying $160 month on ATT and never have any reception. PEACE ATT!

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 4th 2009 2:11AM

^LMAO at the punk-bobbsie-twins! Please ... By all means ... Go to Sprint. And tell 'em AT&T sent ya.

And Mike B/JostaJTF/AT&T Sucks: Grow the fuck up, moron.

Idiots.

Neutral

crashoverride @ Jan 4th 2009 1:58PM

Ummm....Sprint is trying to improve and things are going well. However, even those who are Sprint employess and the CEO say there's a long way to go. Please chill out, Semicolon and the others as Sprint has improved but still needs to improve a good bit. Yes ATT has network issues and Yes Apple wishes it was on an EVDO network, but things like the Blackberry Niagra often come to Sprint LAST.

If they get the Niagra before VZW it would be a first as their 8830 is dated-so that would be a victory.

Since VZ got the storm it may happen. Still, it will only be short-lived as I know that VZ will have the newer BB's very soon.

Since VZ has started selling Pearl's cheap then I know they have the kickstart and maybe another coming soon

Since Sprint sold Curves for 99 this Christmas, that may be true as well with them for the Niagra.

Time will tell and Sprint needs to quit losing their current customer base if they hope to survive, and I hope they do survive and even thrive this year.

But it looks a bit slim at this point to me...

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 4th 2009 3:52PM

^The point you miss or avoid is that Sprint is only competing with itself for viability. Any on-paper "victory" of releasing a phone [any phone] before another carrier means nothing outside of Sprint-land at this point. Earnings reports don't lie and tell more truth than any blog poster.

Watching apologists here and elsewhere is like watching 'Titanic' and the idiots who ordered the orchestra to play on while people died. What color is the sky in your world?

Neutral

periks19 @ Jan 4th 2009 8:41PM

Lol at backbeat what service do you have??? If is ATT or VZW your getting raped at such high prices, if you have VZW at least you have a good service and good 3g coverage unlike ATT LOUSY 3G coverage and double the price from sprint.

So i don't care where Sprint is at right now all i know they are turning things around and I am paying way less than ATT and VZW. Im getting WAY better 3g coverage here in AZ than ATT and pretty much other states that i travel. Just to let you know here in Phx, AZ ATT can't F*&#ing keep a constant 3g signal.

So if you like getting raped by higher prices good for you buddy.

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 4th 2009 9:30PM

^I'm glad Sprint works where you need it to. That's the primary reason to choose any carrier, no? However, you haven't thought your argument through to its inevitable end. If Sprint offered such universal coverage at such low prices with a compelling line of phones and services, and provided adequate user support, it would not be repeatedly losing millions of subscribers each and every quarter and bleeding out a sea of red.

Where did you obtain your business credentials again?

Neutral

periks19 @ Jan 5th 2009 1:19AM

What was the reason Sprint lost so many subscirbers?? wasn't because of their horrible CS?? who came first in the last ratings and who came last?? Yeah so a company can be going through some bad times that don't mean they will stay forever like that. Sprint never listened about their problems with CS, so what happened? they are starting to turn things around and yes its gonna look really bad at the begining and is gonna take some time just how Sprint CEO Dan said.

So yeah ATT is doing great right now. How expensive are they? Im seeing many people starting to go to Sprint or VZW. They are going to Sprint because of their prices and better 3g coverage. And yes like you said you pick a phone if the service is in your area, but if you compare the prices and 3g network Sprint beats them, so like i said why is it worth paying double for less if it was the same price then I would understand.

My whole point is ATT tries to rip you off any way they can big time for example pay more money for a lousy 3g coverage. Is not worth it when your gonna be using Edge 75 percent of the time, is like paying high speed internet prices for aol dial up.

Neutral

CapnShiner @ Jan 7th 2009 4:49AM

@periks19:

I also live in Phoenix and I lived in Tucson until I moved a year and a half ago. I had Sprint in Tucson for 4 years and I was happy with it. I had absolutely no service at work(literally, the phone would say no service) and maybe 2 bars at best in my apartment, but it was because of the buildings, not the service. I'd go outside and have full bars. When I moved to Phoenix, I had the same problem. My friends and family on VZW, however, had no such problem. I switched to VZW when my Sprint contract was up in June- partly because I thought it might solve that problem, most of the people I talk to have VZW, and I really wanted a Voyager. Now I'm on VZW and I still have that problem in my apartment. I'm paying about the same as I was with Sprint, but getting slightly less for it. I used to have a Power Vision pack that included unlimited web/im/sms/mms/data and their navigation service, plus my night time minutes started at 7pm. Now I have unlimited data/txt/mms, but no VZ Nav and my night minutes start at 9:01pm. I've been tempted to switch back to Sprint, but I still have a long way to go on my VZW contract, most of the people I talk to are on VZW, and I no longer get an employee discount on Sprint. *sigh* The grass is always greener...

Neutral

backbeat @ Jan 5th 2009 2:25AM

When you've got Sprint-supported financials that can show the about-face you claim to be occurring, you'll have something to talk about. Until then ... Not so much. Despite what you may think, this is less about Sprint than it is about the consuming public waking up and demanding value for dollar.

-For 3Q 2008, Sprint’s revenues fell 12 percent to $8.8 billion when compared to 3Q 2007. When summing all three quarters, revenue fell 10 percent, from $30.2 billion in 2007 to $27.2 billion. It had a net loss of $326 million during 3Q 2008, and an accumulated net loss for all three quarters of $1.175 billion. These losses are due to losses in subscribers. During 3Q 2008, subscribership fell 1.3 million to 50.5 million.-

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