Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

The BlackBerry Pearl 8220 runs neck-and-neck with the Storm for the title of “most leaked RIM device of 2008,” but for what it’s worth, T-Mobile is just now getting around to announcing a date and price for the most fliptastic phone in Waterloo’s ever-expanding lineup. That’s good news — but perhaps the best news is that the launch date just happens to be today (for one of the two available colors, anyhow). The black version of the 8220 will be appearing online and in T-Mobile stores today, while the dark red will be following on a week later on Monday, October 20. Both will run $149.99 on a two-year contract.

Be sure to check out our hands-on impressions — and a dazzling gallery of visuals to go along with them — over on Engadget Mobile!

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Filed under: Cellphones

While many of you may be waiting for some other handset to launch on T-Mobile, BlackBerry addicts may very well be counting down the hours ’til this one lands on the aforesaid carrier. If we just rang your bell, chances are you’ll be extremely interested in this here preview, which delivers a whole gaggle of photographs, a decidedly ho hum video (hosted after the break) of the Pearl Flip 8220 in action and a lengthy writeup explaining the ins and outs of RIM’s first flip phone. As for highlights, this thing turns into a real monster (read: it’s big) when opened, but when closed, it’s a real looker. For more on the aesthetics (not to mention some shots beside a few other BlackBerry siblings — Bold included), head on down to the read link and dig in.

Continue reading RIM’s BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 gets photographed, previewed

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Filed under: Cellphones

So the BlackBerry Storm hasn’t even made it onto Verizon yet, and in flies word that RIM is actually doing something other than resting on its laurels (and contemplating buyout offers from Microsoft). The Boy Genius has it from two independent sources that RIM is currently hard at work on a “super-phone” of sorts, complete with a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera, 1GB of memory and a “near-HD quality screen.” In all seriousness, it’s not too shocking to hear that the outfit is working up a formidable opponent to go against HTC’s Touch HD / T8290, but it’s not stopping there. We’re also told that a second and third-generation Storm are already being whipped up in the design room, but it’s pretty safe to say you won’t be seeing those in the flesh for a good while. Regrettably, that’s it for the details, but you can rest assured that we’ll be keeping an ear to the ground for more.

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Filed under: Cellphones

Funny story — we pretty much heard this exact same rumor floating around last August, but given the current economic situation, we’re inclined to believe this one a good bit more. A recent Reuters report is pointing out that RIM (like practically every other company right about now) is ripe for the picking, and any outfit with a serious load of cash reserves could get themselves quite a bargain. Given that the Redmond mega-corp has shown interest before (and clearly has plenty of Greenbacks), we were particularly interested in Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek’s quote: “I’m fairly certain [Microsoft] has a standing offer to buy [RIM] at $50 a share.” If you’ll recall, RIM’s stock sat at $148 per share just four months ago, and now, it’s hovering around $60. As expected, Microsoft had no comment on the report, but don’t be surprised to see something go down if Wall Street keeps hemorrhaging.

[Via Electronista]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

If you’re wondering why you don’t have an AT&T-branded BlackBerry Bold in your hand at this very second, the answer might lie a couple thousand miles away where Orange has allegedly pulled all units off the shelves to hammer out some “software issues” that have plagued early devices in subscribers’ hands. The whole situation leaves us to wonder whether carriers jumped the gun on validating early builds of the Bold’s firmware in an effort to get it out into the market in a non-ridiculous amount of time, while AT&T may have chosen to play it safe with a longer, more excruciating battery of tests — leading to RIM’s swipe that the October 2 miss was all AT&T’s fault. It’s just a theory, and probably a pretty meaningless one since this Orange fiasco should apparently take a couple weeks to clear up at most, and we’re still hearing occasional whispers out of the AT&T camp that they’re still pushing for an October release over there. Chop chop, guys.

[Via Mobile Tech Addicts]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Just when we’re all geared up to get crazy corporate with a bunch of Bold purchases, RIM has to go and make our lives difficult by reminding us that the Javelin / Curve 8900 is out there — lurking — just waiting to make a grand entrance sometime in the next few months. A new video posted to CrackBerry goes through the 8900’s finer points, noting that the handset clocks in just a bit more compact than its big brother, features a slightly smaller, higher dot pitch display, and carries over an original Curve-style keyboard with spaced keys rather than the flowing design employed on the Bold (for what it’s worth, the narrator seems to like both styles equally). Interestingly, it’s noted that this prototype employs an older trackball design that’ll allegedly be replaced with a more bulletproof design by the time it launches. The lack of 3G is going to be a dream killer for many, but we could see this one getting some retail legs underneath it if the price is right — it’s got WiFi, after all.

In fact, T-Mobile Germany is saying that it’ll have the 8900 next month — a claim we actually believe, since Germany is from the future. The trackball shown on its version of the handset is distinctly different than CrackBerry’s, so it’s looking like the claim of a redesign might hold water.

[Thanks, Alex]

Read - CrackBerry’s Curve 8900 hands-on video
Read - T-Mobile Germany’s Curve 8900 product page

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

There are, shall we say, certain “advantages” to driving a race car sponsored by global wireless behemoth Vodafone. Fame, fortune, and a free account (seriously, all the minutes and kilobytes you can eat!) definitely rank high on that list, but it all pales in comparison to this. It seems that Formula 1 wizard Lewis Hamilton has been gifted with a Voda-branded Storm, a great publicity play for the carrier — particularly as he’s sitting in front of a camera describing how “wicked” it is. Clearly, the video is little more than a PR stunt, but the phone genuinely seems to be his, and at least we can get a clear look at how fast, fluid, and pretty the interface appears to be. So, anyone know where he leaves that thing when he’s out racing? Check the full action after the break.

Continue reading Formula 1 superstar finishes first in race to nab BlackBerry Storm

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

It’s just in beta at this point, but devs and techies far and wide are now invited to take a stab at coding up some magic for RIM’s new touch-based user interface elements, orientation control, accelerometers, and virtual keyboards that are getting proudly shown off for the first time in the Storm. There’s stuff in here for regular folk without a single programming bone in their bodies, too — namely, a full-fledged emulator that appears to have all the features and functionality you’d expect the real thing to have. It’s a gas to play with — even more fun than that semi-functional G1 demo T-Mobile has up and running — and it’s a good way to test-drive the goods without laying out the cash first. Not to say you could even if you wanted to, since the phone’s not dropping for another month at a yet-to-be-determined sticker price.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Update: Be sure to select Simulators v4.7.0 to get the goods — otherwise you’re going to go through some ridiculously long download, only to discover that there’s no Storm to be found. Wouldn’t that just suck?

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Filed under: Cellphones

digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/gadgets/Blackberry_Storm_Runs_iPhone_OS’; We can’t put our finger on it, but there’s something vaguely familiar about this new Storm 9500.

In case you’re reading this after these images get taken down — which they inevitably will be — this was the official marketing material posted tonight by RIM’s Storm launch partner, Vodafone.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Vodafone’s BlackBerry Storm art department all soon to be fired

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/gadgets/First_hands_on_with_RIM_s_iPhone_killing_BlackBerry_Storm’; RIM’s a little late to the touchscreen party, but comes bearing goodies. The BlackBerry Storm is a beast of a phone in more ways than one. Fronted by a meaty, high-resolution touchscreen with an innovative clicking mechanism, the phone is easily the prettiest by RIM to date. There’s a brushed metal back, a beautiful new OS interface, and enough radios to give your grandkids cancer (EV-DO Rev. A, quad-band GSM, Europe-friendly HSPA, GPS, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, though sadly no WiFi). But the real test of a phone is usability, not flash. Check out our impressions after the break.

Continue reading BlackBerry Storm 9500 hands-on

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/gadgets/Vodafone_debuts_BlackBerry_Storm’; We’re still waiting on Verizon to stop teasing us about this thing, but Vodafone (who’s been hinting at the phone since last month) just announced the BlackBerry Storm, RIM’s touchscreen flagship. As if you didn’t know already, Vodafone is confirming a 3.25-inch 480 x 360 touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera, automatic orientation flipping, 1GB of built-in storage and a host of multimedia capabilities, including iTunes sync.

[Thanks, Bob]

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Get ready, Blackberry fans. After weeks of leaks and goofy internal videos, it looks like the Storm’s finally a-comin’ — the first ads for the RIM’s touchscreen wonder aired on CBS tonight. We’re on the lookout for a better video, but even at this low res we can’t help but notice how chunky this thing looks — but we’re totally willing to trade some heft for some sweet, sweet copy / paste action. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Jerry]

Continue reading First Blackberry Storm commericals air on CBS

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Filed under: Cellphones

Get ready, Blackberry fans. After weeks of leaks and goofy internal videos, it looks like the Storm’s finally a-comin’ — the first ads for the RIM’s touchscreen wonder aired on CBS tonight. We’re on the lookout for a better video, but even at this low res we can’t help but notice how chunky this thing looks — but we’re totally willing to trade some heft for some sweet, sweet copy / paste action. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Jerry and deltajam]

Continue reading First Blackberry Storm commercials air on CBS

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Filed under: Cellphones

Look, we love finding out the pre-release minutiae just as much as anyone, but this is getting a little absurd. Yesterday we spotted a Storm slide pack, just this morning we ran across a sneak peek of RIM’s BlackBerry Application Center, and merely hours later we’re being treated to the BlackBerry Storm User Guide. What’s next, internal information on how to best polish the casing? C’mon Verizon, get this thing out in the open already!

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

There’s no telling what sort of crazy behind-the-scenes negotiations had to take place in order for our good friend Boy Genius to get his hands on the very first retail T-Mobile-branded BlackBerry 8220 we’ve seen in the wild — and let’s be honest, the whole unboxing takes on a sexier tone when there’s an element of intrigue to it, doesn’t it? Mr. Genius flatly pans the thing for having a pair of awful screens and a prototype feel (despite the fact that he’s got a final production unit), so odds are the Bold owners out there aren’t going to be throwing fits of jealousy any time soon. To top it off, the contents of the box are about as exciting as flannel underwear (we guess it’s cool that RIM saw fit to throw in a pair of headphones), so don’t expect too much. At least it’ll be available in a few colors, right?

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At this point, you’re probably wondering what section of the Storm’s UI you haven’t seen. Enter a few new sneak peeks, this time showcasing the purported BlackBerry Application Center. Granted, these shots are from the Vodafone edition, but we don’t suspect the Verizon version will look much different. Reportedly, the Application Center will be available on v4.7 Storm devices, and carriers themselves will be responsible for hosting the data and sending updates; additionally, the download / installation will be handled by the browser in the first release, meaning that the software cannot restart the app or download intelligently. Give the read link a look for a few more tidbits / pictures.

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RIM’s BlackBerry Storm 9500 / 9530, which is more affectionately known ’round these parts as the Thunder, is definitely within striking distance. Still, just because you don’t have too much longer to wait doesn’t mean you aren’t anxious to get your hands on as many details as possible beforehand, right? The Boy Genius has managed to procure a few mundane stacks of PowerPoint slides that just so happen to contain some pretty scrumptious information on the touchscreen-based BlackBerry, and while there aren’t any mind-melting surprises in there (like, confirmation that it can indeed read and reply correctly to each e-mail automatically), it’s not the kind of data any real RIM fan would want to overlook. Go on and hit the read link, what exactly are you waiting for?

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We’ve long since known that RIM’s BlackBerry Bold was AT&T bound, but in case you haven’t noticed, the rumored October 2nd release date has come and went, and there’s nary a Bold on any of AT&T’s store shelves. According to RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis, the handset is still undergoing testing at AT&T, suggesting that it wanted to avoid the complaints that arose when the newest iPhone hit in July. AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel remained mum on the subject when asked, only affirming that the handset would eventually be available this year. Ah well, you’ve been looking for a reason to vacation in Chile, haven’t you?

[Via phonescoop]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

In what can only be described as the fastest and most exhilarating one minute, twenty-two seconds of our lives, RIM and Vodafone have thrown together a promotional video for the upcoming Storm that touches on most of the handset’s high points: mobile music, GPS, desktop-grade browsing, streaming video, expandable memory, and — get this — voice and data (”it can do two things at once,” we’re triumphantly told). Now, bear in mind this is a Vodafone video, not Verizon, so that “two things at once” claim probably isn’t going to hold water when you’re hooked up to Big Red’s EV-DO Rev. A — but the remainder of the factoids in the flashy, seizure-inducing commercial should apply. Follow the break for the covertly-shot material, if your sensitive eyes can take the kind of sensory punishment that only this much primary color and enterprise compatibility can deliver.

[Via CrackBerry]

Continue reading BlackBerry Storm shows off in trippy Vodafone promo vid

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Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Let’s be straight: nothing says “I’m a successful businessperson” quite like a dock for your smartphone. You know, smack in the middle of that solid oak desk of yours — the one in the corner office. What, you say your fancy new BlackBerry Bold doesn’t have connections for a proper dock? Well, hell, you’ve got hair plugs, spray-on tan, and a house in the Hamptons you can’t afford, so why not take the charade to the next level? USB Fever’s fabulously generic $20 cradle for the Bold will at least charge the thing, but if you want to get all crazy and sync up with your PC, you’ve got to suffer the indignance of a USB cable (coiled for your convenience) flopping off the side. Should look real professional next to the red Swingline and that stupid “Teamwork” perpetual motion rowing thing of yours, sport. You know what we’re talking about.

[Via Gear Diary]

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