Author: Ryan Layton
Deafpagers.com Blog Staff
The latest version of RIM’s BlackBerry device is now available from AT&T (formerly Cingular). Known as the BlackBerry 8800, it incorporates features formerly found across the BlackBerry line into a new flagship model. Here is a quick preview of what you can expect from the 8800.
- Pearl-style trackball- Thinner form factor
- Media player software- MicroSD card slot
- Built-in GPS
- New hi-capacity 1400mAH removeable battery
The 8800 incorporates the new pearl-like trackball that gave the Pearl its name - making for easier one-handed navigation. Because RIM no longer uses its traditional thumb wheel, it is able to make BlackBerries even thinner. The 8800 is about 30% thinner than the 8700c, but it is slightly longer, and still is able to retain the signature BlackBerry QWERTY keyboard, with redesigned keys. The new battery apparently weighs more because the two devices weigh about the same.
Other new innovations on this flagship BlackBerry are the integrated MicroSD (different from the Sidekick 3’s MiniSD format) card slot, and built-in GPS chip. The new BlackBerry Media Player allows you to take advantage of the MicroSD slot to load your music and movies on your 8800 - allowing you to play MP3 and AAC music formats, and watch MPEG4 and WMV videos while on the go. You will also be able to subscribe to AT&T’s GPS service for an additional fee, allowing you to map your routes using the built-in GPS chip in the 8800. Other software on the 8800 include the popular BlackBerry Instant Messenger, giving you access to Yahoo! Messenger and GoogleTalk messaging networks.
The BlackBerry 8800 appears to combine the best from the Pearl and 8700 into a new slim device that allows you access to quad-band GSM/GPRS and EDGE networks internationally, with all the traditional BlackBerry functionality that you’ve grown to rely on, and adds some new features like expandable memory, GPS navigation, trackball navigation, and longer battery life. Stay tuned for our hands-on review to see if the 8800 really does live up to its flagship status.
More info: http://www.blackberry8800.com/
Live demo: http://www.blackberry8800.com/8800demo/
To purchase: http://www.deafpagers.com
13 responses so far ↓
1 Rob Koch // Feb 23, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Hey Ryan,
Thanks for a very insightful review. Will it allow us to view VRS messages?
-rob
2 Deaf258 // Feb 23, 2007 at 10:49 pm
What?! No camera?
3 Wayne Barth // Feb 26, 2007 at 4:13 pm
this is wayne I’m deaf so Blackberry 8800 is good for deaf??
let me know
wayne
4 admin // Mar 7, 2007 at 8:49 am
Rob: Thanks. As far as I can find out (without actually using one) - it seems that the only way you can get video on the 8800 is by syncing with a computer.
Deaf258: Remember, this is a business-oriented device, and many businesses do not like people with portable cameras. However, I have read that there may be a 8800 variant coming out with a camera later.
Wayne: DeafPagers.com is a deaf-owned and operated business that sells products for deaf and hard of hearing consumers. We expect that the 8800 will be very nice for deaf users - the BlackBerry series has been popular with deaf people since the Wyndtell (RIM 900, 850, 950, etc.) days.
5 Deaf Roch // Mar 18, 2007 at 10:03 am
Wayne,
Yes these blackberry devices are popular for deaf and hard of hearing people. In fact, a large number of formerly sidekick owners in Rochester (NY) start to defect to Blackberry devices.
Speaking of a QWERTY provided BlackBerry 8830 with a camera will market sometimes this year. Here is a further link:
(Links removed by Admin.)
6 admin // Mar 20, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Deaf Roch: Thanks for the links. However, the article above discusses the just-released BlackBerry 8800 from AT&T. You’re linking to some rumors regarding a completely different BlackBerry model, the 8300 series, which has not been announced or released.
7 Pepe // Apr 12, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Suh-weet! Built in GPS! Sounds good for a guy who like to do a lot of traveling. No camera, that’s okay, 1.3mp is somewhat mediocre. Wouldn’t it be nice if it was a 5.0mp with zoom?? Think about that, no need to carry a digicam anymore, ah, that’s the dream!
8 jfe // Apr 13, 2007 at 9:28 pm
Hi Ryan,
Will T-mobile offer Blackberry 8800 with unlimited data plan? Let me know. Thanks
9 admin // Apr 23, 2007 at 6:21 pm
jfe: Good news. Today T-Mobile now has the 8800 with unlimited data for $30/mo. It’ll be up on the deafpagers.com site soon.
10 shadowman // Apr 29, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Hi! How r u?
nice site!
11 barb // May 9, 2007 at 7:03 am
hello there… i have been shopping around and i believe this model is similar to Blackjack ?? and the only drawback i got when testing it out was that the keys are really too small for me.. anyone having that problem?? i kept punching 2 keys instead of one…….thanks
12 Cristina // Oct 5, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Can anyone tell me what the icons mean on the Blackberry messenger (small clock, the 3 lines and the red x)? I assume the x is when you mark the phone unavailable, but what causes the clock or lines to show up??? Please advise.
I typed my friend’s email address incorrectly in the last email… please respond to this one!!! Thanks!
13 Morgan // Nov 26, 2007 at 11:23 am
i want the new blackberry. i have cingular. do they cell for cingular? if so how much are they and where can i get one?
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