[dolo]

According to reports, a "chosen few" visitors to 3GSM this week got to see something special behind closed doors and under blood-signed NDAs (okay, maybe they didn't sign in blood): a prototype 3G BlackBerry that RIM is working on for release sometime later this year. Word is that, unlike most current BlackBerrys, which are staid business-only devices, the new one will be more smartphone-like, with the ability to run multimedia files, display Office documents and edit PowerPoint presentations (sounds like the focus is still mostly on business). The new model is expected to show up sometime in the second quarter for around $400, which will position it to compete directly with most Windows Mobile and Palm OS smartphones.

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/0...ws-up-at-3gsm/

Not sure if this was already posted, but Q2 is right around the corner...

Regards,
dolo

[go2duke]

You know.. even though this is very possible, having been with RIM for a long time and seen how they introduce products (note I am a Nextel user and thus get to watch painfully how they release products, 6510, 7510, 7520, 7100i), their MO has always been get the device line populated to all providers BEFORE creating something new. From history, about 6 months after getting them into nextel's hands, they release the new model to the big boys like Cingular and Rogers.

Example.. the 7100i was intro'd around late spring.. maybe March... Right about that exact time, the word spread on the impeeding 8700 line. Months go by and we learn Cingular gets it first, then rogers, orange and likely TMO, VRZ and/or Sprint (toss in the smaller providers I may have missed but I think all the band's are covered either way.

I will keep my "thumbs" crossed that you are correct just to give me some solice in the chance of getting a real fat 8700 with a stupid antenny hanging out the top.

-G2D

[dolo]

I hope the article is correct as well.

Given the way their site has developed over the last year. No longer is the consumer their secondary or even tertiary market (not looking at the #'s.) I believe that RIM feels the need to diversify their service offerings, products as well as customer base.

Regards,
dolo

[jibi]

This is most likely the 8707 UMTS 3G handheld set to hit Europe soon. There have been other rumors floating around concerning more consumer-friendly handhelds out by 3Q or 4Q this year, as well. I'm sure the R&D group at RIM have a plethora of ideas and prototypes, most of which will likely never see the light of day.

[dc/dc]

A UMTS device would be awesome. This would solve the problem of BB's in Japan (for T-Mobile USA customers anyway).

I took my Nokia 6630 with me on my trip to Singapore this past weekend, and data roaming worked flawlessly on both NTT DoCoMo and Vodafone KK W-CDMA/UMTS networks during my transit stop in Tokyo Narita.

Having said that, I will buy a UMTS BB if it has Quad-Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE in addition to the UMTS 2100 band.

[bigv]

BigV assures you that the device that is to come is very consumer oriented, even more so then the 7100 series. It will be introduced in early Second Quarter, depending on the outcome of the NTP Suit. It will be launching on Cingular in the US and Eventually make its way into Canada with Fido. This is NOT a bussiness device. Dont expect it to bear the name "blackberry". Its a whole new product that will be distanced from the existing line as far as possible. Only a few know about it here in Waterloo. Since the huge cleaning company scanadal and kids selling the 8700 Beta's at high schools. Its kept very quiet. BigV will return with more information and possibly a photo. No promises.

[stonent]

Darn, only UMTS, why not just jump over the competition and go to HSDPA?