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Filed under: Handsets , RIM , Alltel , 1xRTT , GSM , GPRS , EDGE , EV-DO , CDMA They're a little late to the party , but it looks like Alltel has started slipping its own variant of RIM's BlackBerry 8830 World Edition into retail channels in the past few days. Thanks to a 900 / 1800MHz GSM radio packed in there beside the standard CDMA / EV-DO fare, the 8830 gives subscribers to CDMA carriers like Alltel a somewhat painless route to international roaming without juggling multiple handsets. The cameraless posterior means that the 8830's pretty much all business -- but with GPS in the mix, it's a darned good business to be in, we reckon. Check it for $250 on contract after rebates. [Via PhoneMag ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Filed under: Handsets , RIM , 1xRTT , GSM , GPRS , EDGE , EV-DO , CDMA It seems RIM's going full force with the "you can't have your cake and eat it too" rule with its new batch of devices, even though we're pretty sure we could have our cake and eat it too -- if only RIM would let us. If a slide deck over on Pinstack turns out to be legit, the next-gen Pearl and the 8300 Curve's slightly newer cousins will be available in carriers' choices of WiFi or GPS variants, but for whatever reason, never both. We're guessing RIM has some fancy explanation about battery drain or engineering issues, but whatever -- we can think of plenty of devices that do both with aplomb, so we're not too happy about the whole mess. As the Curves go, the 8310 will do GPS while the 8320 will pack the 802.11b/g action, but the devices' internals are otherwise unchanged from the original. The Pearl 2 meanwhile has a more expansive list of updates from its predecessor, stepping up to a 2 megapixel camera, an honest-to-goodness 3.5mm headphone jack, and "new firm keypad technology" ( yay !) among other things. In the Pearl's case, network determines the add-on feature: GSM gets WiFI (probably to make up for the agony of EDGE) while CDMA gets GPS. Look for all of these to hit well before the year's out. Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Filed under: Handsets , Pantech , ATT , Helio , 1xRTT , GSM , GPRS , EDGE , EV-DO , Apple Let's face it, the comparisons between (insert phone here) and Apple's handset began long ago, and now that the thing is actually in customers' hands, the potshots are likely to start flying at mach speed. Enter Helio , who has already felt it necessary to create a comparison chart essentially showing off the areas in which the Ocean is stronger (or at least more attractive) than the iPhone . Quite frankly, the chart does make a few good points, most notably around the iPhone's lack of GPS, strangely omitted MMS ability, and the obligatory removable battery; of course, we personally aren't offended nor joyous about "MySpace integration," but we suppose it could sway some folks tweens one way or another. We know you're anxious to see just what Helio has to say about the strong competition, and while the chart doesn't seem quite as hostile as the apparently bitter Helio salesman we ran into earlier today , be sure to give it a read after the break. Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Filed under: Handsets , RIM , Telus Mobility , 1xRTT , GSM , EV-DO , CDMA Telus customers who can't part with their BlackBerry when they travel across the pond could rest easy when the 8830 was listed as coming soon on their website. As of yesterday, the price was $199 with a three year contract, had a 50% discount on international roaming through October, and was launching June 22. As of today, though, it was changed to $499.99 (ouch) with a three year contract and they removed the launch date. No word on what caused the surge in pricing but inquiring minds want to know. What gives, Telus? [Via BlackBerry Sync ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Filed under: Handsets , Features , RIM , Verizon Wireless , 1xRTT , GSM , EV-DO , CDMA Even though it just became available for consumers, Verizon has had its latest 'Berry available to business customers for some time now. Thanks to our favorite parcel carrier, we're able to bring to you The Network's latest pony into the BlackBerry stable, the 8830 . Now even though this is a dual band 800 / 1900 CDMA device with a splash of 900 / 1800 GSM designed for international roaming, we think this device could be a big hit for most BlackBerry customers of Verizon even if they aren't travelers -- read on to find out why. There are few cosmetic changes between this version and those of the Cingular and T-Mobile besides the color schemes. Something about this version's silver finish really makes it look svelte and there wasn't as much of a fingerprint issue like with the black version. Blackberry decided to throw in a media center where users can listen to music, watch videos, view pictures and select ringtones all from their microSD memory card. This version supports up to 2GB worth of expandable memory. Overall, this is a welcome addition for CDMA users, thanks to the smaller form factor, better battery life, more vivid display and enhancements to BlackBerry OS 4.2 not found on current Verizon BlackBerrys. The keys do seem to offer up a little less tactile feedback than the 8703 (nothing will ever replace the 7250 , right, folks?) but the trackball is a fantastic addition over the jog dial. If anyone else was lucky enough to get one before today's launch date, let us know what you think of it! Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Filed under: Handsets , RIM , Verizon Wireless , 1xRTT , GSM , EV-DO , CDMA There appears to be light at the end of the proverbial dark tunnel for customers of Verizon Wireless -- non-business channel ones, anyway -- who attempt to satisfy their "Crackberry" addiction. Sources suggest that The Network should be ramping up for consumer launch of the globe trottin' BlackBerry 8830 for Monday May 28. Yep, that's only a few short days from now. Better start saving those pennies now, especially at the $400.00 price with a two year contract.. [Thanks, HTC Kid]