Cingular launches BlackBerry 7130c

Today Cingular officially took the wraps off their release of the BlackBerry 7130c, the latest SureType message machine from RIM that we were expecting an announcement at any moment. It'll come with the usual 64MB flash and 16MB RAM, a not-quite-QVGA 240 x 260 display, and EDGE data with rates ranging from between $29.99 to $49.99 monthly. Of course, Cingular has another thing coming if they think a 7130c is going to get people to fork over up to $50 a month for unlimited data when even Verizon sells voice and unlimited EV-DO for $80 on the Q, and is asking the same $200 for their phone. Guess Cingular will have until June 12 to think it over before it hits the street.

[Via Pinstack]

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 8th 2006 11:03AM]

Id get it if i could just put it on a normal plan i dont need edge or anything i just need something with a huge phonebook seeing as i have 400 contacts (I party ALOT!) and something to jot down quick notes a nice keyboard for SMS cingular needs to stop screwing people for High speed acess

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 8th 2006 12:11PM]

I am confused. I thought Verizon's cheapest unlimited data usage was $79.99/month. Why does Engadget say "... if they think a 7130c is going to get people to fork over $50 a month for unlimited data when even Verizon does it cheaper with the Q ..."?

Is Verizon running a special in unlimited data plans? Please let me know.

Quote:
"Of course, Cingular has another thing coming if they think a 7130c is going to get people to fork over $50 a month for unlimited data when even Verizon does it cheaper with the Q, and is asking the same $200 for the phone."

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 8th 2006 1:21PM]

Cingular doesn't offer a combined BlackBerry/voice plan like Verizon does, so unlimited BlackBerry costs an additional $45 on top of a voice plan (though it can also be used without a voice plan.)

The cheapest Verizon BlackBerry/voice plan is $79.99/month which includes 450 min and unlimited data. The same features with Cingular would be $84.98/monthly.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 8th 2006 1:35PM]

we just got these in the store today and they feel alot better in your hand then the 7100 does. its nice and light and a perfect candybar phone that also happens to do everything you need for a blackberry.

[DonaldMick Posted Jun 8th 2006 2:03PM]

If you're not going to need a BES, Cingular's launching a "personal" Blackberry service for $29.99/month when the 7130 comes out - I believe the press release mentions this as well.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 8th 2006 5:05PM]

Okay, so I have to pay $5 more to get blackberry access EVERYWHERE? Plus 130 of my favorite countries? Gee, that sure sucks. I think most business people, which is the primary market for BlackBerry would gladly pay $5 more for a device that works far more places.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 8th 2006 6:30PM]

cingular is getting ready to roll out new blackberry plans that are going to be cheaper then verizon also. a 29.99 plan if you have a 39.99 or higher voice plan. on 6-12-06

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 8th 2006 6:45PM]

The big problem with Cingular is their lack of 3G service. They have been way too slow to roll that out.

It's sad; Verizon has had their 3G out for over 2 years now, and Sprint has had their 3G out for about a year. But Cingular lags far behind.

So the big deal with the Q vs this BB is this: With the Q you can surf at broadband speeds; with the Q you can stream video (like with the Sling Box) and audio (like with XM and Sirius). With the Q, large attachments download a lot faster.

Bottom line: Cingular needs to roll out 3G fast, or else suffer a huge competitive disadvantage.