Product delays are the greasy, disgusting lubricant that keep the wheels of the consumer electronics world turning, so when we hear of something being pushed back a week, a month, or a quarter, we really don't think much of it. Moving a launch
up, though -- well, that's a totally different ball game, and it always brings a smile to our faces. Word on the street had been that T-Mobile USA would take delivery of the luscious new Curve 8900
come February 18, but now we're hearing it's actually coming a week earlier on February 11, just in time to stuff RIM's latest hardware in your loved one's box of chocolates, bouquet, or gift basket of sundry sausages, cheeses, and jams. 'Course, WiFi and 3.2-megapixel cam might be enough to get you to dump your life partner flat on his / her / its ass, so don't blame us if this thing wrecks your otherwise happy home.
[Via
PhoneDog.com]
posted Jan 5th 2009 5:01PM
Can't wait. Although normally assumed for T-Mobile BlackBerry's, does this thing support UMA? The specs only say WiFi.
Thanks
Yes, this device does UMA. There will be another 3G version later in the year, probably close to August, which represents an evolution of the 9000/Bold, and which will also do UMA on T-Mobile USA at that point. That device will add the 1.7 GHz HSPA radio to the current 9000/Bold, as well as many of the improvements in the 8900: MicroUSB instead of MiniUSB, 3.2mp camera instead of 2.0, and 480x360 screen instead of 480x320. So in effect, that next model sort of blends the best of the 9000/Bold with the new 8900. A similar model, with the requisite CDMA/EVDO radios, will also become available for Sprint/Verizon probably a little earlier, around May.
Why so far out to get a version of the 9000 series?
If RIM can make a CDMA version of the Bold, surely they can make one capable of using the AWS band too without much difficulty, right?
I'm not complaining, just asking. :-)
Why so far? It's simply a matter of RIM making its first-ever 1.7 GHz radio device. I too would like for it to be available here in 1Q09, but the fact of the matter is that it will be closer to 3Q. Is there a chance of it being available by June? Sure, perhaps, but don't count on it.
^This from the same guy who stated that Blackberry's have been on EVDO since 2003. A grain of salt is a grain of salt wasted on this 'source'.
@Genius:
Why do you want a CDMA version of the Bold that's AWS-equipped? The only major carrier that uses it is T-Mobile, which of course is GSM. Unless you want to use this hypothetical AWS CDMA Bold on Cricket or MetroPCS, that thing would be completely pointless.
What an ironic username...
errrr forget what I said...I just reread your statement. I'm pretty sure there will be an AWS-capable this year--after all, when it comes down to it, it's just a different frequency.