NewsBlackBerry 8350i to Refresh Nextel iDEN Offering
Rumor site Boy Genius Report has posted an upcoming device roadmap for Sprint Nextel. While some of the dates are inaccurately, notably the close-to-launch Motorola Renegade V950, one product stands out as a major refresh to the Sprint Nextel family.
For years, Nextel users have only had one BlackBerry option; the 7100i. When the device launched, it was the flagship of the BlackBerry family, carrying a new (at the time) SureType keyboard, and a larger SIM card storage for contacts. However, no device has replaced the 7100i; it lacks the multimedia functions of the Pearl and Curve. Worse, without Sprint’s CDMA network, it has no high speed data option.
The 8350i is unofficially part of the Curve family. It features the Curve’s layout and keyboard, but will be marketed separately. Inside of the 8350i is two major improvements; BlackBerry 4.6 and Wi-Fi. These two features will give it all the multimedia functionality of a modern BlackBerry device. In addition, it features a 2.0 megapixel camera, but a variant will be offered with no camera.
Finally, the 8350i will do away with one common complaint about Nextel BlackBerries… the 8350i has no external antenna. Sprint expects to release the device around the end of the year.
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Awesome… but what on Earth took so long?
I work for a wireless provider in canada that uses the PTT function on our MiKe handsets.
We have MANY clients who have the 7100i, which is a very OLD device, and these clients are looking for new units.
Any idea when this will be available in Canada???
yeah it took em Way too long for this. i had the old 7100i when i had nextel and i was great. This looks promising
[...] BlackBerry 8350i to Refresh Nextel iDEN Offering Rumor site Boy Genius Report has posted an upcoming device roadmap for Sprint Nextel. While some of the dates are inaccurately, notably the close-to-launch Motorola Renegade V950, one product stands out as a major refresh to the Sprint Nextel family. For years, Nextel users have only had one BlackBerry option; the 7100i. When the device launched, […] [...]
I can’t wait! I’m counting the days and checking the Sprint website daily!
I am a 7100i user. I will be happy, if this new device was on the market today.
This phone seems awsome. I have been waiting for Nextel to come out with a smartphone with a full keyboard. Does anyone know when this phone comes out. Please tell me.
I want it…… now.
Sprint website shows the new 8350i now. Sprint announced today. The are just saying out by years end.
[...] addition, Sprint today confirmed that the BlackBerry 8350i, Sprint’s first Nextel iDEN BlackBerry in years, is a true Curve model. However, Sprint [...]
Does the 8350i have Microsoft activesync ?
I hope this is a hybrid phone with EvDO. If not, they just wasted a LOT of money for nothing.
Why would you put this “new” phone out if it doesn’t have hybrid and the EvDO?? Real dumb asses.
I think the Blackberry Curve 8350i is going to be a great phone! However, to add icing on the cake, I would give the backing of the phone a rubbery covering as well to make it more durable, the trademark of Nextel phones.
I am returning my Blackberry Curve and exchanging it the other new Sprint-Nextel Phone, the Renegade V950. It is a awesome phone and IS a hybrid phone with High Speed EVDO and the Nextel 2-way and a LOT more.
http://www.letsgomobile.org/en/3861/motorola-v950-renegade/
Its not a hybrid (8350i), so why did they even bother!
What is a Hybrid phone?
if your looking for a very great phone the v950 is the one to get. You wouldn’t belive what this phone can do. My words to you is see for yourself.
A motorola v950 is not exactly a hybrid phone. A hybrid phone would be any model in the “ic” series phones by motorola. The hybrid phones operate both the CDMA (Sprint) and the iDEN (Nextel) networks. One band is always connected to the iDEN network for the walkie-talkie calls and has another band always connected to the CDMA network for voice calls, the ic 502, ic402, ic602, and ic902 are considered hybrids because they use both technologies. The motoroal v950 however, is strictly a CDMA phone and uses the EVDO Rev A data speeds for the walkie-talkie calls and not the iDEN system. It is a 100% CDMA phone so it is not a hybrid but it is equipped with the technology to talk to iDEN Subscribers. These phones strictly on the CDMA networks do have can have some problems staying connected to the data network and many users complain about having to power cycle their phone once a day if not more to get the walkie talkie re-engaged to the network. Other than that, the Renegade v950 is a great phone.
If anyone has any questions regarding the new 8350i for Nextel or would like to be updated as the launch of the product approaches, please contact me directly and i will get you information as it is released. I can also assist with the pricing of the product for both individuals and businesses alike. For questions or informaiton, please contact me at cpowell@vazcom.net
does the nextel blackberry 8350i work on boost network too?