Cdma 8700?

[barjohn]

In speaking with a Cingular high level tech support person yesterday and talking about the advanced features in the Intel Hermon chip set he mentioned that in addition to UMTS/HSDPA support that the chip set also supports CDMA and that they expected Sprint and Verizon to have it next year. I don't know how accurate his information is but that is the rumor. Enjoy!

P.S. I have no way to verify this.

[southwestcomm]

I doubt a 8700 will sport an Intel chipset since Qualcom makes all CDMA chips. The latest Qualcom chipset, from what my RIM rep told me, is as fast as the new Intel chip.

P.S. - I can not verify this as well.

[barjohn]

There could either be a cross licensing agreement or the Qualcom chip could be one that only provides the baseband serivce and connects to the Intel ship. Since Intel has kept the information off of its web site it is hard to tell.

[abstractrude]

the cdma chipset does not do all processing. for example the cmda 7250 uses an arm9 processor. at least thats what i would understand it to be from an IT person standpoint.


ps. arm processors are licencsed, and built custom, but qualcomm cmda technology still should have little to do with math calculations by the device cpu

anen. http://www.arm.com/products/CPUs/families/ARM9Family.html

[barjohn]

Your assumption is correct. There are different levels of integration of the chips. Therefore it is possible to use the QUALCOM front end RF processor chip and connect it to the PXA9xx chip used in the 8700. Frankly, we need more info on the PXA9xx chip to be able to judge if or how it could be used with a CDMA processor.

[holywarrior74]

this would great new if we could verify, i have nextel now and i don't think the 8700 will be released on iden, and i would be willing to switch to the sprint side in order to get one

[abstractrude]

the 8xxx series phones are going to make it to every service. so dont worry :) there is too much money to be made !

[kmehling]

^yeah - the exclusive Cingular deal can only last for so long. We were taking bets at the office that we'll see the first CDMA 8xxx's by February. Perhaps not necessarily "available" but "in existence."

[NJBlackBerry]

My only caveat would be that Verizon Wireless is typically the last to sell a particular BB model. They were last to sell a color BB; last to have a BWC/BIS client; last with the 7100 form factor and I predict they'll be the last with a 8XXX. They were last with a few other things, but I've long since forgotten them.

[emale]

last with bluetooth (7100) lol :P

[T-Roy]

To be fair, the 7250 does have bluetooth, and now EVDO... so they were last to get the model, but first with hispeed networks..

[kmehling]

My only caveat would be that Verizon Wireless is typically the last to sell ANY NEW PRODUCT
That's my biggest fear, and I 'fixed' your quote for you...

[jlopatin]

In verizon's defense:

The 7130 is not JUST a 7100 form factor device like the others. It has a faster processor, more memory, and high speed access...


So really, they are ahead of the game for once.

-j

[whsbuss]

In verizon's defense:

The 7130 is not JUST a 7100 form factor device like the others. It has a faster processor, more memory, and high speed access...


So really, they are ahead of the game for once.

-j

Wow... you don't see defending VZ much around here! It also can be used as a tether device for your laptop with EVDO.

[JROCK2004]

I think that is the biggest thing. But yeah VZW is usually last

[Jase88]

My opinion is let RIM take their time in releasing the 8700 series to other technologies. There are bugs in the current EDGE version--and I'd prefer to see those issues fully resolved before I buy into the 8700....

My 7250 is just fine for me...I'm in no rush to "upgrade"....

[whsbuss]

My opinion is let RIM take their time in releasing the 8700 series to other technologies. There are bugs in the current EDGE version--and I'd prefer to see those issues fully resolved before I buy into the 8700....

My 7250 is just fine for me...I'm in no rush to "upgrade"....

I tend to agree. There are many on the forum who have complained about dust under the screen and other design problems.

[KonTiki]

Maybe we will get lucky and by the time they release it on CDMA it will be the 8700 in the old 7250 housing, now that coupled with EVDO will make me switch other than that I agree with whsbuss, my 7250 is doing nicely.

[tomryan]

Maybe we will get lucky and by the time they release it on CDMA it will be the 8700 in the old 7250 housing, now that coupled with EVDO will make me switch other than that I agree with whsbuss, my 7250 is doing nicely.

As do I, notwithstanding the fact that I still have about a year left on my 7250 contract. :smile:

[whsbuss]

I returned my 7250 because of its phone operation. I really love it for everything else. Now I have the 7130 and its great.

However, the 7250 is built well (solid housing vs. cheaper plastic) and is the mainstay of the blackberry line. I hope they do release a 8700-type device for CDMA built like the 7250. If/when they do, I will switch to the full QWERTY keyboard.

Its difficult being a crackberry addict!

[hondacrvaz]

My only caveat would be that Verizon Wireless is typically the last to sell a particular BB model. They were last to sell a color BB; last to have a BWC/BIS client; last with the 7100 form factor and I predict they'll be the last with a 8XXX. They were last with a few other things, but I've long since forgotten them.


No so fast Sprint still doesn't have a 71xx model I mean Sprint PCS not Sprint/Nextel Iden which does have one....

[jarthurs]

I gotta say, my 7250 works great for me. However, if RIM comes out with a 8700 with CDMA, I'm switching right away. It's only a matter of time though.

[KonTiki]

I wonder if Verizon could insist on the devices being built on the 7250 housing.

[whsbuss]

I wonder if Verizon could insist on the devices being built on the 7250 housing.

Now that would be sweet! I love the feel of the 7250 housing. And if the 8700 was available in that form I would immediately switch from my 7130.

[kregars]

I talked to an Executive for VZW for the DC Metro area today and inquired about the 8700. My reasoning is simple..I am hearing impaired (10% in one ear and less than 40% in the other) and my company will not allow us to make use of the 7130. He noted that they are infact in the final phase of testing before rollout, and they expect it to be avail mid Q2...not as a replacement for the 7250 or 7130, but as another option.

Pricing has not yet been set, but they expect it to be ~499 to fall in line with the other devices they have currently on the shelf.

As for the phone itself, he had no specifics on what would be included other than it does/will have the speakerphone capability. The model he had seen did NOT have polymorphic/MP3 ring tones, but that could still be implimented since the model he had seen was still in it's infantcy(sp). He also noted it was very similar in size to the 7250 but didnt look exactly like the offerings from other carriers that already have the 8700 (GSM/EDGE). He was certain that VZW would have a different naming scheme (not just call it the 8700, but maybe the 8750...he specifically stated 8770 but that could have been it's name for testing).

I'm looking forward to this as much as anyone...if not for the added functionality, then for the ability to hear it ring in the middle of the night. Having to have a second phone that rings loud that I have my work phone forwarded to a personal one is working, but expensive as a solution.

[apple85]

You know being a 7130e user after switching to Verizon from Cinuglar and using a Treo I really wanted the full keyboard but I'm just as fast if not faster in some cases with sure type. Yes granted sometimes I am not and would love the full keyboard, guess we'll just have to see when it comes out if they make it as appealing to hold to your ear as a 7130e.

[jmc]

Does anyone have an update on the 8700 for CDMA? I currently use the 7130e. I really like it, but after looking at a friend's 8700, the 7130e seems very "plastic" and "cheap." Just an opinion. I really like the solid feel of the 8700 and it is a bit more thin.

Thanks for the info!

[jarthurs]

They're probably waiting for the GSM's to slow down before they introduce a CDMA model.

[apple85]

It'd be great if we could get dual chip phones, ya know CDMA and GSM. Just so we could have the option of going GSM if we left the country. I'd definatly pay a good price for a phone like that!

[Teledatageek]

I am hearing Q3 from Verizon data folks.... I wish it was sooner! I have decided to stay with my 7250 until the 8700 comes out. 7130e not for me.

[whsbuss]

I am hearing Q3 from Verizon data folks.... I wish it was sooner! I have decided to stay with my 7250 until the 8700 comes out. 7130e not for me.

And if so, more likely mid-September.

[Teledatageek]

And if so, more likely mid-September.

I was thinking optimistically (but not realistically), July.

[hcheun]

Your assumption is correct. There are different levels of integration of the chips. Therefore it is possible to use the QUALCOM front end RF processor chip and connect it to the PXA9xx chip used in the 8700. Frankly, we need more info on the PXA9xx chip to be able to judge if or how it could be used with a CDMA processor.


Well to actually prove that cdma and intel chips work in harmony, look at the Audiovox/HTC mobile phones like the VX6700, that not only uses an intel chip processor , but it also is cdma EVDO. Samsung as well has the intel pxa272 bulverde processor as well as their leading history with cdma phones in the i730.

My point is, whether if the pxa9xx chip is going to be used or not, RIM is smart enough to use an Intel or Faster processor chip in their line for a CDMA 8700, so i have no reservations that CDMA and intel should work in harmony.

We all just have to wait and see, once Verizon and Sprint gets the green light to sell them , we just have to wait till whatever selling or contractual agreement rim has with the GSM carriers. 8-)

[stripesace]

I've heard one of the smaller CDMA carriers are looking for a summer/fall rollout of the 8700. They havnt seen one in the office yet, but they know they are coming.

[apple85]

My question is why did all the other rumour sites say the 8700 would be coming out for Verizon first with EVDO supported and then it came on out Cingular? A quick google search supports my question!

[whsbuss]

My question is why did all the other rumour sites say the 8700 would be coming out for Verizon first with EVDO supported and then it came on out Cingular? A quick google search supports my question!

Who knows..... that's why they're called rumors

[roofus]

I returned my 7250 because of its phone operation. I really love it for everything else. Now I have the 7130 and its great.

However, the 7250 is built well (solid housing vs. cheaper plastic) and is the mainstay of the blackberry line. I hope they do release a 8700-type device for CDMA built like the 7250. If/when they do, I will switch to the full QWERTY keyboard.

Its difficult being a crackberry addict!

I agree, but I would go further and hope for a 8700 type device with the keyboard and screen size of the 7700 series. I was using my wifes BB on the weekend ( a 7750), it was slow as could be but you cannot beat the big screen and keyboard. The very best form factor ever!!!!!(y)

[rjharary]

I agree, but I would go further and hope for a 8700 type device with the keyboard and screen size of the 7700 series. I was using my wifes BB on the weekend ( a 7750), it was slow as could be but you cannot beat the big screen and keyboard. The very best form factor ever!!!!!(y)


Whats good about the big form factor?

[jibi]

Whats good about the big form factor?
go talk to a female... ;-)

[rjharary]

Ok, spoke to one last night... I got it thanks!

[roofus]

[QUOTE=rjharary]Whats good about the big form factor?[/QUOTE. . .

But seriously folks:smile:

I like the 7750's:

Big Screen
Big keyboard
Big case (I get cramps in my thumb when scrolling a lot on a 7250 series (eg. reviewing a bunch of emails from annoying customers.)) It doesn't happen on the 7750 because I can extend my thumb into a more ergonomic position. The device just fits my hand better . . .and I would say my hands are average in size.

Einstein said: "Things should be made a simple as possible; but not simpler."

I say "BB's should be made as small as possible; but not smaller!"

[Jase88]

The 77xx's aren't that much bigger. The large screen is mostly accomodated by reducing the size of the keys and the spacing between the keys--thus making the keyboard more difficult to type on...

[roofus]

The 77xx's aren't that much bigger. The large screen is mostly accomodated by reducing the size of the keys and the spacing between the keys--thus making the keyboard more difficult to type on...

When I read your post, I went and got my wife's 7750. I was wrong about the Keyboard - it's the same size as the 7200 ketboards, but the keys are smaller making it more ergonomic from that change alone. Go get a 7750 or 7780 and try typing on it compared to a 8700 or 7200 and you will be astounded at how much better the 7700's are!!!!!(y)

Something for RIM to consider for the future!!!!!

[Bigmark173]

After speaking with the RIM Carrier Manager for Alltel, he indicated that an 8700 was coming, but had a Sept time frame.

[whsbuss]

After speaking with the RIM Carrier Manager for Alltel, he indicated that an 8700 was coming, but had a Sept time frame.

Same thing I heard for Verizon..... if/when is late summer 2006.