Just thought I'd share this info with my Blackberryforum compadres...enjoy.

New Product: BlackBerry 8800 — the Thinnest BlackBerry Yet


Archive


Volume 7 Issue 6 [February 12, 2007]


Handset includes global positioning system, Push to Talk, much more


AT&T will soon be the first wireless carrier in North America to launch the BlackBerry 8800, the thinnest BlackBerry device to date.

BlackBerry 8800
BlackBerry 8800


In partnership with Research In Motion, we will begin selling the model on Feb. 21.

The product will include the TeleNav GPS Navigator™, a built-in global positioning system, which is a first for a BlackBerry device that we sell.

With a new trackball navigation system, the 8800 supports our Push To Talk service, provides a media player and a microSD expandable memory slot for storage of music and videos.

And, the product offers a phone, e-mail, text messaging, Web browser, organizer, corporate data applications and more. The device operates on our high speed, nationwide EDGE network.

Innovative Design

"The BlackBerry 8800 represents the most innovative design to date for a full-keyboard BlackBerry handset," said Jeff Bradley, Vice President – Wireless Business Data Services. "It's thin and stylish and offers new features for increased productivity, without compromising the power and functionality that make BlackBerry an outstanding wireless communications tool for our customers."

The BlackBerry 8800 also comes with a wired headset, travel charger, holster, and USB cable included in the box.

Pricing and Availability

The product will be available for as low as $299.99 with a two-year commitment and after rebates. Customers will be able to buy it in our retail stores nationwide, on Cell phones and cell phone plans from Cingular Wireless and from our Business Markets Group sales organization.

Unlimited corporate e-mail access via BlackBerry is as low as $44.99 a month with a voice contract.

Customers interested in only unlimited personal e-mail access and Web browsing can choose the BlackBerry Personal Plan for as low as $29.99 a month with a voice contract.

Unlimited AT&T Push to Talk service is available for an additional monthly charge of $9.99 per device and $19.99 for Push to Talk Family. AT&T Push to Talk also features a pay-per-use option of $.15 per minute. TeleNav GPS Navigator is available for additional monthly charges of $5.99 for 10 trips and $9.99 for unlimited trips.

For more information, visit BlackBerry 8800® Smartphone Wireless Handled Device | Sleek Design with High Performance Features.

Now this is the stuff I like to see.

7 more days!

Sorry I couldn't get this out earlier, Gregg - my friend who works for Cing's corp office here in didn't feed me this info until this morning.

Looks like they will be having the orientation on the 8800 next week!

Received a similar email from our Cingular rep. detailing the whole thing.

I'm surprised the price point is the same as the 8700's was, honestly. I thought this one would fly for $349 w/2yr contract.

Very good to know.

Spoke with a Cingular/AT&T rep today. Here is what she said:
"I know we have the iPhone coming, but not any new Blackberries that I am aware of"
hahahahah - Cingy just doesnt get it......

Did your store tell you that they would not sell you a 8800 without a contract? If you have an account with Cingular, they can not refuse to sell you a 8800 if you are willing to pay full price.

I have always been able to buy any phone without extending my contract. I bought the Pearl the day it was introduced outright with no contract extension, I did the same with the 8700C.

They can refuse selling it if they have a small amount of quantity at launch. It depends on what dealership you deal with or if it is a corp. owned store.

I know from experiance that when a new product hits the sales floor, if they have less that X units (the amount depends what store it is) they will want to only sell it on a new data or voice act. Usually buying the product outright shouldnt be an issue though seeing that the stores make as much margin on an outright sale as a new voice activation.

I've always had good luck ordering new releases over the phone. I don't get them same day but Cingular tossed in FedEx 2-day for me when I ordered my 8700c on launch day.

Any word for us T-Mo'ers?

I am not saying you are wrong, but a person I deal with that is somewhat high in the regional corp. management for sales says the rules say if the customer is will to pay full retail price, you have got to sell it. Do not know who is right or worng but I have never had a store refuse to sell me a phone outright except Nextel. Even this might have changed now that Sprint owns them!

This is a hot mess.

Mods please delete their comments, or close this thread.

Hey untjoker, I can get you an 8800 from Cingular without a contract or renewal. I live in Oklahoma City and I will be able to get them on Monday. PM me if you're interested.

greggebhart.....i thought that was the case as well, but when the pearl came out i had a corporate tmo store in the mall refuse to sell me one at full price. i then called another store and they said that store was full of douchebags and even made me a better deal than full price. he told me to buy the pay-as-you-go version for 349 and it had a 100 rebate, PLUS a new sim card with like 100 minutes on it. So i guess it just really depends on the store management, not even corporate policy.

Done.

Let’s keep this on track please.

~MrKyoo

I just confirmed that there will be a leather holster included in the Cingular box. And that RIM could not develop a plastic holster that would NOT scratch the 8800.

arghhh wasted money buying the leather holster if that's true :(

Thanks!

Guys it looks as though I can get one or maybe two more of the 8800's. I have confirmed they will be available to me on MONDAY. 2 days before they are available in Cingular stores. My source is getting 8 of them and myself and a few other forum members have spoken for 6 of them. PM or pin me

Will
23EEB0DE

They are $499 + tax which would be a shade under $545 out the door. He usually throws in free car chargers too.