BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community
     

»Sponsored Links


BlackBerryApps.com Best Sellers



Closed Thread
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
  (#1 (permalink)) Old
jsplit Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
jsplit's Avatar
 
Posts: 123
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: East Coast
Model: 8310
PIN: 2432499F
Carrier: ATT
Exclamation Official Release - 8820 - 07-17-2007, 05:00 PM

RIM launches dual-mode cellular, Wi-Fi BlackBerry
Tue Jul 17, 2007 4:51PM EDT


TORONTO (Reuters) - BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. announced a new model of its ubiquitous smartphone on Tuesday, this one able to operate on both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

The dual-mode BlackBerry 8820, as the device is known, will be launched by AT&T in the United States later this summer, the company said.

"The BlackBerry 8820 complements our carrier partners' cellular networks with the added ability to stay connected via Wi-Fi at home, through hotspots and corporate campuses," RIM co-Chief Executive Mike Lazaridis said in a statement.


RIM launches dual-mode cellular, Wi-Fi BlackBerry | Technology | Reuters


Jon Edmunds
[email address]
Senior Technical Consultant
Boxtone
http://www.boxtone.com

Last edited by jsplit : 07-17-2007 at 05:05 PM.
   
Sponsored Links
Please Login or Register to Remove these Advertisements!

  (#2 (permalink)) Old
EmptyInTheHead Offline
Talking BlackBerry Encyclopedia
 
Posts: 234
Join Date: May 2007
Model: 8830
PIN: N/A
Carrier: Verizon
Default 07-17-2007, 04:11 PM

That's cool news. That means us CDMA carrier people will only have about 2 more years to wait before we get it
   
  (#3 (permalink)) Old
BBChristopher Offline
CrackBerry Addict
 
BBChristopher's Avatar
 
Posts: 646
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Dutchess County, NY
Model: 9000
OS: 5.0
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-17-2007, 04:16 PM

Sweet! It's official!


24A3F370 (9000)
East Coast Shoutin!!!!!!
"Imagine the Possibilities", Run Silent..Run Swift
850, 950, 957, 7100, 7130, 8100, 8800, 8310, 9000
   
  (#4 (permalink)) Old
JRSCCivic98 Offline
No longer Registered.
 
Posts: 697
Join Date: Jul 2007
Model: 8830
PIN: N/A
Carrier: *
Default 07-17-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by EmptyInTheHead View Post
That's cool news. That means us CDMA carrier people will only have about 2 more years to wait before we get it
Not only that, but then Verizon will be the only carrier to disable the WiFi capability because they couldn't find a way to charge you air time while you use it.
   
  (#5 (permalink)) Old
EmptyInTheHead Offline
Talking BlackBerry Encyclopedia
 
Posts: 234
Join Date: May 2007
Model: 8830
PIN: N/A
Carrier: Verizon
Default 07-17-2007, 04:37 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by JRSCCivic98 View Post
Not only that, but then Verizon will be the only carrier to disable the WiFi capability because they couldn't find a way to charge you air time while you use it.
If AT&T didn't suck so bad in my area I would switch to them in a second. They get all the cool toys first. I'm so jealous.
   
  (#6 (permalink)) Old
jeremyckitching Offline
BlackBerry B Boy
 
jeremyckitching's Avatar
 
Posts: 4,228
Join Date: Apr 2007
Model: 8900
OS: 5.0.0.314
PIN: 24ADD390
Carrier: T-Mobile U.S.A.
Default 07-17-2007, 04:42 PM

Nice. I hope this means that T-Mobile will be getting the 8320 in August (and the 8820 at some point) . They HAVE to get a better phone for that @Home service. The two that are out now are Doo Doo.


Kitching IT Consulting: Computer services in Gainesville and surrounding areas

Last edited by jeremyckitching : 07-17-2007 at 04:44 PM.
   
  (#7 (permalink)) Old
mdonders Offline
Talking BlackBerry Encyclopedia
 
mdonders's Avatar
 
Posts: 212
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Staten Island
Model: 8700g
PIN: 23DD311D
Carrier: T-Mobile
Default 07-17-2007, 05:15 PM

Wonder if this is Wifi + GPS?


Blackberry 8800 v4.5.0.108
PIN - 23DD311D
T-Mobile (Service stinks, prices are great!)

Click here for Free Money! - Yea its free.
   
  (#8 (permalink)) Old
jsplit Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
jsplit's Avatar
 
Posts: 123
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: East Coast
Model: 8310
PIN: 2432499F
Carrier: ATT
Default 07-17-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdonders View Post
Wonder if this is Wifi + GPS?
It is.


Jon Edmunds
[email address]
Senior Technical Consultant
Boxtone
http://www.boxtone.com
   
  (#9 (permalink)) Old
CarBob Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
CarBob's Avatar
 
Posts: 155
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Model: 8330
Carrier: Bell Mobility
Arrow 07-17-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdonders View Post
Wonder if this is Wifi + GPS?
YES.

See: Research In Motion

CarBob


NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT !
   
  (#10 (permalink)) Old
Berry One Offline
CrackBerry Addict
 
Posts: 996
Join Date: Oct 2005
Model: 8220
Carrier: WiFi hotspot
Default 07-17-2007, 06:14 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdonders View Post
Wonder if this is Wifi + GPS?
Yes, but same carriers which disable GPS in 8800 today for sure will do the same for 8820.
   
  (#11 (permalink)) Old
joespys Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
joespys's Avatar
 
Posts: 128
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Chicago
Model: 8800
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-17-2007, 10:42 PM

wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! iPhone who? This is exactly what I've been waiting for!


BlackBerry Evolution
BB 8700C > BB Pearl > > BB 8800 >> Storm >> 8310 >> 8900

Once you go BlackBerry! !
AT&T Wireless > Cingular > AT&T??
   
  (#12 (permalink)) Old
Jagga Offline
CrackBerry Addict
 
Jagga's Avatar
 
Posts: 565
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto
Model: N/A:(
Carrier: Rogers Wireless
Default 07-18-2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by joespys View Post
wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! iPhone who? This is exactly what I've been waiting for!
DAMN STraight!

Took the words RIGHT outta my mouth!

OK so I've got no BBpearl anymore & on a SE K790 liking audio ... now pennies saved for this.

WHO"S importing unlocked??!!!


Looking for that perfect signature, hmm.
Senior help desk administrator (rim_db_admin_sr_helpdesk)
   
  (#13 (permalink)) Old
CrackBerry Addict
 
coldconfession13's Avatar
 
Posts: 891
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: san antonio,tx
Model: 8900
OS: 5.0.0.190
Carrier: tmobile
Default 07-18-2007, 08:32 AM

I remember I left a tip on engadget about at&t getting it when they first posted about it and they didn't take me seriously. I hope they do now
   
  (#14 (permalink)) Old
netPOSER Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
netPOSER's Avatar
 
Posts: 183
Join Date: Jun 2005
Model: 8100
Carrier: Cingular
Default 07-18-2007, 08:36 AM

Since this has WiFi will users be able to seamlessly switch between Edge and WiFi? And will they be able to send/receive email on the WiFi connection?

If so, whats the route of the messages from the BES to the device? Will the BES be updated to handle internal traffic without going through RIM's NOC? Straight from the BES to the device? What about a public WiFi hotspot or your home WiFi?


We have a horrible time with connectivity in our building. This would be unreal to be able to stay connected inside the bowels of our office building.
   
  (#15 (permalink)) Old
jojo6 Offline
Knows Where the Search Button Is
 
jojo6's Avatar
 
Posts: 24
Join Date: May 2005
Model: 7250
Carrier: Verizon
Default 07-18-2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by JRSCCivic98 View Post
Not only that, but then Verizon will be the only carrier to disable the WiFi capability because they couldn't find a way to charge you air time while you use it.
Its funny because its true
   
  (#16 (permalink)) Old
takeshi Offline
BlackBerry Mensa
 
takeshi's Avatar
 
Posts: 7,442
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Houston
Model: 8310
Carrier: at&t
Default 07-18-2007, 09:04 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Berry One View Post
Yes, but same carriers which disable GPS in 8800 today for sure will do the same for 8820.
Which carriers have disabled the 8800's GPS?

Quote:
Originally Posted by netPOSER View Post
And will they be able to send/receive email on the WiFi connection?
That's been the question all along. I don't think anyone knows for certain.

Last edited by takeshi : 07-18-2007 at 09:07 AM.
   
  (#17 (permalink)) Old
triton45 Offline
New Member
 
Posts: 4
Join Date: Jul 2005
Model: 7290
Carrier: Cingular
Default 07-18-2007, 09:34 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by netPOSER View Post
Since this has WiFi will users be able to seamlessly switch between Edge and WiFi? And will they be able to send/receive email on the WiFi connection?

If so, whats the route of the messages from the BES to the device? Will the BES be updated to handle internal traffic without going through RIM's NOC? Straight from the BES to the device? What about a public WiFi hotspot or your home WiFi?


We have a horrible time with connectivity in our building. This would be unreal to be able to stay connected inside the bowels of our office building.
According to this - looks like all kinds of wi-fi (home/hotspot/work) are going to be supported.

Press release (someone else posted the link earlier)

The smartphone works in conjunction with both BlackBerry® Enterprise Server and BlackBerry® Internet Service and can seamlessly switch between cellular networks and a Wi-Fi network to allow users to access email, Instant Messaging, organizer, web browsing and other mobile data applications.
   
  (#18 (permalink)) Old
netPOSER Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
netPOSER's Avatar
 
Posts: 183
Join Date: Jun 2005
Model: 8100
Carrier: Cingular
Default 07-18-2007, 09:39 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by triton45 View Post
According to this - looks like all kinds of wi-fi (home/hotspot/work) are going to be supported.

Press release (someone else posted the link earlier)

The smartphone works in conjunction with both BlackBerry® Enterprise Server and BlackBerry® Internet Service and can seamlessly switch between cellular networks and a Wi-Fi network to allow users to access email, Instant Messaging, organizer, web browsing and other mobile data applications.
Kinda vague though. No mention of BES and how Exchange/Notes will work with WiFi on an internal AP and external AP's.
   
  (#19 (permalink)) Old
MadhatterPDC Offline
Knows Where the Search Button Is
 
Posts: 24
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: MA
Model: 8800
PIN: N/A
Carrier: Cingular/AT&T
Default 07-18-2007, 09:52 AM

I JUST. Bought an 8800, and I am seriously interested in an 8820. Has anoyne heard an official specific release date? What about 3G?
   
  (#20 (permalink)) Old
JEEPers Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
Posts: 68
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: NJ
Model: 9000
OS: 4.5.0.167
PIN: 24A71047
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-18-2007, 10:46 AM

I wonder if we can retrofit the WiFi capabilities? I have a 8800 now but if the parts for WiFi is available and u can install the additional functionality yourself, then that is pretty cool.
   
  (#21 (permalink)) Old
Kane317 Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
Posts: 52
Join Date: Mar 2007
Model: 9000
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-18-2007, 11:40 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by JEEPers View Post
I wonder if we can retrofit the WiFi capabilities? I have a 8800 now but if the parts for WiFi is available and u can install the additional functionality yourself, then that is pretty cool.
Yes, I would totally be interested also since I bought mine two months ago.
   
  (#22 (permalink)) Old
HaTaX Offline
CrackBerry Addict
 
Posts: 657
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Minnesota
Model: 8900
OS: 5.0.0.314
Carrier: T-Mobile
Default 07-18-2007, 01:12 PM

VZW has disabled the GPS on the 8830 they're offering.

And BES connectivity won't be an issue, on wifi it hooks up to your carrier to simulate traffic going through them. Even so all BES to blackberry communication is handled by their routers that the BES server stays connected to 24/7, all you need is an internet connection to get to that BB router and the handheld would have that access on the wifi side.

I am very anxious for this and hope that even if it does come out for AT&T first, that it can be unlocked AND still use the UMA services with T-Mo's @Home offering.
   
  (#23 (permalink)) Old
Bon Offline
New Member
 
Posts: 1
Join Date: Jul 2007
Model: 8820
PIN: N/A
Carrier: AT&T
Default Another Newbie Question - 07-18-2007, 05:07 PM

Please forgive me but I'm holding out for the 8820 with Wi-Fi but I can't tell if I will need to subscribe to a data plan or Blackberry Internet Service Plan just to have the Wi-Fi enabled. I'm really only interested in surfing whenever I find Wi-Fi hot spots but I'm not interested in paying for a service plan for the little surfing that I'll likely be doing.
   
  (#24 (permalink)) Old
benisntfunny Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
Posts: 68
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Des Plaines
Model: 8800
PIN: 23FDBBE4
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-18-2007, 05:12 PM

I don't see what's so hot about the 8820? For me the WiFi is not a big deal since usually I use my Blackberry in places where WiFi is not available. When WiFi is available I'm using a laptop or desktop. If it had some other features like 3G, OBEX, native HTML or email rendering, which it doesn't, I'd be more interested.
   
  (#25 (permalink)) Old
Vassago Offline
New Member
 
Posts: 2
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Athens, Greece
Model: 8800
Carrier: Vodafone GR
Default 07-18-2007, 05:41 PM

8820 is posted officialy in the european blackberry sites!
but not on the US site yet!

BlackBerry - BlackBerry 8820 smartphone

BlackBerry® 8820 Smartphone Wireless Handled Device | Sleek Design with High Performance Features | Wi-Fi

according to that it will be provided from start only from Orange in UK and France!

maybe Orange will be the first to provide the WiFi BB plan
   
  (#26 (permalink)) Old
AndrewAZ Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
Posts: 150
Join Date: Jul 2007
Model: 8830
PIN: N/A
Carrier: Sprint
Default 07-18-2007, 05:54 PM

I dont see the big deal with Wi-Fi in a phone, the phone isnt powerful enough to get the speed advantage of Wi-Fi over EVDO. I had a PPC 6800 with Wi-Fi and it was only a tad faster than EVDO service. Now I understand ATT will need this since they lack the EVDO coverage that Verizon and Sprint has.

Just today on my new BB 8830 I tested 1.2mbps which is a jump up from 600-800kbps that the Treo 755p I had prior since again the phone is the limiting factor on speed.
   
  (#27 (permalink)) Old
joespys Offline
Thumbs Must Hurt
 
joespys's Avatar
 
Posts: 128
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Chicago
Model: 8800
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-18-2007, 11:10 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by AndrewAZ View Post
I dont see the big deal with Wi-Fi in a phone, the phone isnt powerful enough to get the speed advantage of Wi-Fi over EVDO. I had a PPC 6800 with Wi-Fi and it was only a tad faster than EVDO service. Now I understand ATT will need this since they lack the EVDO coverage that Verizon and Sprint has.

Just today on my new BB 8830 I tested 1.2mbps which is a jump up from 600-800kbps that the Treo 755p I had prior since again the phone is the limiting factor on speed.
Well this is a huge improvement over the EDGE network - so I'm happy with it. . . . .


BlackBerry Evolution
BB 8700C > BB Pearl > > BB 8800 >> Storm >> 8310 >> 8900

Once you go BlackBerry! !
AT&T Wireless > Cingular > AT&T??
   
  (#28 (permalink)) Old
jeremy Offline
Talking BlackBerry Encyclopedia
 
jeremy's Avatar
 
Posts: 275
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: US
Model: 8900
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-18-2007, 11:17 PM

WiFi is surely faster than EDGE but I agree that the device probably can't render quickly enough to make a significant difference in the user experience.

I see the WiFi as useful with UMA so that the device's phone and data can be used where the carrier's signal is less than useful which may be useful in keeping carrier's services useful.

Related article:
Enterprise customers turn to WLAN if cell carriers don't do the job | BlackBerry Cool
   
  (#29 (permalink)) Old
JG in SB Offline
Talking BlackBerry Encyclopedia
 
JG in SB's Avatar
 
Posts: 249
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Model: 9000
OS: 4.6.0.221
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-24-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by netPOSER View Post
Since this has WiFi will users be able to seamlessly switch between Edge and WiFi? And will they be able to send/receive email on the WiFi connection?

If so, whats the route of the messages from the BES to the device? Will the BES be updated to handle internal traffic without going through RIM's NOC? Straight from the BES to the device? What about a public WiFi hotspot or your home WiFi?


We have a horrible time with connectivity in our building. This would be unreal to be able to stay connected inside the bowels of our office building.

I have been doing some research on UMA, which stands for "Unlicensed Mobile Access" and is the standard that all of these next generation Wi-Fi hybrid phones will be using. The "unlicemsed" part has to do with the fact that the transmission is occuring on radio spectrum that is not licensed to carries by the FCC.

Basically, your phone will treat the Wi-Fi networks that you have pre-authorized it to use as if they are additional little cellular towers. Your phone will use the WAP in your house/office to send its signal to a special back-end device at AT&T (or whoever your carrier happens to be) in an IPSEC encrypted data tunnel. The carrier will handle your data at the receiving point in exactly the same manner as if it was coming in through one of their cell towers. So if this works as described, your BES will have no idea whether it is communicating w/ your device via the cellular network, or via your Wi-Fi access points. As a result, it should continue to work exactly the same way that it does via the existing EDGE connection.

Initial reports I have read of people using the T-mobile UMA service (with their crappy selection of only two phones) say that the transition from the cellular network to the Wi-Fi network is seemless, and they and their callers have no idea the switch is occuring. It makes sense too that you would have great call quality via a Wi-Fi connection, when you consider that even a poor 802.11b connection has something like 100 times the bandwidth of a fantastic EDGE connection. Should be a big benefit for E-mails (especially when you want to get the attachments), multimedia files etc.

This is truly unbelievably cool, and will solve a major problem I have with reception at my home. I am only able to get 3 bars of service most times, and this is plenty for continuing to get E-mails etc. but sometimes trouble on calls. However, I have an awesome Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g network set up, and an 8820 will seemlesly "hand-off" to this network when I am in/near my home. That should give me perfect coverage.

Now I am just concerned about whether or not an 8820, with the additional antenna, will continue to have the same epic battery life that I currently enjoy with my 8800. We'll see.


Jarrett Gorin
Santa Barbara, California
USA

Last edited by JG in SB : 07-24-2007 at 04:42 PM.
   
  (#30 (permalink)) Old
davcho64 Offline
Knows Where the Search Button Is
 
davcho64's Avatar
 
Posts: 29
Join Date: Jul 2007
Model: 8830
PIN: N/A
Carrier: Verizon
Default 07-25-2007, 07:07 AM

I hope this isn't a silly question... Does AT&T support UMA? I thought only TMO offered UMA support at this time. If AT&T supports UMA, it would really make it a much better choice for me in my area. Unfortunately, TMO has a very weak presence where I live. Also, anyone know when AT&T usually releases new phones, like what day of the week? My 30 day trial is going to be up soon, and I would much prefer a WiFi enabled phone over the crippled Verizon BB I am using now.
   
  (#31 (permalink)) Old
RukRem Offline
Knows Where the Search Button Is
 
Posts: 17
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Staten Island, NY
Model: 8830
PIN: N/A
Carrier: Sprint
Default WIFI in a BB??? WHO IS BRAVE ENOUGH TO ADMIT.... - 07-25-2007, 09:40 AM

Ok so riddle me this... The new BB 8820 has WIFI. That is great news! Iphone Killer right? WRONG! What is the point to have wifi when the BB utilizes a browser that cannot possibly maximize the speeds gained by using wifi. Not to mention that most java/ quicktime and flash sites cannot be viewed. What are we really gaining except another way for a carrier to bill us for services that we do not need. I know your saying to yourself at this point, "but wifi is free, this guy is a NEWB!" Yes that is true, but you know they (Mobile phone monsters) will offer a 'SKYPE' type calling plan for only $15.00 a month that seemlessly switches bewteen celluar and wifi, ...BLA BLA BLA, it still wont work right... or offer more downloadable (pay) services catered for the BB's limited internet browsing capabilities. Great we can spend $2.00 per song faster now!!! At least the iphone's internet browser (safari) can view real pages and do real internet browsing in an enjoyable GUI. I think BG said it best on his page when he said, "Apple is crushing the competition right now and all of their competitors, from Microsoft to Asian knock-off manufacturers.... are [all] scrambling for a response. You know, real innovation right? Not "3 years" to stick a camera in a BlackBerry…" or [3] years to stick wifi in a device that doesnt need it. And what about power consumption. Now we have another feature we have to turn off. As far as I am concerned the speeds offered by the current wanna be 3g networks are all the BB needs. When they double the screen size, make the pointer ball operate more like a mouse and offer some real changes in their concept of a 'all-in-one-phone', then will wifi be a coveted and needed feature. I would have preffered a camera or a glass screen instead of plastic.... WHO ELSE HERE BOUGHT A 8830 AND IS SAYING TO THEMSELF WTF! WHOS WITH ME ON THIS!
   
  (#32 (permalink)) Old
test54 Offline
BlackBerry Master
 
test54's Avatar
 
Posts: 3,565
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Asheville, NC
Model: AAPL
OS: iPhone
PIN: 3.0.1
Carrier: is Better than BB :)
Default 07-25-2007, 10:36 AM

I'm with you that wifi is ovrhyped and unnecessary in the US. The benefits are much better for Canadians who pay dearly for their data. BB as it is now is not a good web browsing phone and yes the limitation of the processor, screen and browser do not make me for one all that excited for a wifi berry.

as for your complaints about your sprint 8830, well RIM offers devices with cameras just not with sprint atm.


"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history - with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila." - unknown
   
  (#33 (permalink)) Old
MadhatterPDC Offline
Knows Where the Search Button Is
 
Posts: 24
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: MA
Model: 8800
PIN: N/A
Carrier: Cingular/AT&T
Default 07-25-2007, 10:45 AM

I'm stoked for a Wifi blackberry, so let us that can realize it's potential, enjoy it.
   
  (#34 (permalink)) Old
JG in SB Offline
Talking BlackBerry Encyclopedia
 
JG in SB's Avatar
 
Posts: 249
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Model: 9000
OS: 4.6.0.221
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-25-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by davcho64 View Post
I hope this isn't a silly question... Does AT&T support UMA? I thought only TMO offered UMA support at this time. If AT&T supports UMA, it would really make it a much better choice for me in my area. Unfortunately, TMO has a very weak presence where I live. Also, anyone know when AT&T usually releases new phones, like what day of the week? My 30 day trial is going to be up soon, and I would much prefer a WiFi enabled phone over the crippled Verizon BB I am using now.
I spoke with an AT&T rep yesterday. They do not have any information about when this phone will be released. However, the did confirm that they will be supporting UMA. That is good news.


Jarrett Gorin
Santa Barbara, California
USA
   
  (#35 (permalink)) Old
JG in SB Offline
Talking BlackBerry Encyclopedia
 
JG in SB's Avatar
 
Posts: 249
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Model: 9000
OS: 4.6.0.221
Carrier: AT&T
Default 07-25-2007, 02:27 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by RukRem View Post
Ok so riddle me this... The new BB 8820 has WIFI. That is great news! Iphone Killer right? WRONG! What is the point to have wifi when the BB utilizes a browser that cannot possibly maximize the speeds gained by using wifi. Not to mention that most java/ quicktime and flash sites cannot be viewed. What are we really gaining except another way for a carrier to bill us for services that we do not need. I know your saying to yourself at this point, "but wifi is free, this guy is a NEWB!" Yes that is true, but you know they (Mobile phone monsters) will offer a 'SKYPE' type calling plan for only $15.00 a month that seemlessly switches bewteen celluar and wifi, ...BLA BLA BLA, it still wont work right... or offer more downloadable (pay) services catered for the BB's limited internet browsing capabilities. Great we can spend $2.00 per song faster now!!! At least the iphone's internet browser (safari) can view real pages and do real internet browsing in an enjoyable GUI. I think BG said it best on his page when he said, "Apple is crushing the competition right now and all of their competitors, from Microsoft to Asian knock-off manufacturers.... are [all] scrambling for a response. You know, real innovation right? Not "3 years" to stick a camera in a BlackBerry…" or [3] years to stick wifi in a device that doesnt need it. And what about power consumption. Now we have another feature we have to turn off. As far as I am concerned the speeds offered by the current wanna be 3g networks are all the BB needs. When they double the screen size, make the pointer ball operate more like a mouse and offer some real changes in their concept of a 'all-in-one-phone', then will wifi be a coveted and needed feature. I would have preffered a camera or a glass screen instead of plastic.... WHO ELSE HERE BOUGHT A 8830 AND IS SAYING TO THEMSELF WTF! WHOS WITH ME ON THIS!
I though this post was sort of funny really. To this observer, the i-Phone is the most over-hyped gadget in modern history. Several people I know who actually own them have all said that they are "neat" but they have issues, most interestingly, that the battery life sucks. They do look cool though, and that touch screen is pretty nifty to play around with. My wife wants one.

To me, the iPhone seems like this: A neat looking little gadget with some WOW features that will be cool for a few days, but aren't as easy to work with as existing technology (like an actual keyboard) and which provides functionality that has been present in many other mobile devices for years. Yep, the iPhone got a storm of media coverage, which made alot of housewives and technology late-adopters say "wow, you can get E-mail and listen to music on a cell phone!". Whoopie ;) Other folks like college students and teenagers said to themselves "that will make me look cool and maybe give me something to talk about with that hot chick in my English class" and so they sat on line for hours to get one. I hope that chick was impressed.

As far as internet browsing goes, who really wants to download memory and graphics intensive full-sized web pages so that they can view them on a crappy little screen on an iPhone, BlackBerry, or any other cell phone for that matter? Not me. Most of the pages that are optimized for mobile use aren't that memory intensive anyway, and work just fine on existing phones using existing relatively slow data transmission systems like EDGE. You can download and view these 2 seconds faster using Safari browser? That's swell. In terms of everyday usefullness though it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference. At the end of a day, this really seems like a basic "mine is bigger than yours" debate ;)

I can easily afford an iPhone, and in some ways they do look pretty cool, but in the end, I am much more excited about a UMA capable BlackBerry. Not because I will be able to browse my high-school buddies MySpace pages faster via Wi-Fi, but because I will be able to get stellar reception via Wi-Fi indoors in the few locations where AT&T's unbeleivable solid coverage is only average. In particular, at my house. THAT is technology that will make a difference for me, and probably a lot of other people too. Ultimately, UMA technology will allow the carriers that deploy it to lower costs for ALL of their users since sytem loads will be decreased, and alot of the use will go onto the unlicensed spectrum and be accessed via private equipment. To me, this seems like more of a "sea-state" changing technology than combining an mp3 player and a cell phone.

Is it important whether the 8820 is an "iPhone Killer"? Not really. I dont think it is designed to be. It is aimed at a different market demographic with different priorities. I don't think every mobile device user determines what to purchase based on how it stacks up next to the iPhone.

In reality, do you think there are IT Managers at Fortune 500 companies out there losing sleep at night while they ponder whether or not they should be deploying iPhones to their mobile workforces? My guess is that no, there aren't.

Have a great day!


Jarrett Gorin
Santa Barbara, California
USA

Last edited by JG in SB : 07-25-2007 at 03:03 PM. Reason: Added some new information about UMA.
   
  (#36 (permalink)) Old
Jagga Offline
CrackBerry Addict
 
Jagga's Avatar
 
Posts: 565
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Toronto
Model: N/A:(
Carrier: Rogers Wireless
Default 07-25-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by RukRem View Post
Ok so riddle me this... The new BB 8820 has WIFI. That is great news! Iphone Killer right? WRONG! What is the point to have wifi when the BB utilizes a browser that cannot possibly maximize the speeds gained by using wifi. Not to mention that most java/ quicktime and flash sites cannot be viewed. What are we really gaining except another way for a carrier to bill us for services that we do not need. I know your saying to yourself at this point, "but wifi is free, this guy is a NEWB!" Yes that is true, but you know they (Mobile phone monsters) will offer a 'SKYPE' type calling plan for only $15.00 a month that seemlessly switches bewteen celluar and wifi, ...BLA BLA BLA, it still wont work right... or offer more downloadable (pay) services catered for the BB's limited internet browsing capabilities.
Lol hilarious & somewhat sensible rant but not the right points used.

1) BB's have supported Java for sooo long. No point here. Quicktime sites? Other than Apples home page and sub links WHAT SITE is QUICKTIME based? Do I wish to surf to it? Other than SonyEricsson's site links for handsets for preview videos; I see no point. BTW, the CURVE & 8800 both support Quicktime's .mov video format to some extent. mute point again.

2) Flash sites. I'm sure you're refering to PC based Flash sites, not flash lite 1/2 implementation for things like themes. As far as I'm aware the Safari browser in the iPhone STILL doesn't support FLASH YET! mute point again.

3) I'll TOTALLY agree with you on the Blackberry Browser SERIOUSLY needs to be OVERHAULED! It SHOULD NOT be the FINDER for the whole menu system - although I'd like to type in a path for it to open up a txt file I may have saved on the device/memory card. Same goes for MEDIA application, it too needs to be refined.

4) You DO have a choice to NOT choose Skype. All those loosers on PPC's when it was first offered on mobile devices didn't phase me one bit. I don't need it nor wish to use it. I have NO clue how it ever took off. Offering it on GSM/CDMA NON-hybrid phones makes me ponder in comedy.


Looking for that perfect signature, hmm.
Senior help desk administrator (rim_db_admin_sr_helpdesk)
   
Closed Thread


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





Copyright © 2004-2009 BlackBerryFAQ.com, BlackBerryForums.com.
The names RIM © and BlackBerry © are registered Trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.