My job with the DOD bars me from having camera phones. Its really fun to go to the Verizon store and have a choice of two phones in the entire store!

The only "recent" Blackberry available without a camera is the 8830, but this model is a few years old.

I was really hoping for a non-camera iPhone or Storm. Even a Bold would have been cool. However, I don't see the non-camera option on any of these. It seems that I'll be using the 8830 for the rest of my life... Kind of depressing to "upgrade" my phone to the same model when my contract is up.. Covering the camera or changing the battery cover isn't an option since security has been instructed to specifically look for these techniques.

Why not release the entire blackberry line with a "camera" and "non-camera" version? Or at least replace the 8830 with an updated option?

Anyone have any insider info or rumors about non camera blackberries in the pipeline?


(rant over)

Nope, just the opposite. All Blackberrys will have cameras in the future and the cameras are getting better.

I can't see this happening as the demand for camera function far outways the demand of a few who can't have them. It does suck because there are people out there who simply don't want one but the market is what directs what's available as an option.

Although they're not "sexy", there's nothing wrong with the venerable old 8703. A non-camera 8830 is still a pretty slick piece of kit too.

My understanding is the camera module is easily removed and battery covers are available to cover the camera hole.

I do agree that the camera is here to stay.

I think his problem is that security is going to pull that cover and see the lense and he's busted even if the module is not there as they will assume he is hiding something. Perhaps the lense could be removed from the unit.

Wirelessly posted (hope is everything!)

Non-camera devices are a necessity for many govt agencies who happen to use a lot of BB's

Exactly... If the entire camera unit could be neatly removed and an alternate cover/shell could be purchased (without voiding my warrantee), I think I would be ok...

Anyone know if this is possible with the Storm?

The whole security thing is ridiculous anyways. If one really wanted to take pics, all someone would have to do is hide a small camera in their pocket and walk through the door. I dont know why phones get such special treatment. They also ban all thumb drives but still leave DVD burners enabled on all our PCs, and have no problems with PDAs & MP3 players (which are just oversized thumb drives).

Wirelessly posted

I really believe that RIM understands the needs of the business user and will continue to serve up new non-camera versions on a less frequent basis. I work for one of those industries that requires tighter security. That is why we use the BlackBerry 8820 (no camera).

Don't hold your breath. Non camera BB's have about as much chance of coming back as the thumb wheel does.

My understanding and I have done it to an 8100 is the camera module simply is removable module and then a new battery case. No camera installed at all at that point.

It's my understanding that the soon-to-be-released 8350i from Sprint (an iDEN device) will have both a camera and non-camera option.

I would think RIM might soon begin developing models tailored to gov agencies, much like Panasonic has done with their Toughbook line of notebooks. RIM could further cement their place in that sector.

Other than certain DOD locations the gov't - as a whole - isn't that strict. BES admins can always lock the camera down as well.

AHH...you meant hardware module...I thought you meant the app itself...lol.

They already have. It's called the 8700 and remains one of the most popular models ever.

If the 8700 is so great, why aren't you using it then?