Rogers is claiming to have two new devices coming down the pipe.

One is the 7100 replacement (8100)
and other is a QWERTY model similar to the 8100.

both apparently going to include the trackball.

An aside: i would suspect the QWERTY model to be an '8700' alternative, maybe even an upgraded version, but that's just my opinion. A slight upgrade, not a major upgrade. The CPU/basic platform would remain the same, they will just add the memory, possibly the camera, and the trackball.

Rogers claims late Q3 early Q4 for release.

i don't follow... rogers is replaceing the 8700? i thought rogers was CDMA and didn't even have an 8700 yet. plus you seem to be contradicting yourself saying that they are updating 2 series but that one series will be replacing the other.

i'm confoosed

Rogers is GPRS/EDGE. I clafiried your other points. Perhaps that makes more sense? Either way "an aside" implies that's my interpretation. The rest of the information came direct from my sources @ Rogers.

I couldnt see Rogers getting the 8100 or the 8100 styled 8700 replacement if tmob has exclusivity and rims resources are fully focused on tmob (more volume)

A Qwerty Style with the reported functions of the 8100 would be incredible.

I don't even care about the camera. The comment about being able to play MP3s and .wav files is most attractive to me!

Don't know if you can listen to .wav files. As stated here, only .wav attachments to email (unless you can save them!).

You can.

Word on the reservation is that T-Mobile is getting the 8100, a.k.a. Pearl, on the 18th of September. There's usually an exclusive period for these things, but since Rodgers is Canada perhaps they'll split the exclusive for each market, with TMO having it for 6 months or so in the U.S. Must be true because I read in on the internet! :D

Rogers Wireless and RIM have a very good relationship. Our office uses nothing but BlackBerries and although we see our Rogers Wireless reps once a month we also see the RIM guys every other month. Both of our Rogers Reps have very recently told us that Rogers will be getting the 8100 shortly after Cingular and there will also be an upgrade to the 8700 series in the near future that will offer expandable memory and an integrated camera like the 8100. RIM guys are coming back near the end of August with something to show us... I wonder what it could be? I am assuming it'll be Rogers next BlackBerry. RIM and Rogers have been good to us. The company I am with right now got their 8700r's quite a bit sooner than Rogers official launch date. Same went with the 7130's and I am hoping the same happens with the next BlackBerry. Personally I can't wait!!! I wish I had one NOW!!!

Nitty,

Keep us posted on this 8700 with the MM options (cam and microSD)...

I switch from Cing to VZW and all hell breaks loose!

dolo

Also remember exclusivity is usually PER COUNTRY. Canada is not a state of the usa. =)

And besides, employees of RIM need their devices on a carrier.. don't they?

*sigh*

i agree about the first part - Rogers will definitely get this at or around the same time TMO gets it. not necessarily on the second part, though - phones released internally should be able to register just fine on the Rogers network, even if they aren't available currently. i'm sure this is the way it is now with the pre-release devices.

This fall Rogers wil be GPRS;EDGE;& UMTS+HSDPA This fall & Nationwide! Before Cingular does it in October this year.

I'm looking forward to the 8100 as it'll drop the 8700g prices & it gives me time to reduce debt - in order to get a new account.

Furthermore .... you're all forgetting where RIM got its start .... based right here in Ontario, Canada - Waterloo to be precise. Futhermore, remember the Cingular delayed launch of the 8700c? Well it was within the 3weeks after official launch that Rogers Wireless had released officially their 8700r's!