I've been reading these forums for the last couple of weeks. I haven't come across anything new for Sprint/Nextel with a PTT function.

The only BB available with PTT right now is the 7100i which seems a bit outdated compared to some of the newer phones that are now available and that will be available come the end of the year.

Am I searching for a hopeless cause? I know that Sprint is planning to convert over to QChat to phase out the the Nextel PTT. Does this mean that there will be no new BB phones coming out with PTT function in the near future? I'll be very disapointed if this is the case.

You will be disappointed then my friend. Nextel will NOT be receiving any new BB devices. But on a positive note, Welcome to the forums!

there is also the 7520, which is still functional, but out dated

It is doubtful there will be a new nextel BB any time soon if ever

Just for clarification.. I was referring to the hybrid phones that use sprint network for normal phone calls in conjunction with the nextel network for PTT.

Yes, maybe by next year it will be set.
Hope they release the Sprint Curve with real PPT, GPS, EV-DO Rev A. In black of course. Camera not really required, but I'll take it.

If we were going to see a hybrid blackberry I think we would have already. There was leaked info about a hybrid blackberry (8702?) that was never released. Perhapse there were power issues, or it was too fragile or they just didnt see it being popular enough.

At this point I expect Sprint will wait for HP-PTT support and release a new nextel compatible blackberry sometime in 2008 with the rest of their Qchat phones.

I think the only way you will see PTT in any future BB is with the upcoming Qchat. Sprint has already said that it will be available on several phone manufactures, not just Motorola. So maybe it be included on future BB.
That said, unfortunately deployment of Qchat may be delayed while Qualcomm and Broadcom battle it out over patents. The ITC ban will put the kibosh on Qchat and unless it is settled, the whole roll out is on hold.

not to mention Qchat is going to be very slow not like teh PTT now.

HP-PTT will be as fast or faster then direct connect or it wont be launched.

I just switched from being a Nextel customer for almost 10 years now. My last Nextel device was a 7520 and although it lacked the glossy finish, speed, and multimedia features, it was rock solid and the PTT functions were integrated fairly well into the Blackberry.

if you really wanted the PTT functions + Blackberry mail & BES integration, the 7520 is not a bad way to go. Yes, it is old, but until 2 weeks ago when I finally went to the 8830, it served its purpose well.

Just my .10 cents.

it wont be as fast as direct connect there has already been lost of stuff posted about that. 3 to 5 second delays

Push-to-Talk on New Devices Will Give Sprint Customers More Ways to Get Things Done at SprintSpeed

sorry I dont believe a word of sprints propoganda, I have seen what they can do to a great network. Nextel hit rock bottom when they bought them. I was a nextel customer for 14 years and they drove them right into the ground like they do everything else.

I believe what i am told by engineers and ppl who know what they are talking about not some press release that doesnt mean squat

I do agree that Nextel has been tarnished by Sprints involvement.

However, your claim that QChat will be 3-5 second delays is quite laughable. You really believe that?

Yes I do because it came straight from a nextel engineer.

How does the CEO of Verizon get to talk with a nextel engineer? sounds fishy to me.

Maybe a slightly bitter nextel engineer who just left the company...

I am the last person to defend Sprint, I recently paid an ETF to move my last line off Sprint. But if HP-PTT cant show an improvement over ReadyLink then it wont be released. That is why it has taken so long to appear.

Sprint is horrible at marketing, customer service and PR. However they have always had technically sound products and were for some time the defacto leader in wireless technology.

Readylink might have sucked but it was the same system launched by Verizon, cingular and many other carriers.

No not disgruntled or left the company, he is a senior project manager. I have gained alot of answers from him over the years he is someone I trust very much especially since hes married to my sister.

I loved my 7520, but it would not play .wav file attachments. That's how I receive my office voicemail, so I had to change.

As sad as this may be, it is very very true! There will be no more Nextel BB's.