RIM BlackBerry 8800

Available February 2007
12th February 2007

Put simply, the BlackBerry 8800 is what happens when you cross the BlackBerry 8100 Pearl with the BlackBerry 8700 and then add a little bit extra.

Very similar in size and weight to the 8700, the 8800 adds rich multimedia support, plus microSD expandable memory and trackball navigation, but thankfully RIM have decided not to add a camera to this business-orientated device.

Multimedia support is pretty predictable these days, but the interesting addition with the BlackBerry 8800 is the inclusion of GPS (Global Positioning System) support, which when combined with RIM's BlackBerry Maps application which allows satellite navigation, and it even integrates into the BlackBerry's address book.

The 8800 retains a similar excellent 320x240 pixel display to the 8700 and it supports quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz plus GPRS and EDGE, but not UMTS (3G). The 8800 also supports Bluetooth, although stereo playback requires a wired headset.

This is a BlackBerry, and of course that means that the 8800 retains the messaging capabilities of other BlackBerry handhelds, including standard internet protocols and BlackBerry push email support for corporate users.

Talktime is up to 5 hours, and the standby time is an astonishing maximum of 22 days. Overall, the BlackBerry 8800 measures 114 x 66 x 14mm and weighs 134 grams. Initially the 8800 will be available with Cingular Wireless in the United States and Rogers Wireless in Canada, followed by other carriers worldwide.

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