BlackBerry season: pick the right BlackBerry for you

Bonnie Cha Bonnie Cha, Senior Associate Editor June 22, 2006

There was a time not long ago when all versions of the Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry looked more or less the same. But in the last couple of years, our friends north of the border have ramped up their innovation skills with a slew of new models that include fresh designs and features, giving you the freedom to select a model that's just right for you. For newbies, the 7100 series may be a good place to start. All models offer a more consumer-friendly package with a compact design, as well as a modified keyboard, a speakerphone, and Bluetooth. For traditionalists, check out the BlackBerry 8700c for Cingular or the BlackBerry 8700g for T-Mobile. Both models offer EDGE support, Intel processors, and improved displays. Yet, no matter which model you choose, one thing you get with all BlackBerrys is push e-mail services--that way, you can access your messages at all times.

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Price Pricing not available $350.00 $200.00
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Review date June 02, 2006 April 12, 2006 December 06, 2005
The Bottom Line The RIM BlackBerry 7100i is a great all-in-one device for Nextel customers who want instant access to e-mail and voice calls. The RIM BlackBerry 8700g offers T-Mobile consumer and business users a robust, user-friendly messaging device and cell phone with great performance. Armed with an Intel processor and EDGE support, the RIM BlackBerry 8700c offers mobile professionals a winning package of performance, productivity, and design.
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Features
Service ProviderSprint Nextel
T-Mobile
AT&T (formerly Cingular)
Cellular technologyiDEN
GSM
GSM
Band / modeiDEN 800/900 (Dual Band)
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
Talk time240 min
Up to 240 min
240 min
Wireless InterfaceBluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Weight5.1 oz
4.7 oz
4.7 oz
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices

Pricing not available