BlackBerry season: pick the right BlackBerry for you

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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.

More Resources: See all BlackBerry devices,; Editors' top smart phones,; Cell phone buying guide,; Read the latest smart-phone reviews

Features
Product name	RIM BlackBerry 7130c (AT&T)	RIM BlackBerry 7130e (Verizon Wireless)	RIM BlackBerry 7100i (Sprint)	RIM BlackBerry 7105t (T-Mobile)	RIM BlackBerry 8700g (T-Mobile)	RIM BlackBerry 8700c (AT&T)
Price	Check Prices	$49.99	Check Prices	Check Prices	$99.99	$10.95
CNET editors' rating	4.0 stars Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)	3.5 stars Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)	3.5 stars Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)	stars Overall score: ( stars)	4.0 stars Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)	4.0 stars Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)
Average user rating	3.5 stars	4.0 stars	2.5 stars	3.0 stars	3.5 stars	3.5 stars
Review date	June 21, 2006	January 20, 2006	June 02, 2006	January 30, 2006	April 12, 2006	December 06, 2005
The Bottom Line	The RIM BlackBerry 7130c is an excellent phone and e-mail device for consumers and professionals alike; plus, it's one of the best-designed BlackBerrys we've seen to date.	Despite a couple of shortcomings, the RIM BlackBerry 7130e offers Verizon Wireless customers a user-friendly smart phone with solid call quality.	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.
Similar Products	Compare more products	Compare more products	Compare more products	Compare more products	Compare more products	Compare more products
Cellular technology	GSM	CDMA2000 1X	iDEN	GSM	GSM	GSM
Weight	4.2 oz	4.7 oz	5.1 oz	0.3 lbs	4.7 oz	4.7 oz
Talk time	Up to 240 min	Up to 180 min	Up to 170 min	Up to 240 min	240 min	240 min
Wireless Interface	Bluetooth	Info unavailable	Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Service Provider	AT&T (formerly Cingular)	Verizon Wireless	Sprint Nextel	T-Mobile	T-Mobile	AT&T (formerly Cingular)
Band / mode	GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)	CDMA2000 1X 1900/800	iDEN 800/900 (Dual Band)	GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)	GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)	GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband)
Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications
Buying choices	E-mail me when this product is available	Prices from 0 CNET Certified stores	E-mail me when this product is available	E-mail me when this product is available	T-Mobile USA $99.99 In stock: Yes Price from 1 CNET Certified store	Amazon.com Marketplace $10.95 In stock: Yes Price from 1 CNET Certified store