RIM Goes Global with CDMA + GSM BlackBerry
Today, 9:47 AM source: Research In Motion / Sprint
RIM today announced the BlackBerry 8830, RIM's first device to combine CDMA technology with GSM for global roaming. The 8830 is also RIM's first CDMA device with the company's new generation of hardware, featuring a thin design (0.55 inches), four-way trackball navigation, and a microSD memory card slot. Both Verizon Wireless and Sprint will offer the phone. The 8830 provides EVDO high-speed data on CDMA networks and GPRS data on GSM 900 / 1800 networks overseas. Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, media player, and a large QVGA display round out the feature set. Verizon Wireless announced it will offer the 8830 starting May 14 for business customers. Sprint will launch the 8830 in July, offering it with unlocked GSM so customers can use cheaper SIM cards when traveling, or the included Sprint SIM card to keep their own phone number.