EXCLUSIVE: The iDEN Curveball, Introducing the BlackBerry 8350
July 1st, 2008 | by Jibi |
The beans were first spilled on BlackBerryForums.com by member wdduck back in late February, reporting information from the Sprint Nextel Dealer Conference in Nashville. To little fanfare, there were a few confirmations of the new iDEN BlackBerry, although there was a tone of skepticism that Research In Motion and Sprint would release another iDEN BlackBerry. “Let iDEN pass away with some dignity” has long since been the death chant for the mismanaged network.
We will now provide some additional information, as the iDEN Curve has been coronated as the BlackBerry 8350.
According to the early reports from a few months ago, the BlackBerry Curve will hit iDEN carriers at some point in late 2008 or early 2009. As reported by forum-goers, Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11 b/g) has been confirmed on the device. For now, the device will be running OS 4.6.1 at the time of launch, although this may change somewhere down the road.
Please note the image used in this article was made in Photoshop and should not be considered the real artifact.
53 Responses to “EXCLUSIVE: The iDEN Curveball, Introducing the BlackBerry 8350”
By KeNNethx on Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
My nextel rep she has seen real pics and it will be the first Nextel BB without an antenna!
By hnsimpson on Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
How much marketshare does iDEN have now anyway?
By matt on Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
about time . most of my buddies are still on the 7100.
By Brian Simpson on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
So the question is, this new q chat PPT. will it be compatable with current IDEN PPT?
By malyzhus on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
YES!
By David Clifton on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
It is really amazing how Nextel comes back on the scene like the pre merger days when there is a new CEO at Sprint that likes Nextel
By Brian Simpson on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
well that good news, i kinda figured it would be. but wasnt for sure!
By Brian Simpson on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
And yes Dave, that the name of the game with this move (anouncement)
By john on Jul 8, 2008 | Reply
i been had a i870 and i like nextel but they havent came out with anything what a shame and i was going to switch to verison but since i herd about this im sticking around to see if this phone comes out. back in 2005 and 2006 everybody had nextel
By Raul on Jul 15, 2008 | Reply
How come Sprint/Nextel does not have any official information about this. I have a BB7100i and cann’t wait to replace it. I am have to have direct connect due to business with people in mexico. Does any one know for sure when this thing is comming out.
By greg on Jul 20, 2008 | Reply
Talked to the rep/buddy at his store. He told me the launch date is either Sept 12 or October 2. Several neat features, he has held the new device. New technology, your SprintDirect connect will be your phone number with * in place of dashes in your phone number. He said that it will be compatabile with Nextel DC. Initial retail is around $600.00 but with rebates and service contract, will be less than that price. Will try to get more info from him.
By Chris on Jul 24, 2008 | Reply
Is there any concrete information that Sprint has published regarding this new release, since it is about 2 months away??? Is there any other sites with additional information?
By Stephanie on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply
I have been hearing about a new Nextel iDEN Blackberry for almost a year now without no release date. All I would like Sprint/Nextel to do is give us a release date! Please.
By Greg on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply
Yes this phone will be released in Nov. 08
By june on Jul 31, 2008 | Reply
last spoke to sprint today. they inform me that it will be aug 17 2008
By greg on Jul 31, 2008 | Reply
Well, I just got a text from ‘my’ connection. He was at a meeting for the new BB, he is still insisting that the rollout is October. I think this is what Nextel/Sprint wants….everyone chomping at the bit to be first in line…..oh wait, that was Apple!
By Juanita on Aug 5, 2008 | Reply
hello,
i would like to know if anybody really knows the date for the new BB?? i’m hearing and seeing different dates. i’m ready to throw away my i7100!!!
By Ben on Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
The dealer ‘playbook’ does not have it as of July 30 according to my rep… but they are being told September. When it is in their playbook they will get a date and a pre-order date. I will upgrade all 4 of my 7100i immediately…
By john on Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
Ever notice that sprint puts pictures of all the new smart phones up on their site over a month before release? Still nothing up on this BB… I really hope this isnt just another rumor.
By greg on Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Like you, I am ready to discard this 7100
By pete3 on Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Our company has 29 7100I users and just about everyone of them as been replaced due to broken key pads or wheels. It would be great if this pans out as the 7100i is the worst unit I have personally ever used.
By Troy on Aug 12, 2008 | Reply
Im the Sales manager at an indirect Sprint/Nextel dealer in IL. Also have offices in WI, KS, MO, OH. We deal with nationwide accounts. It was said to be released the 3rd quarter of this year. Im will be able to get exclusive discounts when its released.(better than the internet pricing) Contact me at trampolla@vazcom.net when its released. The more you get the bigger the discount on the equipment. Business and indiduals are welcome to take advantage
By Jason on Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
I spoke with our Sprint/Nextel rep (based out of california), she said she can get me this phone this week. I’m anxiously awaiting to find out wether she is full of sh*t or not.
By don on Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
yup!!!
By Troy on Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
Im sure she is full of it.I will post the date a week in advanced when it will be available for purchase for all consumers and businesses to buy. Ive been waiting to get out of my i7100 as well
By Jared on Aug 16, 2008 | Reply
I truly can’t believe Sprint has not put a single ounce of energy to capitalize on one of its true strengths in purchasing nextel= Competitive Advantage–that is to say after much time have not brought to market a pda phone w/ push-to-talk. Sprints voice service is strong here in Metro Detroit along w/ Nextel (and yes I know that nextel is an older network) . I truly believe Sprint has taken a bad rap on overall business, but I am going to have to jump on the band wagon here and say how disappointing it is that Sprint does not have the insight to capitalize on one of it’s core competencies since purchasing nextel– that new advantage was supposed to be push to talk along w/ sprint high speed voice/data network. I can’t believe this new 8350 is not even a hybrid. Come on Sprint, because of your lack of action, foresight, whatever you want to call it–you have let nextels ptt slip slowly into our distant memories. Never thought I’d see the day Verizon & AT&T would even get a foot in the door on Push-to-Talk. Sprint! You’ve got the right plans, now capitalize on bring the best of nextel (PTT) to more sprint based phones–especially smartphones/pda’s. Sprint is still my favorite network, but I had to leave it for the iphone3g (by the way, att’s 3G doesn’t come close to sprints high speed performance & consistency)–never the less I stick w/ att & a $160 phone bill because the Sam.Instinct is great, but not great enough to replace the iphone—–BUT, You know what?! A Samsung Instinct, Rim Blackberry, Motorola Q, HTC pda that came with Qchat/Nextel PTT button hands down would have my iphone up on Craigslist in minutes. Sprint! Use the cards you were dealt when you purchased Nextel–Play w/ a full deck! —final thought–if not then sell to T-mobile! (Talk about a company that’s maximized/created competitive advantages out of thin air! They don’t even have 3G, but have capitalized on UMA over Wifi Technology and somehow managed to be an industry changer in landlines offering its landlines @ $10.00 unlimited/month)–not to mention they market in Pink! (ok, I’m rambling, forget that last pink statement–I’m sure women love it)
By Chris on Aug 17, 2008 | Reply
Thank for that insight Jared. Does anyone have any updates on the release date??? Are these available now???
By Erick on Aug 19, 2008 | Reply
When this new The iDEN Curveball, Introducing the BlackBerry 8350, is come out, I cannot wait to get this phone, want know arount time frame…
By jackie on Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
Will this new Blackberry be on the Nextel signal or Sprint Signal like the new nextel phones that are coming out? Only Nextel signal phones are able to DC with international Nextel users (mexico, argentina etc) this is what i need it for
By Stephanie on Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
“By Greg on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply
Yes this phone will be released in Nov. 08″
I have also heard November.
By Troy on Aug 20, 2008 | Reply
i also heard it will be out late 4th quarter Nov. Dec. I will be posting the realease date on the forums a week in advanced so you can place your order with me. I cant wait.. Trampolla@vazcom.net