Verizon BlackBerry 8830 Launch Issues
Verizon’s Blackberry 8830, the World Edition, seems to be having a hard time making it’s global debut. Customer service reps have said the "website and sales department can not process any orders because of a glitch with the process." Currently Verizon Wireless’s site is experiencing a bit of a lag when trying to visit pages relating to the BlackBerry. It looks as if the phone might only be available via the business channel today by calling (800) 899-4249. If you are in the market for the new BlackBerry on Verzion, we suggest that until it is available on the site, you try business sales.
Thanks, Mikey!
Got my 8830 yesterday… Paperwork in the box showed $519.99 retail… my cost, $249.99… less $100 discount for adding data, making it $149.99 plus tax. Contract extension, but no New Every 2.
It does come with BB Maps, and while the GPS options still appear in the Advanced Options, it does appear to be disabled. At least it doesn’t show position info on that setting screen like my Nextel one does, though the icon on the home screen does change its appearance when you opt to have GPS on for everything (vs. 911 only).
I don’t know if a Bluetooth GPS can be paired with it or not… I might try that sometime.
the 8830 pairs perfectly with a Holux 236 bluetooth GPS and the new version of the maps is nice (vs. my old 8703 version).
Google maps will also pair with the bluetooth receiver as well. Keyboard is a little tough to get used to, but the over-all size, and better screen res make up for it.
Also using bluetooth to tether to the laptop for data services. Great device from VZ.
I am looking for an upgrade and I’ve been wondering two things that are unclear:
1. If I take it abroad is it locked to Verizon supported carriers or can i plug in another Sim and its only locked stateside. The follow up tothat is will Verizon unlock it.
2. Does it has a GPS reciever and no support software or no GPS at all. And the follow up to that is if it does have the hardware can you find usable software or is that locked to.
Cheers
Anyone upgrading to the 8830 from 8703e? I’ll purchase your 8703e if it’s in good condition.
Verizon 8830 GPS:
After 3++ hours on hold/escalate, from Verizon support to VZ supervisor to (finally) Blackberry, the answer is that Verizon has disabled all GPS functonality. The Verizon 8830 help menu lies: you cannot get a GPS location, and thus you can’t use GPS with any third-party apps. Verizon’s solution: buy VZNavigator ($10 per month).
And there’s more money-grubbing. Verizon charges an extra $15 per month to access their data service from your PC over the 8830 (versus an aircard), and you can only do it with a cable (not Bluetooth).
Sprint’s website indicates that their 8830 will be fully GPS enabled for third parties, and can be PC tethered for wireless data via Bluetooth.
My Verizon 8830 is going back.
Don’t forget that Verizon also disables MMS functionality on the 8830. I’m sure that will work fine with Sprint.
Not sure VZ Navigator is planned for BlackBerry since it’s a Get It Now app that runs on BREW, not Java. A better solution is probably one of the third-party GPS systems for BlackBerry. No more money for Verizon.
I’ve been fooling around with Shark Modem on the 8830/Verizon as a work around to paying $15/month for tethered modem. It does support BT. I’ve had some success, but it seems pretty unstable and doesn’t support certain functionality such as VPN.
I re-upped with Verizon and am starting to regret it.
Unfortunately I’m stuck on Verizon due to work. I am SO glad that Sprint is ready to teach them a lesson with the 8830. Few will want to subscribe to Verizon using:
(1) A locked GSM chip which requires you to pay an inflated Verizon markup for the same service (they are reselling) when you travel internationally. They would rather you pay $95 on the black market to get in unlocked than just give it to you like everyone else.
(2) The ability to use your own GPS program and tell Verizon to go to hell who want you to use only their GPS service at an inflated price – when it’s available.
(3) The ability to receive MMS. If you think this isn’t a big deal, wait until my employer releases an incredibly cool tool that everyone will want to use to send an MMS.
Verizon is making a lot of money in the short run. But they are generating an AWFUL lot of hatred and negative goodwill towards the company. That’s all the execs care about as they pocket their bonuses… the smart money and move is with Sprint if you can.
Keep pushing them they WILL give you both!
Regarding GPS: Previous posters are correct, the current code-drop from vzw does not support GPS.
I was told that Vzw wasn’t planning on offering GPS support (another ‘tribute’ to vzw support), so I purchased a telenav GPS receiver and subscribed to telenav directly.
Now I have Telenav’s (Most Excellent) onboard nav, WITH TRAFFIC I might add, as well as the onboard map that ships with the code-drop.
I was having trouble getting part text, part html emails on my 8830. Complained to Blackberry. Starting getting text/html emails Monday, but now they are coming across as text only.
does sprint offer (or have plans to offer) the 8800 or 8830? i’m going to buy 5 blackberrys and service for my company and had planned on going with verizon. due to the gps issue, i want to look at other carriers (sprint, at&t). does sprint offer the 8800 series? is it global?
T-mobile offers the 8800 as well. I am not sure if you were looking at 3g too( all though I suppose only the Sprint and Verizon if any are 3g speed) I’ve been looking for one i can travel to Asia with and T-mobile seems to be the best way to do that.
Last time I looked at this, Sprint was supposed to have the 8830 by approx end of June. I think that their 8830 will (1) have GPS enabled (vs. Verizon not), (2) let you use the data modem feature with your PC via Bluetooth (vs Verizon cable only), and (3) not charge extra for the data modem function (vs. Verizon $15/month). And I believe the data speed is more or less the same.
Why would anybody buy Verizon?
What I want to see is a complete technical breakdown of Verizon’s 8830 to see what part of the GPS chipset is functional as a stand-alone GPS, what part is functional as the A-GPS (Assisted via the Cell Towers), and how we, as Conscious Consumers (note the CAPITALS) can have the functionality of the stand-alone GPS function without the A-GPS functionality, so Verizon won’t have problems with their perception of control over their network.
Bluetooth Wireless Networking should be enabled by default.
Finally, I think the FCC should mandate ‘3G’ and other broadband technology be incorporated into IC and Chip Design off all new handsets, so as to keep “furthering the radio art” and to keep advances in development from stagnating via a ‘marketplace only’ attitude and focus.
There is a time and a place for bean counters as well as for tech heads. When one goes out of balance as opposed to the other, you either get too much focus on features that limit the funtionality (form over function), or you find that the company is too tightly focused on the bottom line.
Limiting available features when they won’t mess with your network, as in Verizon’s disabling of their 8830’s Stand-Alone GPS Functionality, or Bluetooth Wireless Networking, only serves to aggravate end-users, especially business customers.
Mess with the latter too much, and you’ll soon find that your B2B sector–whose information doesn’t always trickle down to the consumer side, but mostly gushes in these days of the Technically Savvy BizSumer or ProSumer–is questioning your business sanity.
CDMA Carriers Take Note: The GSM Market Segment is offering more features per phone on the same platforms than you are, are forging timely and relevant strategic partnerships with those service providers who understand that ‘business isn’t just for business anymore.’
Today’s high-end handhelds, be it a BlackBerry 8830 with negated stand-alone GPS, or crippled wireless bluetooth networking (which makes no sense, whatsoever, as it doesn’t affect the network directly at all), or not incorporating broadband at Production Time, need functionalities enabled, not disabled, or you will lose money and customer loyalty on your investment.
Please consider this, CDMA Providers. Your long-term financial health may depend upon it.
Warm regards,
Stephen, A Verizon BlackBerry 8830 User.
Can you tell me how to connect modem via bluetooth. Thank you
Just got off the phone with verizon regarding this. thanks to everyone for the discount tips.
Here’s what it worked out to be:
Customer site
$399 current customer price
-$100 online credit/unlimited data plan credit(same thing)
-$100 New Every 2 for qualifying customers
-$100 Rebate from Blackberry
———–
$99 price after rebate
Business site
$269 company current customer price
$100 unlimited data discount
———–
$169 final price
ended up doing the consumer option.