BlackBerry 8520’s hitting T-Mobile in Q4
We just got some hands on time with the now infamous BlackBerry 8520 (code-named Gemini). Optical trackball? Ooooh yeah. While there hasn’t been too much time to play with them, early impressions are definitely fitting in with what CrackBerry reported; real solid feel and the optical trackball is awesome and makes your brand new BlackBerry feel outdated. Literally. It makes what you have feel primitive. We’ve been able to confirm the handset is going to hit T-Mobile USA in Q4 of this year, obviously don’t have a price yet, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see this device hit one of those “BlackBerry In A Box” thingamajigs. It’s definitely aimed at the low-cost/emerging market segment, so it’s a bit odd T-Mobile USA will carry it out the gate, but hey, the more BlackBerry users the better, right?
Thanks, Brian!
First time posting so sorry if I’m coming in late on this topic. Is there any insight into why ATT is not leading the way with the new Blackberry models? The 8900 is hardly exciting and where did the top end refresh to the BOLD go? I’m an ATT customer and this is hardly inspiring to see T-Mobile be first with a new model. Is the 9900 Pluto a dead concept?
I would get this for my mom
no 3G=shit!
end of the story
Nice. I’m sure AT&T will get an upgraded version wil the optical trackpad shortly after.
Im lovin how sprint is bullshittin with no new Blackberries. If the Think the Nextel curve counts then they are WRONG.
NEW CURVE AND TOUR……THIS YEAR!
I can only wonder how many people would leave Sprint to get a 8900 from T-Mo or At&T..or Head to Verizon for the Tour.
@Gaho
I think ATT is still in bed with the Iphone so much that they aren’t that interested in being the launch provider for new blackberries. I think TMO has seen significant growth in the number of blackberry users for them and they want to pursue further growth of blackberry users.
Right now you can get an 8900 for $149 on a new contract through TMO or even cheaper if you go through letstalk at amazon.com. My concern is for those people who can’t afford 150 for a new BB, are they gonna be able to carry the 25 per month for BB service. Now I could see this as a free upgrade for current TMO customers, to get all those lame RAZRs and ugly sidekicks out of their hands.
@RoseGold,
You made my day! LOL
Your comment was hilarious!!!!
Why would Tmobile replace a device such as the 8900 with something lower on its line????
@ david.. I hope so! ;o)
@ MLB1906, Yeah..BETTER not, T MOBILE keeping 8900 as long as having 8520..
Im just going to switch to a GSM carrier and start buying unlocked phones.
This CDMA drought is ridiculous.
@3 Phones Jugglin:
Seriously man? 3 phones?
@BlackBerry BOOOOLD: Amen brother. Throw a touchscreen on that and I can die happy.
And to everyone else, of course Sprint isn’t getting the latest and greatest. Have you seen their numbers? All in the red! Why would RIM waste their time and money? The best thing Sprint has going for them right now is their NOW ad campaign. Still isnt working obviously.
As for this phone, even though it’ll be quite successful, there will always be a market for the people who can buy a BB on the cheap and won’t pay for the actual BB service, thus making it a glorified call/text machine. Sad but true. Even more true on TMO.
if every car manufacturer made nothing but their high end cars, not many of us would have cars because we either couldn’t afford them or wouldn’t want to spend the money on them. This is a BBQ’D for a certain market. It isn’t supposed to be the Bold or even the Javelin. It is just a cost effect BB. No need to freak out; it wasn’t meant for us phone geeks! Haha
My two cents if anyone cares….
I just signed with Sprint, and at this rate, I will be leaving. T-Mo seems to be the leader in new Berries. It is a shame that Sprint can’t get a new Berry out, I think it might help their ever declining customer base.
I have called them several times asking if there is anything in the pipeline. Nada, they tell me “We have no information on any upcoming BB’s.” I don’t even need a name or release confirmation, just say something is coming.
Sorry Sprint, but at this rate, it is worth the $150 cancellation to go over to T-Mo, at least there I can get excited about new products.
Price point is going to be $50 with activation.
It’s funny to me that everyone wants this trackpad pushed out to the high end blackberry’s so badly, when the only reason it’s on the entry level is because people who shouldn’t even own Berry’s in the 1st place keep breaking the trackballs. If it can survive these low rent sub-skilled users then maybe I will want to see it on the newer bigger badder models.
Honestly… Who cares about Brickbreaker? I delete it everytime i get a BB….
I am very angry about that!
Blackberry’s are getting uglier and uglier with every new model that comes out! I am pissed about them changing the trackball, I thought that Blackberry’s were very unique with that. I just don’t know what happend, Blackberry’s used to have the looks and everything! Now, They are changing and becoming like every phone out there. I hope that they keep using that trackball, not the trackpad. I’m just dissapointed, I’ve been using Blackberry’s ever since the 7290 came out, and they were just wonderful! Now, It seems as though they are getting lazy… Speaking of lazy has anyone noticed that all thier new models are looking just like the Bold?! I hope that RIM comes to thier senses, and makes Blackberry’s the hit phone again.
It has the processor and memory of the 8900, but not the screen resolution and the gps.