Comments on: BlackBerry Curve 8900 Reviewed; Has me Thinking

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:19:07 +0000

Chris, your facts are correct. We’ll know more at MWC next month but I wasn’t precluding the option of getting an unlocked GSM version to use on AT&T’s network. Historically, I don’t think Palm devices have been “exclusive” on Sprint for more than 3 or 6 months. That could change with the Pre of course, but my gut says no. Exclusivity might mean forever or it might mean: you can only get it from Sprint at launch and we’ll allow it on other U.S. carriers later.

By: joe schmoe

joe schmoe — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:14:40 +0000

I have had a few generations of blackberries. They are fantastic at messaging whether it’s email, im, twitter etc.

Their biggest weakness though is the browser. It’s just awful even on recent models like the bold or the new 8350I.

I have an android dev phone that’s unlocked with an att sim. No 3g on att with it but it’s an interesting device. I still prefer my blackberry but over time I’m finding I spend more time with G1. The browser is much much better.

I dislike the winmo devices. Apple is too restrictive and I fear Palm won’t have the money to stick it out.

By: Chris St.

Chris St. — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:41:06 +0000

I have a question about this quote:

“I believe that Sprint has a 90-day exclusive on the Pre, and since I liked what I saw in the Pre at CES, I can definitely wait it out. ”

Where did you hear about Sprints 90-day exclusive on the Pre? I haven’t heard that. All I have heard is Sprint is the exclusive carrier and the GSM version is for Europe. I haven’t heard anything about a 90 day period and possibly going to ATT.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:58:38 +0000

“What’s wrong with Sprint?” I never said anything is wrong with it. In fact, it’s the only major U.S. carrier that I don’t have personal experience with. The only reason I may stay with AT&T is because my wife likes her iPhone. AT&T’s service is actually very good where I live, so there’s no issue there for me. When traveling however, I have seen terrible signal issues.

Al, I agree that both Nokia devices, but I’m not as effective in that OS; that’s more important to me than more features. Different strokes for different folks.

By: Al

Al — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:39:11 +0000

Kevin, you should really take a look at Upcoming and currently released Nokia devices. Take a gander at the new Nokia N97, as well as the Nokia E71. Both are great phones. The E71 is out right now, which I own, and is fantastic to use to check email, RSS feeds, ect. The N97 won’t be out for a few more months, however I highly recommend it, and I have actually set a pre-order on mobileplanet.com (expansys). Check into it, I’m sure you won’t be dissapointed!

By: Who?

Who? — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:34:18 +0000

I bet you’ve covered this already, but what’s wrong with Sprint? I have ATT in Los Angeles now and am very pleased that the Pre is coming to Sprint so I have a reason to try out its coverage (and cheaper plans). ATT’s coverage has been massively disappointing for me, like when I’m sitting in my parked car outside my apartnemtn, talking to someone, not moving, and the connection cuts in and out. It’s ridiculous.

By: Simon Sage

Simon Sage — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:49:12 +0000

I’ve used the Bold since launch in Canada and found the 8900′s construction a little too light, something all the old Curve suffered from. Yeah, it’s sleek and good looking, but keys crack so much more easily – I know two people up here who have had hairline fractures between the two middle soft keys. The new Curve might catch the eye, but the Bold remains more dependable for me.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:46:20 +0000

Shoot, too many browser rendering engines on the brain. Thanks for the correction Jack; fixing the oversight now!

By: MT

MT — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:59:43 +0000

Kevin, yes ATT does have the 8900s on hand. And they have had them for awhile. They were “supposed” to release this a little bit before Christmas, but held off it; No fault in their decisions there considering the recent releases with the Bold (November) and the Curve 8320 (December).

Also, there has been speculation that ATT has been limiting its EDGE service in areas in favor trying to increase its 3G services. Users have been complaining that services have “decreased” in some areas. IF TRUE, you may not see the 8900s at all. But you may in fact see the Magnum or 9220. Which is basically 3G version of 8900 with TOUCH. If ATT wants to push its 3G services, they could easily skip the 8900 for the 9220 (btw..it may be called the 93xx). It rumored to be announced at WES 2009 with a release date 2HCY09.

So, seeing that you are tied to ATT, and are “… unlikely to change carriers” you can probably wait it out a bit for the Magnum. I think you might still see the 8900, pending on the number of days (30? 45?) TMobile has on the exclusive selling rights on the 8900. Of course no 3G though.

By: David

David — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:32:05 +0000

It’s not shiny and new so I can see some malaise setting in, but it’s just a tool and if it works for you why replace it? I’ve had the same phone for over 3 years.

By: DaveZatz

DaveZatz — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:17:05 +0000

Melissa has plans to upgrade her original Curve to this. (Engadget Mobile seems to really like it.) If one of these gigs hit out at that far, far away facility I’ll probably switch to Sprint for unlimited everything $99 plan. Meaning my next phone may be the Palm Pre.

By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:25:14 +0000

the Pre’s browser is WebKit, not Gecko

By: Sym Bian

Sym Bian — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:24:14 +0000

Go with the Bold. 3G is great for simultaneous data and voice. EDGE is so 2007.