Summer 2007
Almost the entire BlackBerry line up was on display. Suffice it to say, the revamped set of devices is far more appealing than previous generations. All the new models include the track ball navigation originally seen on the Pearl, but step up to full-sized QWERTY keyboards.
The Curve is RIM's latest consumer-aimed device. It is noticeably smaller than the 8800 or the 8830, and also has some features the larger, more business-oriented devices lack, such as a 3.5mm headphone jack. The 8800 and 8830 retain the 2.5mm headset jack.
The Curve's materials don't exude the same quality as its business oriented cousins. The 8800 and 8830 both feature more polished exteriors and metals to create a sleek and shiny look. The Curve downgrades to plastics, and rather than a smooth plastic finish, it has a soft-touch paint job on the sides and back to make it easier to grip.
The standard BlackBerry menu is used all three devices, but the Curve has a 2 megapixel camera and updated media player software. The enhanced media player is a nice touch for the consumer-friendly Curve and is a large improvement over the media functions of the Pearl.
On the exterior, the 8800 and the 8830 are practically identical in every way.
Aside from slightly different face-plates, they are indiscernible from one another. The 8800 and Curve are quad-band GSM/EDGE devices (available through AT&T) and the 8830 is RIM's World Phone, that uses a CDMA-EVDO radio when in the U.S., and shifts to a GSM radio when roaming overseas. The 8830 is available from Verizon now, and Sprint just announced they will begin selling it in a few weeks.
Review: BlackBerry Curve
Review: LG Muziq
CTIA 2007
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