BlackBerry 8800 Next Month

Research In Motion's BlackBerry 8800 is set to debut in the US with AT&T (previously named Cingular), according to the Boy Genius Report. Citing anonymous sources, the typically reliable site claims that the full-sized smartphone will be available through the US carrier as of mid-February, and should serve as the reference design which other providers will use. The 8800 will also have a shorter keyboard layout than the current 8700 series that will ease typing, TBG says, and is still expected to drop the camera of the Pearl to appeal to business users. No pricing has been leaked, though pricing will likely compare closely to the 8700 upon its original launch.

Revealed at the same time is news that AT&T will also carry the 9000 series, a major revision to the BlackBerry which will add a completely revised user interface. HSDPA Internet access and the ability to completely backup a phone's information to a microSD card are also expected. The forthcoming 8800 replacement is not due until late 2007.

By Electronista Staff