Touch BlackBerry to ship with only 2.5G?

RIM's upcoming touchscreen BlackBerry may disappoint users expecting a perfect device, according to updated information provided by BGR. Although earlier claims have alluded to a 3G Internet linkup, the initial version of the device known as the BlackBerry 9100 will be limited to slower 2.5G EDGE for wide-area data. In return, the handset will support 802.11a WiFi networks popular with some workplaces as an alternative to 802.11g, according to the tip.

The alleged inside knowledge provides corroborating news of a QWERTY keyboard but notes that the software will remain largely similar to today's BlackBerry OS rather than signal a complete overhaul of the design to accommodate touch input.

Its release date may also be accelerated; news of the BlackBerry could come as early as RIM's quarterly results today but is most likely to arrive in the first third of the year, potentially launching as soon as January but no later than April. A report earlier today from analysts at GMP Securities has pointed to a February introduction.

Filed under: gadgets
Other story tags: BlackBerry