BlackBerry 8820 dual-mode WiFi-cell BlackBerry announced by ZDNet‘s Russell Shaw — As had been widely expected, BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion announced the BlackBerry 8820 today. RIM points out that the BlackBerry 8820 is the first dual-mode BlackBerry handset, combining EDGE/GPRS/GSM cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity for data access and voice support through UMA (unlicensed mobile access) for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) service offerings from various wireless [...]
It isn’t an iPhone, but I would still be inclined to get this handset for a couple of reasons. First, I like my Blackberry Pearl a lot but wish it had wifi. Second, eventually T-Mobile will get this and I could use it with Hotspot@Home and dump my VoIP home phone. Lastly, it’s certain to be a lot less expensive than the iPhone.
The one factor that could be a worm turner for me is the browser, which in every previous Blackberry has hovered somewhere between completely useless and piece of crap status. If Blackberry doesn’t get a decent web browser, having wifi is academic because no one will be able to use it.
Tags: Blackberry, iPhone