Buying a BlackBerry Help

The BlackBerry has been growing in popularity a lot lately, and not just in the corporate setting. With that, many individuals looking to use the BlackBerry as a personal device are not sure what to look for. So, I decided to write up a brief 'Buy BlackBerry' guide.

The first thing to consider is some of the key differences between BlackBerry models. Immediately before the newest generation of BlackBerry's, there were basically 3 models to choose from: 81xx series (AKA Pearl), 83xx series (AKA Curve), and 88xx series. Understanding this will help you pick between these and some of the newer generation devices. The model numbers can correspond to the service provider type, as well as the features of the model. Here is an example:

-Pearl 8100: SureType Keyboard, no WiFi, no GPS, GSM provider
-Pearl 8110: SureType Keyboard, no WiFi, with GPS, GSM provider
-Pearl 8120: SureType Keyboard, with WiFi, no GPS, GSM provider
-Pearl 8130: SureType Keyboard, with WiFi, no GPS, CDMA provider

Here is another example:
-Curve 8300: QWERTY Keyboard, no WiFi, no GPS, GSM provider
-Curve 8310: QWERTY Keyboard, no WiFi, with GPS, GSM provider
-Curve 8320: QWERTY Keyboard, with WiFi, no GPS, GSM provider
-Curve 8330: QWERTY Keyboard, no WiFi, with GPS, CDMA provider
-Curve 8350i: QWERTY Keyboard, with WiFi, with GPS, CDMA, iDEN provider

See the pattern? A key thing to consider is the keyboard type. The 88xx series follows a similar pattern, but has a different type of QWERTY keyboard. The 88xx has larger keys, but they are also close together. It ends up being a personal preference issue between which BlackBerry keyboard is best.

As you can see, there is a greater variety of BlackBerry device models available for service providers that work on the GSM network than ones that work on the CDMA network. Keep this in mind, as well as what service providers are available in your area. iDEN is a popular network for walkie-talkie style use, also known as Push to Talk. This is supported heavily on Sprint-Nextel. It also works on other providers such as AT&T, but not through iDEN. Here are some of the bigger and more popular service providers and their primary network type:

AT&T: GSM
Verizon: CDMA
T-Mobile: GSM
Sprint-Nextel: CDMA, iDEN
Rogers: GSM (Canada)
Alltel: CDMA (acquired by Verizon)

Now, here are the new generation models:

-Pearl Flip 8220: SureType Keyboard, with WiFi, no GPS, GSM provider
-Curve 8900: QWERTY Keyboard, with WiFi, with GPS, GSM provider
-Bold 9000: QWERTY Keyboard, with WiFi, with GPS, GSM provider
-Storm 95xx: All Touch Screen, no Wifi, with GPS, GSM and CDMA

More information will follow about the newer models and other factors to consider. Thanks for reading!