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Blackberry 8830 Smartphone (Sprint)
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List Price: $549.99
Our Price: $330.68
Your Save: $ 219.31 ( 40% )
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Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
 *Eligible orders over $25 ship free
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
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Average Customer Rating:   
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Binding: Wireless Phone
Brand: Blackberry
Color: Blue
EAN: 0843163012271
Feature: Compact BlackBerry smartphone with Bluetooth capability and full QWERTY keyboard
Label: BlackBerry
Manufacturer: BlackBerry
Model: SP8830RIM
Publisher: BlackBerry
Release Date: 2007-09-27
Studio: BlackBerry
Variation Description: Blue
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Features
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Compact BlackBerry smartphone with Bluetooth capability and full QWERTY keyboard
Supports up to 10 personal and work e-mail accounts with instant push e-mail technology
64 MB of internal memory; expandable via microSD memory card slot
Works with BlackBerry Enterprise Server; EV-DO high-speed broadband support
Includes: Standard Li-Ion Battery, AC Travel Charger, Holster, USB Data Cable and 128K SIM Card
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Editorial Reviews:
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The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone--the first CDMA BlackBerry smartphone capable of roaming globally on GSM/GPRS networks--is the stylish way to get things done. The 8830 is ideal for international travel, as it gives you full mobile voice and data coverage all over the world without having to change smartphones, phone numbers, or e-mail addresses. And that's just the beginning, as the 8830 also offers such standard functions as e-mail support, a built-in organizer, Web browsing, and instant messaging, as well as more advanced features like GPS support, access to the BlackBerry Maps service, a media player for your video clips and music, and expandable memory to ensure you have enough room for all your media files. 
The special World-Edition 8830 smartphone is ideal for international travel.
| Design
The BlackBerry 8830 isn't big, but it's also not quite as compact as some of BlackBerry's other recent offerings, such as the Pearl. One of the main reasons is that BlackBerry added a full QWERTY keyboard to the 8830, letting you easily type e-mails and text messages without having to peck the same key several times to input each letter. The venerable BlackBerry trackwheel, meanwhile, has been replaced on this model with an innovative four-way trackball placed below the screen. And users will love the dedicated Send, End, and Mute keys, along with the user-definable convenience keys. 
The full QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to type e-mails and text messages. | Calling Features
All the calling capabilities folks have come to expect in a wireless phone are present in the BlackBerry 8830. The handset's speakerphone makes it easy to use the device hands-free, or if you prefer, you can use a wireless headset via the phone's built-in Bluetooth capability. The phone also offers a vibrating alert, a speed dial, and a contacts list/address book that's limited only by the unit's 64 MB of internal memory, which is expandable through the microSD card slot. And thanks to the phone's speaker-independent voice dialing function, you can call contacts with the sound of your voice. No prior voice training is required; simply say a contact's name and the phone will dial the number. Messaging, Internet, and Tools
The 8830 offers the legendary BlackBerry e-mail experience. With BlackBerry service plans from Sprint, you can receive e-mails instantaneously from up to 10 e-mail accounts (personal and enterprise). BlackBerry's push technology, meanwhile, makes it easier than ever to receive your e-mails. BlackBerry devices are designed to remain on and stay continuously connected to your wireless network. As a result, you don't have to retrieve your e-mails manually, but instead are discreetly notified by the 8830 each time a new e-mail arrives. The unit also offers built-in support for viewing e-mail attachments in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, and PDF formats. Plus, the phone's Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) support lets you combine text and images within a single message, making it easy to caption photos and make amusing comments. As with most smartphones, the 8830 lets you access the Internet from the palm of your hand, with an integrated Web browser, up-do-date stock quotes, news readers, weather reports, and more--all at fast speeds thanks to support for Sprint's EV-DO high-speed data network. You can also use the 8830 as a wireless modem for your laptop or PC, letting you enjoy Internet access anywhere within the network's range. Sprint Services
The 8830 also offers a number of Sprint-specific features when combined with the right service plan, including the ability to stream music to your phone through Sprint's Music Choice service. You can select from pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B, plus enjoy access to exclusive video clips, performances, and artist interviews. Add in a built-in media player--which handles both real-time streaming video and audio at broadband-like speeds--and you have a terrific phone for multimedia fans. The media player supports MP3, MIDI, AMR-NB, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, and WMA audio formats and MPEG-4 and WMV video formats. Enterprise Server
For larger corporate and government organizations, the BlackBerry 8830 works with BlackBerry Enterprise Servers to provide users and IT managers with a host of additional features. Among the options are secure access to Internet- and intranet-based applications, single mailbox integration, wireless synchronization with corporate PIM tools, and remote address book lookup. And unlike with traditional mobile phones, the 8830 series incorporates advanced security features to satisfy strict IT requirements. Other enterprise features include the ability to receive proactive wireless notifications and alerts from executive reporting systems, the capacity to wirelessly access service histories and product bullets, and the ability to initiate a spontaneous conference call using the built-in speakerphone. Vital Statistics
The BlackBerry 8830 measures 2.6 by 4.49 by 0.55 inches (W x H x D), weighs 4.6 ounces, and includes a lithium cell battery that lasts for up to 220 minutes of talk time and nine days of standby time on the CDMA network. The phone, which is stereo headset capable, also comes with a one-year warranty. What's in the Box
BlackBerry 8830 phone, USB cable, wall charger, user's manual.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: This is for the Treo and Q users...Are you kidding me?!
Comment: Let me get this straight. You rather use a phone that takes forever to charge, with tiny keys, with an os that crashes, a bulky battery over the 8830 Blackberry? SERIOUSLY
The 8830 Blackberry is the slimmest to date with the most stable os in the business. The email capablities are legendary. The screen has improved a 1000%. And now that Sprint has a 3G network its even faster.
Heres what I don't like: There's not a camera. But I dont know what everyone is talking about I get my pictures fine. Maybe because the os has gotten an upgrade now. Being a designer I have to have a better camera than a pictures froma camera phone. No biggie.
No wifi...to compete with verizon and apple we implore you, add it.
I love the screen, GPS and now I'm able to get itunes on my phone! and it feels good in my hand. Very cool. I LOVE my Blackberry.
Customer Rating:
Summary: GORGEOUS!
Comment: I love this phone! I've had it since it launched. It's beautiful, my calls are clear, I get few if any dropped calls. I am running several third party apps such as standalone messengers, GPS etc. and hands free voice app (I know that it came with one, I decided to go with a 3rd party app that I liked more). The only reasons that I don't give it 5 stars are: 1. battery life 2. I would like my programs to run from my card more smoothly so that I don't need to encumber the main memory. Oh, and 3. my major pet peeve is the ringtone VOLUME...it's negligible. The Classic Phone ringtone is loudest and is the primary one that I use. Music Ringtones play loudly via the Media interface but as actual ringtones, they are barely audible.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Horrible Bluetooth Signal; Otherwise Tolerable
Comment: I switched from the Verizon Q to the BBerry 8830 because I wanted the push email (which is probably protected by some absurd patent) and because the OS is supposed to be more stable. Now, I want my good old Q back.
Overall, I had some minor complaints and one very major complaint: the bluetooth has a very weak signal, especially for the person on the other end. I pretty much have to hold the phone 1 ft from my head. Sure sometimes it will seem to work 10' away, but I can't get a clear signal with the phone in my pocket or in the passenger seat of the car. I tried two different H700 headsets and a Plantronics Voyager 510 and even returned my original 8830 to Verizon for a new phone.
Googling for "Blackberry weak bluetooth signal" it sounds like other people have the same problem. Since I'm now stuck with a $450 phone that doesn't do what I need it to do, I have hard time appreciating the good features, but since I already gave the worst possible review (Bluetooth is very important for me), here is the full picture:
Pro:
+4 Push email (apparently only available on the BBerry)
+4 Good battery life (Q was a joke without buying the bigger battery)
+2 Sleek, solid design
+2 Stable OS (compared to Microsoft-based Q)
Con:
-10 Horrible Bluetooth signal
-2 Average sound quality
-2 Weirdly shaped keys make it harder to type on than the Q
-2 Can't use me Bluetooth headset to listen to sound files
-1 No camera, although I'll gladly trade camera for better battery life
-1 Kept hitting the talk button accidentally until I figured out how to move the "Lock" icon to the top row
So if you like the handsfree option, avoid this phone at all costs. Otherwise, it's not bad.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Keyboard buttons different / Former 8700 and earlier should read for detailed differences // GREAT GPS //
Comment: We're loyal BB users and have been for some time and from every carrier from the Nextel 7290 ( a dimwit's Mensa application is brighter than that old screen) to a GSM 8700 model.
Lighter than an 8700, brighter, louder, clearer and much faster bandwidth.
BUT.....
The thumbwheel used for scrolling and "Enter/Select" is replaced with the center Pearl / thumball, trackball whatever you want to call it. You scroll it to move the cursor and press it in to execute the command/Enter.
The other thumb button below the thumbwheel (thumb if you're right handed, if your left handed then you have been outlawed by RIMM and the Canadian Govt) is also gone and has been split into two more front buttons with the back/return feature replaced by the boomerang arrow which is between the Red Call Cancel and joystick. The Cancel/Escape feature has been moved to the other new front button between the Green Call and center trackball.
Thumbwheel has been replaced by a rocker switch more closer to the rocker switch on the left side of a Motorola Razr on and is also used for volume control.
UNLIKE THE 8700, THE TWO NEW FRONT BUTTONS CAN'T BE REASSIGNED OR AT LEAST CAN'T BE REASSIGNED OUT OF THE BOX, IF THERE IS AN ADD ON APP TO CONFIGURE THOSE TWO NEW FRONT BUTTONS THAN PLEASE SHARE.
The left side convenience button is manageable and default setting is for voice dial.
The 8800 series keyboard is a dramatic difference from the 8700 because unlike the 8700 and most BB models before it, the keys aren't separated by blank space and this made it harder to type.
Prior BB's (except Pearls) have segregated keys and are forgiving even if you have overly large finger tips since each key is distinctly separated by blank space.
The 8800 is more like a tight laptop keyboard where all keys are buttressing, now they are beveled on the edges but it took just a few minutes for us to become accustomed to it. If you don't like buttressed keys then definitely spend ample time evaluating the keyboard in the store before committing to the 8800.
The screen is a scratch magnet !!! Even with gingerly treatment we've already blemished our screens and this will irk those who want to keep their phone perfect especially for resale value. BUT, a standard piece of clear packing tape will fit perfectly across the face w/o covering up the ear piece or intruding on the center button. Then take a sharp razor and carefully slice between the silver and black face plate to trim off the tape. Do this as a permanent measure or temporarily until you can find the perfect case and screen protector. IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT TAPE RESIDUE REST ASSURED SOME ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL 70% OR GREATER SOAKED ONTO A PAPER TOWEL REMOVES ANY TAPE RESIDUE AFTER REMOVING THE CLEAR TAPE AND WILL DO SO WITHOUT MARRING THE SURFACE.
It is worth investing in a glove type case like the silicone skin sold by RIMM Blackberry 8800 8830 OEM Black Silicone Flexi-Skin Case Cover Skin but it may not fit well with the included case. We use silicone cases with Nextel mil-spec ballistic nylon case and everything fits nicely (albeit isn't fashionable and the biggest BB nylon belt case you can buy)NASCAR NEXTEL Rugged Nylon Pouch Case NTZ0901NNCS
That center pearl replaces the thumbwheel, this was the hardest adoption point for us. TIP: Set the sensitivity of the center joystick ball to the lowest level of 20 until you get used to it then start upgrading the sensitivity. After a few days, we noticed many of our employees adapted to the pearl controller and the most challenged on our staff were comfortable with it after a week of usage.
We've read the other reviews which consistently describe the phones mic as less than standard and we mentioned this to the Sprint Rep. They described this as known issue and said that RIMM has addressed the problem. Whether or not this is true, or if our friends and associates are just intolerant -we haven't experienced the issue in several hundred calls so the Sprint Reps statement seems to have some credence.
Regarding the network , I tend to describe and compare cellular networks with a grain of salt since each network has better coverage in different geographical areas, but ours are performing well in most major and secondary urban markets.
The bandwidth is superb, this is an EVDO-Rev 0 phone instead of the faster EVDO-Rev A. Most people don't require the faster network since most people don't use cell phones for full web browsing instead of a traditional computer browser.
We've used it to tether data and we're getting consistent 300kbs throughput in the urban supported broadband areas, just like other data lines and cellular calls the bandwidth will slow down during peak usage such as rush hour where two or more highways cross over since the network tries to balance the network and give everyone a chance to use their phone. Data users are impacted by decreased bandwidth and will eventually be dropped if the network becomes extremely congested and you've been tethering longer than others.
TIP / Avoid using the Sprint Connection Manager when tethered and just create a new Dial Up Networking Connection using the native Windows function and set the tether as the "modem" and the phone number as #777.
No user ID or password and you'll have less dropped data calls because the Sprint Connection Manager will transmit usage data to the Sprint network and they drop data calls based on profiles.
If you don't believe this, just start a data call and fire up a packet sniffer like WireShark or TCPView.exe with logging and you'll see odd UDP packets to a Sprint server even if you've disabled all the applications which would normally transmit data. We didn't see these packets when using the #777 option and our calls lasted longer w/o dropping.
The GPS is superb ! You have to download the software and agree to some rates but Sprint's current $99.99 all you can eat package covers it so just accept the agreements and start using it. THE GPS works inside and is extremely accurate for locating your current position.
The included case is the nicest case we've ever seen included with a cell phone, it is a leather or high quality leather imitation which is well cushioned and has a decent clip. The flap is a magnetic one and this is comparable to any premium executive model belt case.
The GPS functions are two different applications which are independent of eachother, the TeleAtlas which downloads map data directly from Google Maps with an internal GPS antenna so it taks signal indoors like a TomTom and other next gen GPS recievers. It can search for business by name and provide address and telephone info or street addresses then select the "Navigate To" feature and the BB will begin routing you to the destination. The TeleAtlas app doesn't offers map only data without the Terrain or Satellite mode which displays the actual trees and roads but you can download this utility directly from Google. The TeleAtlas application seems to be without a voice prompt feature but the TeleNav subscription service from Sprint offers this.
TeleNav is another excellent GPS application offering address and business lookup but also can be used to quickly select points of contact from your address book then just selecting the record as your destination. It has more features such as "Avoid Traffic" that tries to aggregate known data such as rush hour and real time traffic info (if available in your area) to divert you from accident scenes and road construction.
We tested the GPS against a Garmin eMap and NavMan PiN PocketPC version and not exactly equal since the other two require line of sight to the sky for signal / the BlackBerry displayed accurate locational, current speed and time and distance to go data to every destination.
The most notable missing feature from both BlackBerry GPS applications was an "avoid road" feature, the basic capability to click a road on a GPS map and force the unit and navigation to avoid the road at all costs or for a certain distance is very helpful when taking a route that is blocked by road construction or trying to drive somewhere on a Sunday morning when the streets are closed because of marathon. IF THIS FEATURE EXISTS, please comment on our review and share the details.
Subscription GPS is slowly gaining predominance as the busines model instead of buying a unit then downloading sporadic updates like most popular units and the advantages of regular data updates are clear and compelling. At the time of this writing, Sprint is offering a $99 "all you can eat" rate plan and the normal $12.99 monthly TeleNav service is included.
A point of hesitance for using phone GPS is the smaller screens, although the BB is smallest of the three we've ever used, it is just as vivid and brighter and crisp or better than all we've ever seen.
It earns our five stars and this is good mobdel for the BB loyal, if you want a touchscreen or camera and other features commonly found on smart phones than this isn't for you, but the Ferarri F-40 didn't include an air conditioner or stereo and it is still revered as a performance machine.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great phone
Comment: This phone is great; it handles all of my e-mail addresses seamlessly, my address book is large, custom phone tunes, easy to use media player with large access via card, etc.. etc..
Best of all, world edition UNLOCKED. Travel around, buy a SIM, throw it in--I can go anywhere. Unlike other carriers 8830's which are locked to Vodaphone or another foreign company.
This also has a wide array of third-party applications which work well, some of which are actually enjoyable.
In addition, the net coverage is quite quick. Overall, this is a great phone with wonderful sound quality, coverage, features and it is also surprisingly durable.
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