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November 27th, 2008, 07:54 GMT · By Sorin Surdeanu

Be on the Lookout for the BlackBerry 8350i

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BlackBerry 8350i
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The 8350i is going to be released with some noticeable differences from the way it was anticipated it would look. In any case, there is no need to feel discouraged because none of these should represent a deal-breaker, at least not for most potential clients. Furthermore, for iDEN's loyal clients, it could be considered a real blessing that the BlackBerry 8350i has been officially released and will be available for them via Sprint-Nextel.

Either way, to get started with presenting this phone's surprise features, know that the focus falls especially on the 2.5mm jack incorporated, rather than on the more popular 3.5mm one. Nonetheless, this could prove a most welcome feature for those looking for some kind of a change.

Next, this BlackBerry model comes with the plastic holster and not the leather one, and it is also slightly different in size, comparing it with other Curve models of its kind, being 2mm taller and 1mm thicker. The battery has also been changed, or better said, it has been upgraded to the 8800 one that comes with remarkable references and should perform very well on this model. Moreover, the side keys come now in black, instead of being chromed as expected.

Now for the not-so-fun aspects of this particular model, some problems could be registered concerning the signal, which may be lost on some occasions, or not be as strong as you would want it to be. Lastly, the side convenience key cannot be reprogrammed, since it has been locked.

These seemingly not bothersome, unexpected features, should not “ruin” the 8350i's reputation in any way. However, since it does come with several changed capabilities, you must be cautious and request detailed information on it, should you be considering purchasing it. Speaking of purchasing, this model is due for December 1, and will be available for $149.99 at Nextel and maybe other distributers as well.

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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: chino on 29 Nov 2008, 12:49 UTC reply to this comment

I am worried about the 8350i signal where I may lose calls? Should I just go with the curve & leave nextel service but stay with sprint? Curve is also smaller? Any suggestions??


Comment #2 by: Mark on 01 Dec 2008, 19:34 UTC reply to this comment

It's 12/1, where is it???


Comment #3 by: just me on 03 Dec 2008, 07:08 UTC reply to this comment

it's Dec. 3... why hasn't it been released? this is ridiculous. all the mystery behind a phone. do they want to sell it or not?


Comment #4 by: fieryfennix on 04 Dec 2008, 18:17 UTC reply to this comment

Ok, now 12/4. What the hell? Can't even find any info on this. Has anyone else headrd anything??


Comment #5 by: fern on 10 Dec 2008, 08:24 UTC reply to this comment

last week i went to a sprint store and i was told that they dont even got a date. but that nextel is coming out with 3 blackberry.the curve, rim and the bold.that will be in 2 to 3 month.especially those that will work in puerto rico.cdma and iden


Comment #6 by: John L. Shinn III on 16 Jan 2009, 07:07 UTC reply to this comment

A week ago, I went to Sprint and got the Blackberry 8330. Sprint’s 3G network is blazingly fast. Then I saw a colleague with a Blackberry 8350i, so I went back to Sprint and exchanged the 8330 for the 8350i—since my job requires me to also have a walkie-talkie.
The Sprint salesperson did point out that the 8350i runs on the Nextel radio network, but failed to make it clear that Nextel’s network is slow and nowhere near Sprint’s 3G network. The store only had two 8350i’s and I was lucky enough to get one before they were put out as display models.
Now I’m stuck with the 8350i (since Sprint would only allow one return/exchange within 30 days of purchase) which takes 2, 3 or 4 times longer than the 8330 to open a website. Watching Youtube.com is a joke as Nextel’s network is rather slow.
If you love to surf the ‘net, don’t get the 8350i and stick with Sprint’s 8330 or other 8000 models running on the 3G network. But if you use the walkie-talkie more than you surf the ‘net, then get the 8350i.
I know I cannot have everything in one phone such as the 8350i. But considering that I have to now carry only one phone instead of three (and capable of using a 16gig MicroSD compared to the 8330's 2 gig capacity) —more than outweighs the shortcomings of the 8350i running on Nextel’s network.
Overall, I’m still happy with the 8350i. I only wished that Nextel runs on the 3G network.

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