RIM BlackBerry 8830 (Sprint)

Research In Motion has partnered with the two big US CDMA carriers to launch the new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition, the first dual-mode GSM/CDMA handset from the manufacturer. The BlackBerry 8830 combines EV-DO capable CDMA coverage with a SIM card slot for GSM use when traveling to make the device truly useful when abroad.

The new BlackBerry 8830 is similar to the already available 8800, with the manufacturer's updated design and trackball feature. There really is no going past the dual-mode functionality when looking for a killer feature for the device though, as it will be one of the first generally available devices to have such a feature when it launches with both Sprint and Verizon Wireless. The BlackBerry 8830 will work on 800/1900MHz CDMA/EV-DO networks, and when coupled with a SIM card through your selected carrier's Global BlackBerry service or a third party carrier, will also roam on 900/1800MHz GSM/GPRS services. Unfortunately, it seems that you will not be able to use a SIM card from third party providers with the Verizon Wireless version of the handset, only the one provided with the Global BlackBerry service. The Sprint version does not appear to have this limitation.

Measuring up at 114mm x 66mm x 13.9mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 0.55") and weighing in at 130g (4.6oz), the BlackBerry 8830 is both smart and stylish. MicroSD memory cards can be used to complement the 64MB of on board memory, and the device features a 320x240 pixel resolution 65k color TFT LCD display. Standard BlackBerry features like Bluetooth and speakerphone functionality are present, as is a build in GPS module.

Specifications for the RIM Blackberry 8830 World Edition