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Engadget's back to school guide: Mobile phones
Welcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we have mobile phones in our sights -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Back in our day, the only "mobile phone" at school was the one that broke off the dorm wall after our roommates got a little too rowdy, but nowadays, a capable, high-power handset is quickly becoming a must-have for students of all ages. Regardless of your budget, your parent's budget, or your little one's budget, we've got options that should help with studying, gaming, music, and maybe even the occasional call home.
Chris Ziegler08.17.2010
Nothing black about these berries: T-Mobile outs fuchsia Curve 8520, white Bold 9700
We kind of already had a hunch on this one, but it's totally official now: the "fuchsia" version of RIM's BlackBerry Curve 8520 is now totally real and available on T-Mobile for $49.99 on a two-year deal (interestingly, you can get either the black or the white versions for free, so you'd better really want the red). Alongside that, the Bold 9700 is getting repainted in white -- a trick we've seen before with the original Bold 9000 -- on May 26 for $129.99 on contract. Oh, and that Bold will come loaded with BlackBerry OS 5.0.586, an update that's now available to existing customers as well. High fives all around -- at least until 6 drops, right?
Chris Ziegler05.20.2010
T-Mobile getting fuchsia BlackBerry 8520 on May 19?
If this rumor came true, it'd be just about the least shocking phone-related event in recent memory; both RIM and T-Mobile have reputations for releasing devices in multiple colors, and the Curve 8500 series is no exception. Anyhow, the story goes that T-Mobile's BlackBerry Curve 8520 will be graced with a third color -- fuchsia, which doesn't look nearly as shocking as it sounds -- on May 19, joining the black and white versions already available in the lineup. We'd probably still take a Bold 9700 over this, but you know what the 8520 has that the 9700 doesn't? A fuchsia version, that's what.
Chris Ziegler05.13.2010
BlackBerry Curve 8520, LG Shine II coming to AT&T
That successor to AT&T's wildly popular LG Shine that we spied back in August has finally popped official today, becoming the Shine II (surprise, surprise). It's a very evolutionary set -- if you squint, you can't see much difference from the original -- but this might be a situation where it's in AT&T's best interest not to mess with success just as long as they don't end up pulling a RAZR over the next several years. It's got a 2 megapixel cam, a mirror-finish 2.2-inch LCD, GPS, 3.6Mbps HSDPA, and microSD expansion to 16GB; look for it on November 22 for $119.99 after rebate on contract. Perhaps more notably, the BlackBerry Curve 8520 has migrated from T-Mobile over to AT&T today with the same EDGE data and optical pad as its cousin; it'll be hitting in the "coming weeks" for $99.99 after rebate. Of course, the Bold 9700 hits on the 22nd for a hundie more, so there'll be some soul searching among AT&T-based BlackBerry lovers over the next few days, we suspect.
Chris Ziegler11.16.2009
BlackBerry Curve 8520 now on Rogers
You know what's screwed up? A CAD $99.99 (about $95) BlackBerry Curve 8520 -- you know, the cheap one -- being sold on the same carrier at the same time as CAD $79.99 (about $76) Dreams and Magics. Doesn't that seem a little out of whack? Not to mention the fact that Rogers is looking for three-year contracts all around here, and with all due respect to the 8520, the thought of committing to it for anything even close to the next 36 months sends shivers down our spines. The latest BlackBerry (and the first with a touchpad in place of a trackball) is yet to go live on Rogers' site, but apparently you can go ahead and pick one up this very second if you're so inclined -- just be sure to bring cash and your best contract signin' pen.
Chris Ziegler10.09.2009
RIM goes pale, shows white Curve 8520 for T-Mobile and Bold for AT&T
We know it's after Labor Day, but that doesn't seem to be stopping RIM from rolling out a couple BlackBerrys in bright white this season -- and who are we to accuse Waterloo of a fashion faux-pas? First up, the Curve 8520 on T-Mobile is now available, complementing the black and "frost" versions that have already landed; perhaps more interesting, though, is direct confirmation from RIM that there'll be a white version Bold hitting AT&T in mid-October. With the Bold 2 seemingly around the corner, recoloring the current model seems like an odd move -- but if they can continue to sell the Bold at a moderate discount a la iPhone 3G / 3GS, there might yet be a strategy there. The version RIM had on hand wasn't AT&T-branded, but... you know, just imagine the silkscreened logo and customized wallpaper, and you'll get the idea. %Gallery-75098%
Chris Ziegler10.08.2009
Vodafone launches BlackBerry 8520 in the UK
BlackBerry's newest consumer-class QWERTY smartphone -- the Curve 8520 -- seemed like a lock to launch on Vodafone UK on account of some scanned advertising a little while back, and sure enough, here it is. Considering that you can get virtually any phone in your wildest dreams for free on Voda as long as you pair it with an appropriately pricey contract, we're not sure why you'd take up their offer of the 8520, really -- especially considering that it tops out at EDGE speeds in a country where EDGE-only phones are antiquities better suited for museums than pockets. We guess that'd be what the "Why get this" section on the carrier's product page is for, eh?
Chris Ziegler08.13.2009
T-Mobile's BlackBerry Curve 8520 unboxed and handled (with video!)
That new BlackBerry Curve 8520 for T-Mobile is in the house, sucking down EDGE data like it's going out of style (oh, right, it is). For a device that can be scored for $50 at Walmart as of tomorrow ($130 at T-Mobile stores), this is a surprisingly solid handset. The keyboard is classic BlackBerry goodness, and the overall heft gives us at least a little bit of assurance that the phone can hold up to wear and tear better than its predecessors. Most of the changes are for the better, like a trio of media keys up top and the rubberized sides, but we're not completely sold on the touchpad. It works great when it works, but if it's too clean or our thumb is at the exact wrong moisture level, we found that we kind of "stuck" to the pad instead of gliding across it. A bit of texturing could go a long way. We also found the QVGA screen to be pretty dim, which is particularly unfortunate in light of RIM's higher-end, high-res wonders, but it's certainly passable. We're planning on spending some more time with the handset, testing that EDGE network to the limit, giving UMA time to handle some of legendary conversational stylings, and seeing how many Engadget Podcast episodes we can narcissistically cram onto the bundled 1GB microSD card. In speaking with RIM, it's quite clear that the decision to go EDGE was primarily based on price, along with the fact that T-Mobile's 3G rollout is still lacking -- it's still a head scratcher to us, though. The spokesperson also seemed pretty confident that the new touchpad interface is the way of the future, and we get the feeling the BlackBerry's legendary trackball isn't long for this world. Check out a quick video hands-on after the break, or you could opt for some fine unboxing shots below.
Paul Miller08.04.2009
BlackBerry 8520 now up on T-Mobile's site, no purchases just yet
It may not be the 5th of the month just yet, but that's not stopping T-Mobile from going ahead and posting its product info page for the upcoming BlackBerry 8520 with a big, fat "Coming Soon" right next to it. Everything here is pretty much exactly as you'd expect it: EDGE data, WiFi, 2 megapixel camera, microSD expansion, and a rated 4.5 hours of talk time with 17 days of standby -- the only thing we're really missing then (besides 3G, of course) is a Buy button, which we're figuring will show up any day now.[Via Boy Genius Report]
Chris Ziegler08.03.2009
Video: T-Mobile BlackBerry 8520 sold and unboxed early
We all know there ain't no party like a Super Walmart party, 'cause the Super Walmart party don't stop. Aiding its cause in being the go-to place for night owls and bargain hunting insomniacs is the fact that it's apparently selling T-Mobile's newest BlackBerry ahead of the August 5th street date. Don't believe us? Jump on past the break for an unboxing video, and afterwards, feel free to call your nearest five Wally Worlds until you find one ready and willing to take your $48.88 (on contract).[Thanks, Alex]
Darren Murph08.03.2009
BlackBerry Curve 8520 gets a hands-on, photo shoot
Hot on the heels of the word that RIM's BlackBerry Curve 8520 would be heading for Vodaphone in the UK, Pocket Lint's gotten a hold of one. The optical trackball-boasting, entry-level non-3G darling looks pretty brilliant in the photos, despite its stripped down form factor. Pocket Lint is also reporting that it'll be Vodaphone-bound in August, and it'll also be available through Orange for pre-paid deals and from Carphone Warehouse where it'll be offered in violet. Now that, we'll admit, we're kind of interested in. The 8520 (or Gemini, as it's also known) is T-Mobile-bound in the US of A, most likely on August 5th. There's another shot after the break -- hit the read link for the full set.
Laura June Dziuban07.27.2009
Oh, by the way: July 26, 2009
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of mobile for the weekend of Saturday, July 25th, 2009: A small Chinese firm by the name of Beyond Radio Technology is working on an Android phone that they claim to have had in the labs for 18 months now. Problem is, they've posted screen shots, and they're clearly QVGA -- an instant fail. [Via Cloned In China] Sony Ericsson's PlayNow Arena app store is now accepting apps from developers. Paid apps must cost at least €3 (about $4.25), though freebies will also be allowed; free apps with ad support, however, will require some other form of agreement with Sony Ericsson. There are no submission fees or annual charges for devs, which is nice -- and interestingly, apps that are rejected will have a plan B in the form of official partner GetJar. Java and Symbian are being supported initially, with other platforms (ahem, Android) coming in the future. [Via mocoNews] All of the intel in the field is now pointing toward an August 5 launch for the BlackBerry 8520 "Gemini" on T-Mobile, which confirms earlier suggestions. Speaking of T-Mobile, the Samsung t659 -- codenamed "Scarlet" -- has been spotted in the wild. Unless you have a thing for 2 megapixel cameras, we wouldn't get too excited, but the presence of AWS 3G is always welcome. The global number two manufacturer, Samsung, released its Q2 results -- and they're looking pretty solid. The company managed to push some 52.3 million handsets in the three-month period and said that it'll make good on previous guidance (and then some) of hitting 200 million shipments for the year. [Via mocoNews] A poster over at the ever-trusty xda-developers has somehow managed to stumble upon themes for AT&T's upcoming Warhawk -- the carrier's version of the HTC Touch Diamond2 -- and they're looking mighty Windows Mobile 6.5-ish. [Via wmpoweruser.com and Fuze Mobility]
Chris Ziegler07.26.2009
BlackBerry 8520 coming to Vodafone UK, too
We didn't think Vodafone UK still had the stones to launch a non-3G smartphone in 2009, so color us a little shocked with this one. A scanned ad lends plenty of credibility to the rumor that the carrier will be joining T-Mobile USA in launching RIM's latest entry-level QWERTY handset, the 8520 -- and as the print states, these guys expect to be selling it at an "affordable price." CrackBerry claims we could see this one in August (which is when T-Mobile will be launching it, too), so if you're a Brit with a hankering for optical d-pads and BES, hang tight.
Chris Ziegler07.25.2009
T-Mobile's BlackBerry Curve 8520 launching on August 5th at Walmart?
You have to look closely but in the text of the message above circulated around Wal-mart you can clearly make out a date for the launch of the BlackBerry Curve 8520. So August 5th it is, under a two-month exclusive retail arrangement according to our Walmart-employed tipster. That's the same date T-Mobile will be shipping out its myTouch 3G for those keeping track. That jibes with what looks to be an 8520 "Sneak Preview" pre-launch party kicking off on July 20th and scheduled to run for two weeks. See the invite after the break.Update: Looks like one has already hit eBay. Thanks, Ben!
Thomas Ricker07.15.2009
BlackBerry Curve 8520 is a go for US, says FCC
Whether or not it's coming to T-Mobile (spoiler: all signs point to yes), BlackBerry's Curve 8520 has now been ordained with FCC approval, clearing the hurdle for its sale stateside. Optical trackpad and EDGE connection your cup of tea? You know where to look, and for everyone else, there's always the Tour.[Via Boy Genius Report]
Ross Miller06.30.2009BlackBerry Curve 8520 with T-Mobile branding walks in front of a camera
A BlackBerry 8520 bound for T-Mobile? Really, we're not surprised, having heard whispers not too long ago, and while not yet official, some gung ho Crackberry forum members have posted some shots of the branded phone in the wild, with just a dash of Mr. Blurrycam stylings for good effect. No indication of a release date here, but if you're really jonesing for a new 2.5G BlackBerry, last we heard it was coming fourth quarter of this year. Update: That white trackpad isn't quite what it seems. According to the original poster, it's just a plastic covering. We hate to disappoint anyone who actually dug the new shade.
Ross Miller06.15.2009
BlackBerry Aries spotted: a Gemini with CDMA in its heart
If you had your eye the BlackBerry Curve 8520 / Gemini, somehow above all the other number of RIM devices that have surfaced as of late, it looks like the stars have aligned (har har) for you. The gang at Crackberry have gotten a first peep at the Aries, which they say is essentially a CDMA-equipped Gemini that's likely to go by the eventual name Curve 8530. Not much else to note here, here's hoping we got some more concrete details -- and maybe a committed carrier or two -- in the not too distant. As for the naming conventions, we now anxiously await for alliterative darlings like a touchscreen Taurus, slide-out Sagittarius, and 18 megapixel Pisces.
Ross Miller05.24.2009
BlackBerry 8520 in the mix for T-Mobile in the fourth quarter?
You know what makes a lot of sense? The EDGE-only BlackBerry 8520 hitting T-Mobile USA, that's what. The carrier's already shown a penchant for launching pretty 2.5G BlackBerrys in the past, and the 8520 would be a perfect way to continue that tradition (not to say we totally support continuing any 2.5G tradition, but it is what it is). Boy Genius Report is apparently hearing that there's a Q4 launch in store for the so-called Gemini on T-Mobile USA, which feels a bit late to us -- but maybe they're just looking to give the 8900 some breathing room. Trackball for the weekdays, optical mouse for the weekends, maybe?[Image via CrackBerry]
Chris Ziegler05.07.2009BlackBerry Curve 8520 gets pre-reviewed
We've been dying to know more about that crazy BlackBerry Curve 8520 with the optical trackball in place of the usual spinner, and the crew over at CrackBerry's finally posted their pre-release review. Overall, it seems like a nice enough phone, and the optical trackball apparently works well, which is a nice surprise given our experience with them. On the downside, it's not nearly as nice as the Curve 8900, and while the overall design has been updated, components like the screen, battery, and camera are carryovers from the Curve 8300 -- a particular shame considering the raves RIM's been getting for its amazing screens lately. Of course, we can't complain too much considering this thing is EDGE-only and potentially destined to be a pay-as-you-go phone, but it sure does look nice, and we're interested in seeing how this design philosophy translates into higher-end sets... like, say, the Storm 2. Check the full review at the read link.
Nilay Patel05.04.2009
BlackBerry Curve 8520 "Gemini" image surfaces
Well, what do we have here? The folks at Crackberry seem to have gotten their hands on a pic of the BlackBerry Curve 8520, a.k.a. "Gemini." From what we can see and from what they tell us, there's an optical trackball, dedicated media player buttons, and a "rubberized" body. Lack of 3G is a big bummer, and we're sure the non-classic trackball is gonna ruffle some feathers, but the hardware's enticing enough for us to give it a look over. Intrigued?
Ross Miller05.01.2009