One of the trademark Blackberry functions is the Blackberry Messenger, a sophisticated IM client that works like AIM but better. Why carriers lock that feature down and force customers to use their inferior version is beyond me. Blackberry owners take great pride in communicating with their own messaging system, and if you purchase this model from AT&T you will NOT have such luxury.
I start with this point because I am a Blackberry user and an advocate, and it’s bad enough that carriers lock out BB’s GPS capability and make you buy theirs, but don’t mess with a staple like the Blackberry Messenger.
Okay, let me dial it back. The 8830 is an excellent device, boasting a full Qwerty keyboard and most of the technology that has made RIM the choice of business and political types, such as push email, which allows you to receive emails directly to your phone (often before they reach your PC). This model also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with AT&T’s proprietary “Push to Talk” feature; all good, useful features that people will use.
So why no camera? Why isn’t this business device running at 3G speeds? These are questions without good answers, but when compared to the Curve and the Pearl, you may, in this particular instance, want to view the entire line of Blackberries before deciding.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Christopher Null, WiredThe BlackBerry 8820 is RIM's first foray into integrated Wi-Fi, and sometimes it even works. The 8820 is nearly identical in every way to the well-received 8800: same form factor, same 4.8-ounce weight, same OS, same trackball navigation system. The only difference is the iPhone-like addition of a W...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the BlackBerry 8820 user manual here.
BlackBerry backs up the 8820 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your 8820 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact BlackBerry support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find BlackBerry's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- BlackBerry 8820 Manual (PDF)
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