8820 will replace 8800?

[greenblood]

from phonescoop

RIM Adds 8820 Wi-Fi-Enabled BlackBerry to Lineup

Today, 5:05 PM source: BlackBerry

The new BlackBerry 8820 from Research in Motion is the first to combine a phone and Wi-Fi in one device. Only recently approved by the FCC, the 8820 is a GSM/EDGE device that includes 802.11a/b/g radios for Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. It is loaded with a UMA client and can access fixed-mobile convergence services such as T-Mobile's HotSpot @Home. Other additions to the spec list include built-in GPS, the newer media player applications such as those on the Curve, and support for the microSDHC standard up to 32 gigabytes. It also includes stereo Bluetooth. The 8820 will launch on AT&T's network later this summer.

[dole]

dont see any real need to keep the 8800 around, seems to be the same form factor. 8820 plus the 8320 will be a nice blackberry lineup for TMO and their UMA service.

[greenblood]

if I want another 2G phone, and money is not a concern, I may get 8820

[terryjohnson16]

I was just about to post about this. But, I wonder how the sales are going with the 8800. I don't think its moving. Over at phonescoop they are saying that its coming to AT&T, but everyone is wondering if AT&T will use UMA or is it just a feature that RIM put in just as a feature.

T-Mobile might get this to hold up til the 8320 comes. T-Mobile's good blackberry right now is the Pearl.

[terryjohnson16]

AT&T might be launching UMA this year.
RIM goes dual-mode with new BlackBerry :: RCR Wireless News (http://www.rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070718/FREE/70717014/1015)

RIM goes dual-mode with new BlackBerry
AT&T's UMA plans unclear


By Mike Dano
Story posted: July 18, 2007 - 5:59 am EDT

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. released its first dual-mode, Wi-Fi/cellular device, the 8820, which will allow users to move between cellular connections and hotspots. RIM has long discussed its plans for such a device, and the gadget's release coincides with recent Wi-Fi efforts from a number of players.

"The BlackBerry 8820 complements our carrier partners' cellular networks with the added ability to stay connected via Wi-Fi at home, through hotspots and corporate campuses," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM.

RIM’s entrance into the dual-mode space comes as no surprise; the company’s business centers around corporate users, and corporations have widely embraced Wi-Fi as a way to maintain connections throughout a building or corporate campus. RIM said the new 8820 supports Unlicensed Mobile Access technology, which allows users to move between cellular and Wi-Fi networks without losing a connection.

Although RIM did not offer pricing information on the phone, the company said the new 8820 will be through AT&T Mobility “later this summer.” AT&T spokesman John Kampfe said the carrier hasn't announced "any other details regarding AT&T’s version of the BlackBerry 8820 and won’t until we announce availability later this summer." Thus, it's unclear whether AT&T will introduce new plans and services around UMA technology.

Indeed, cellular/Wi-Fi roaming appears to be gaining steam as T-Mobile USA Inc. recently announced the nationwide availability of its HotSpot@Home service, which is supported by two handsets and allows users to conduct voice calls while moving between cellular and Wi-Fi networks. Cincinnati Bell also offers such services.

RIM said its new 8820 BlackBerry features support for EDGE networks as well as built-in GPS, removable memory cards and stereo Bluetooth.

[greenblood]

why at&t use UMA/GAN?!
don't they have 850 for guaranteed indoor signal?