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Touchscreen Blackberry on the way?

I'm still the only Mac guy I know who doesn't have an iPhone, primarily because AT&T service doesn't work in my house in San Francisco (it must be the fog.)

I still like my Blackberry 8870 (on VZW) despite the fact that it feels like I am operating in 1998 and all my friends are in 2008. It would be nice if RIM would modernize these things, especially for we addicts who prefer an outside keyboard. The new 9000 series seems to go a ways toward that until the carriers jump in and screw it … Read more

3G BlackBerry delayed until August?

Updated 4/25, see explanation at bottom.

A technical glitch in an upcoming BlackBerry release will prevent an iPhone-Blackberry showdown in June, according to Fortune. AT&T will delay the launch of the BlackBerry 8900 from June to August after concerns about call quality, the magazine reported Thursday, citing unnamed sources. The 8900 will be Research in Motion's first 3G BlackBerry for AT&T, and it had been expected to make its debut right around the same time as Apple is expected to launch a 3G version of the iPhone. UPDATED 6:10pm PT - The device … Read more

Apple is doing everything right with the iPhone

Although some have been critical of Apple over the past year about its decision to block third-parties from creating applications for the iPhone and its reluctance to bring much-desired functionality to the device, the company has turned the tide and is doing everything right.

Over the past year, Apple has learned quickly that the cell phone business is extremely difficult to be successful in and realized that its tried and true tactic of keeping its device closed off to outside companies is not the best way to do business.

If nothing else, Apple has gone through the growing pains of selling a cell phone to the world and has the scars to prove it. But in recent weeks, the company has turned the tide. Instead of floundering like many other companies in its position, Apple adapted and has single-handedly built the framework it needs to become the dominant player in the cell phone industry.… Read more

AT&T snags GPS-equipped RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8110

A new BlackBerry Pearl has found its way to AT&T's doorstep this morning. Available starting today, the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8110 has integrated GPS and support for the carrier's AT&T Navigator service, which provides voice-guided turn-by-turn directions, 3D colors maps, traffic alerts, and more. Of course, if you want this luxury, you'll have to pay an additional $9.99 per month. While the GPS is great, you lose the Wi-Fi found on the recently released RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120. (Is it asking too much to have both?)

The rest of the Pearl 8110'… Read more

RIM, Palm also seeing smartphone shortages?

Several smartphone makers are finding themselves short of product this spring, not just Apple.

A few weeks ago, Apple's retail stores were extremely low on iPhones, which at the time was attributed to a clearing of the channel before the next revision to the product brought 3G speed. But Apple's not the only company dealing with lean inventories, according to a research note from Morgan Keegan spotted by Electronista.

Research In Motion and Palm are also short on certain smartphone models, with RIM's carriers running low on BlackBerry Pearls and Palm's Treo 755p hard to find. … Read more

Alltel gets its own RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330

It seems everyone wants a piece of the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 as the popular smartphone is making the rounds with the carriers. First, with Verizon Wireless and Sprint at CTIA 2008, and now, Alltel. Available for preorder today online (ships May 1), the Alltel BlackBerry Curve features integrated GPS, Bluetooth 2.0, a 2-megapixel camera with video-recording capabilities, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It will also support several of the carrier's add-on services, including Alltel Navigation, Alltel Axcess Voice2TXT service, and its "My Circle" plan. Pricing for the BlackBerry Curve 8330 starts at $229.99 … Read more

First Look: Facebook for BlackBerry

You won't be able to turn people into zombies with Facebook for BlackBerry (quick link), but you will be able to perform the essential Facebook maneuvers to keep up with your friends. Since launching in late October 2007, the wildly popular app has topped 1,000,000 downloads. With intuitive actions and a familiar look and feel that mimics the online site, it's easily a must-have BlackBerry app.

Be forewarned that the application doesn't scrimp on profile photos, so data transfers can sometimes limp along. Have patience. Also, since Facebook for BlackBerry's functionality is currently limited … Read more

RIM earnings surge during fourth quarter

Research in Motion's BlackBerry business is chugging along, and the company has the money to prove it.

RIM reported fourth-quarter earnings Wednesday after the close of the stock market, and the numbers were good. The company took in $1.9 billion in revenue, more than double last year's fourth-quarter haul of $930.4 million. And it had $412.5 million left over in profits, equal to 72 cents a share in earnings and two cents better than what Wall Street analysts were expecting.

The company shipped 4.4 million smartphones during the quarter, and 14 million for the … Read more

Juicy BlackBerry 9000 rumors

Research in Motion has been keeping itself plenty busy at CTIA 2008 with the release of the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 for Verizon Wireless and Sprint and the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120. However, it might be a product that's not at the show that's causing the biggest stir among BlackBerry fans. Several sites, including Engadget Mobile and Mobile Magazine, have started posting pictures and "insider information" of the rumored RIM BlackBerry 9000. Based on some of the photos, the BlackBerry 9000 has a sexier look with rounded edges, and it's also said that it will … Read more