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Sprint finally releases RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i

Sprint launches the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i, offering push-to-talk capabilities and integrated Wi-Fi.

Bonnie Cha Former Editor
Bonnie Cha was a former chief correspondent for CNET Crave, covering every kind of tech toy imaginable (with a special obsession for robots and Star Wars-related stuff). When she's not scoping out stories, you can find her checking out live music or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California.
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Finally: RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i. Sprint

First introduced at CTIA Fall 2008, the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8350i is finally available through Sprint. The Curve 8350i can be purchased online and through telesales now for $149.99 with a two-year contract; the smartphone will be in stores starting January 11. This is particularly good news for Nextel Direct Connect users, who haven't seen a new BlackBerry model since the RIM BlackBerry 7100i, which was introduced back in June 2006.

In addition to supporting the iDEN network for use with Direct Connect and Group Connect push-to-talk services, the BlackBerry Curve 8350i also features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, and GPS. The smartphone will run the latest BlackBerry OS 4.6 and features DataViz Documents to Go, an improved media player, a 2-megapixel camera with video capabilities, and a microSD expansion slot.

In terms of design, the Curve 8350i is slightly bigger than the other Curve models at 4.4 inches high by 2.4 inches wide by 0.7 inch thick and 4.7 ounces. You do get a full QWERTY keyboard and a 65,000-color, 320x240 pixel resolution display.

Sprint is just putting the finishing touches on review units, so we expect to be get one soon. Stay tuned for the full review.