BlackBerry

This article is about the wireless e-mail device. For other meanings, see blackberry (disambiguation).

The BlackBerry is a handheld wireless device providing e-mail, telephone, text messaging and world wide web browsing services.

Hardware

The devices are manufactured by Canadian company Research In Motion and are resold by cellular phone companies throughout the world. They fit in the palm of the hand and are operated using a scrollwheel and buttons. The original BlackBerry device had a monochrome display but the newer models are colour.

While including the usual PDA applications (calendar, etc.) as well as cell phone capabilities on newer models, the BlackBerry is primarily known for its ability to send and receive email anywhere it is in coverage, as well as a built in keyboard optimized for "thumbing", or using only your thumbs to type. System navigation is primarily accomplished by the thumbwheel, a scrolling wheel with a "click" function, located on the right side of the device. Specialty models also incorporate a two-way radio.

The devices are very popular with some businesses, where they are primarily used to provide email delivery to roaming employees. To fully integrate the BlackBerry into a company, the installation of BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) is required.

Operating system

RIM provides a proprietary operating System for the BlackBerry, which makes heavy use of the device's specialized input devices, particularly the thumbwheel. The newest OS provides support for MIDP 1.0 and WAP 1.2.

Nicknames

The ability to read email that is received in realtime, anywhere, has made the BlackBerry devices infamously addictive, earning them the nickname "CrackBerry". Smaller blue-coloured models of the BlackBerry are colloquially nicknamed "BlueBerrys". Due to the abbreviated company name displayed prominently on early BlackBerry devices, they are mistakenly nicknamed "RIM".

Models

Early Models:

• 850 small monochrome screen, operates on DataTAC network, email services only
• 857 large monochrome screen, operates on DataTAC network, email services only
• 950 small monochrome screen, operates on Mobitex network, email services only
• 957 large monochrome screen, operates on Mobitex network, email services only

Java-based Models:

• 5790 large 160x160 pixel monochrome screen, operates on 900Mhz Mobitex network, email services only
• 5810 large monochrome screen, operates on 1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, phone but headset required
• 6210 medium monochrome screen, operates on 900/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 6230 medium monochrome screen, operates on 900/1800/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 6280 medium monochrome screen, operates on 850/1800/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 6510 medium monochrome screen, operates on iDEN network, integrated phone, integrated two-way radio
• 6710 large monochrome screen, operates on 900/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 6750 large monochrome screen, operates on 800/1900Mhz CDMA2000 1xRTT network, integrated phone
• 7100t large 240x260 colour screen, operates on 850/900/1800/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone with speakerphone, Bluetooth
• 7210 medium 240x160 pixel colour screen, operates on 900/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 7230 medium 240x160 pixel colour screen, operates on 900/1800/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 7280 medium 240x160 pixel colour screen, operates on 850/1800/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 7510 medium 240x160 pixel colour screen, operates on iDEN network, integrated phone with speakerphone, integrated two-way radio
• 7730 large colour screen, operates on 900/1800/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone
• 7750 large colour screen, operates on 800/1900Mhz CDMA2000 1x network, integrated phone
• 7780 large colour screen, operates on 850/1800/1900Mhz GSM/GPRS network, integrated phone