Is the BlackBerry KickStart getting a $50 price tag on T-Mobile?

We could tell by looking that RIM wouldn't think of charging too many hundies for its still unannounced BlackBerry KickStart, but $49.99? CrackBerry has it that said flip phone will be selling at T-Mobile for a penny under $50 on a two-year contract, which certainly seems smart given the competition. 'Course, we've nothing to substantiate this with just yet, but take one more look at that chubby side and tell us this thing deserves a triple digit price tag. That's right, you can't.

[BowserUSC @ Jul 3rd 2008 5:53PM]

Is it just me or have they never shown the keypad for this phone?

[Anthony @ Jul 3rd 2008 6:10PM]

Suretype, but you're right- it does seem to be hidden in the general press shots.

[gad get @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:31PM]

No, they've shown it.

[supraFanatic26 @ Jul 3rd 2008 5:56PM]

i think its just you

>>

http://crackberry.com/new-blackberrry-kickstart-images

[Jeremy K. @ Jul 3rd 2008 6:00PM]

Nice price. I'm interested, but having never tried the QW ER TY type keyboard I'm concerned it's really hard to get used to.

[Anthony @ Jul 3rd 2008 6:09PM]

Truthfully you've been down on this phone since its inception, but I have to say that there are quite a few out there that like flips. My wife has never gotten over her Motorola v60 even though she's had a blackberry curve for quite some time. She wants a sturdy flip that functions like a smartphone.

[gad get @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:37PM]

Engadget: biased and snarky for no conceivable reason except for the sake of being slightly more interesting.

[Ellianth @ Jul 3rd 2008 6:20PM]

i hate the way the inside of the screen looks. In my opinion, that part just makes the whole phone seem really ugly.

[DennisR @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:21PM]

Looks like an intelligent new take on the good ol' Blackberries.
But why would they put KATJA KEAN on it?

Other photos of Katja:

http://img43.imagevenue.com/aAfkjfp01fo1i-7307/loc666/50404_Katja_123_666lo.jpg

[Dave @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:26PM]

what an odd email to include in those promo shots...

[Jake @ Jul 3rd 2008 9:00PM]

"I dont know if I want to see that movie tonight. I dont like Matt Damon and his movies. Can we go see that comedy movie Superbad? Looks good!"

indeed sir

[gad get @ Jul 3rd 2008 7:56PM]

It's a Blackberry, and it's only $49.99! Plus, it's a flip, and there are few (read: zero?) good smartphone flips around, in case you hadn't noticed. Besides, it's not that thick, and not that ugly (I think it looks nice). I could see this going for $100 on contract.
Did the original iPhone deserve a middle-of-the-line-laptop price tag? Not a chance!
But wait, it must have, it's an Apple product. OK, carry on.

[Mobile Phone Diva @ Jul 4th 2008 4:49AM]

I also don't understand Engadget's constant hating on the Kickstart!! I'd rather have a SOLID smartphone than a thin one I have to baby all day!!
Super thin phones are cool but don't drop or accidentally put pressure on most of them!!!

[HalfJoey @ Jul 3rd 2008 8:20PM]

I would take low plan rates over the phone price any day. :(

[2fast4u @ Jul 3rd 2008 9:28PM]

Hmmm.....I can either get a Samsung Slider for $135 w/ contract or the Blackberry KickStart for $50....Hmmm...decisions....decisions...

[0megapart!cle @ Jul 3rd 2008 10:19PM]

Uhm, speak for yourself, Engadget. I happen to love the flipphone form factor, and if this comes out for a similar price on Verizon soon, I will snap it up!

[Alex Padilla @ Jul 3rd 2008 11:53PM]

This thing is all mine if they release a 3G version on AT&T (fat chance).

[Bergo @ Jul 4th 2008 10:26AM]

I didn't really care for the phone to begin with, but at a $50 (albeit subsidized pricing) pricepoint, small organization that would otherwise use cheaper phones (many of our sysadmins use Motorola clamshell phones for voice and sms alerts) could get into using smartphones manageable through BES. i have a Curve myself, but I know a lot of people in my organization would rather have a clamshell phone.

[roole @ Jul 4th 2008 11:27AM]

Ah, the excitement that this product is generating in this forum is impressive........