BlackBerry Curve 8900 hits FCC, destined for US airwaves early next year

With the 8900 having just launched on T-Mobile Germany, it only stands to reason that T-Mobile's US subsidiary would be a logical next step; after all, it's already brought in the WiFi-equipped 8320, and the 8900 is the next progression in that bloodline. It also makes a ripe competitor for the Bold, which just saw the light of day on T-Mobile's much-larger rival -- and seeing how RIM has now mentioned that the 8900 will be coming stateside in the first quarter of 2009, we're feeling like a T-Mob launch is about as close to a sure thing as you can find these days. The only question is, why wait so long? When you consider that the darned thing just passed the FCC, we're not seeing a compelling reason to hold it until after the crucial holiday season unless they're looking to give the 8220 some breathing room -- and hey, sorry, 8220, but in a battle against the 8900, you're going to go down every time.

Read - Coming to the US
Read - FCC filing

[gonintendo @ Nov 12th 2008 10:32PM]

TSRIF

[iEye @ Nov 12th 2008 10:33PM]

Yikes... Rim just keeps coming with new models every month now.... streamline. Apple has only 1...

At least come up with a name for each type like pearl bold carcass whatever but don't go the way of Asus please!

not 8900 8800 9700...

[gonintendo @ Nov 12th 2008 10:35PM]

Not just asus, nShitia also. I lost track of all their suffixes years ago.

[The Walrus @ Nov 13th 2008 12:32AM]

Remember that one time you didn't bring up a totally unnecessary Apple reference? Neither do I

[omar @ Nov 12th 2008 10:45PM]

dont make me wait too long now, blackberry (tmobile) you hear?

[Jimmy @ Nov 12th 2008 10:48PM]

Sweet. This is going to be my next phone for sure. Not as cool as the iPhone or Touch Pro or Storm, but it does exactly what I need, nothing more. The Minutes & Mail plan on T-Mobile (1000 mins w/ unlimited txts, data, email) @ $59/month seals the deal. Nothing else (with the exception of SERO, or whatever they're calling it now) even comes close.

[NA @ Nov 12th 2008 11:00PM]

Is the "Y" and "Z" switch a German thing?

[PeachyJays @ Nov 12th 2008 11:07PM]

This is pretty cool, but nothing beats the Storm right now. The clicking on the Storm really makes you think you are pressing a button!

http://www.peachyjays.com

[0mega @ Nov 12th 2008 11:42PM]

I have to wait til next year for this? But it's such a pleasure to use! (Yes, I have used one. Black track ball and all. )

[wako @ Nov 13th 2008 12:19AM]

so i never really understood when they say "First Quarter of..."


What does it mean?! Why cant you just say an approximate time?! Does it mean from January to April because that would be the first quarter? Logically that is what I would take as first quarter but I know companies have different times they consider as quarters. For example Apple released their recent quarter earnings as Q4, when logically it would be Q4 now....

[tom @ Nov 13th 2008 8:32AM]

1Q means January -March

[Jarek @ Nov 13th 2008 2:07AM]

Perhaps T-Mo wants to give the G1 some breathing room. The devices aren't that similar, but who knows what goes on in the head of an executive.

@NA: yes.

[greendave @ Nov 13th 2008 5:14AM]

I can't see where this post mentions the iPhone, I must have missed it. Anyway, for the sake of completeness I would like to mention how Blackberry are offering their users plenty of choice with the Bold, Curve, Storm, Pearl, 8900, 8320, 8220, 8310, 8210, 8110 - not like stupid Apple with just 8GB and 16GB iPhones that all have WiFi and AppStore, rubbish huh.

[Prhime @ Nov 13th 2008 9:53AM]

oh when wil the ol' black and gold get a little RIMM love? the iden curve is nice and all (but still not out). hopefully they will see the storm in 2qtrs.

[Tim @ Nov 13th 2008 11:36AM]

Why wait? Because RIM doesn't want to launch so many devices back-to-back-to-back-to-back.

How many of us gadget geeks run out and snag a new phone every 3-6 months? Ok, each one of those is a handset sale.

Ok, of those who raised their hands how many would buy a new phone every month for oct, nov, dec, and maybe jan?

I'm exaggerating a bit, but you see the point. Companies intentionally release a progressive product line over time simply because it sells more units. If they dropped the 8900 on us now, they would sell less Bolds. Probably a lot less.

It's already a wireless orgy this holiday season.

[agent60125295 @ Nov 17th 2008 9:37PM]

Using a Blackberry on T-Mobile is like trying to enjoy a Ferrari through the streets of New York in the middle of rush hour. It is an exercise in futility.

[Jade @ Dec 15th 2008 10:37AM]

Why is it blackberry phones for example the Javelin is out this year 2008th it is already available in Germany 2008 but they are saying that it will not be available in the United States until the first quarter of 2009 why? the phone is already a year old and that to me is old technology get your game on blackberry and put out a few phones that have everything in them including some 3G's especially 3G and a clearer sounding speakerphones I have heard better speakerphones on cheaper phones then what blackberry has been putting out and that’s a sorry situation