Sprint launches push-to-talk BlackBerry Curve 8350i

Verizon may have been bangin' on Sprint's iDEN network, but that's not stopping the yellow-faced carrier from introducing the "first ever" (wait, really?) push-to-talk BlackBerry on those very waves. Sprint is hailing the Curve 8350i as the "most advanced push-to-talk BlackBerry smartphone ever," and given the options in the past, it's hard to disagree. Thankfully, there's also integrated WiFi / GPS as well as support for Group Connect, international direct connect and Talkgroup; you'll also spot a 2-megapixel camera, multimedia player, speakerphone, video recorder, a microSDHC card slot, Bluetooth 2.0, a stereo headset jack and a removable 1,400mAh battery. It's available now in a rather stocky 4.4- x 2.4- x 0.7-inch frame for as low as $149.99 (after all applicable rebates) on a two-year plan.

Sprint launches BlackBerry Curve 8350i: first push-to-talk BlackBerry

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 15th 2008 9:36PM]

Yup, I got one today. Nextel only, no EVDO.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 15th 2008 9:34PM]

Just got one today, and I am actually impressed. It is very quick, and the Wifi works flawlessly. I must say, they actually finally caught up to last year's technology. I had previously been running a Sprint Pearl BB and it is as good as the 8130 any day. I like Nextel DC and I was actually using two separate phones (one Nextel and one Sprint) cause I hated the 7100i that was available. I broke three of them cause of the damn antennas. Anyway, that's my two bits.

[Netranger Posted Dec 16th 2008 12:14PM]

Yes, it is iDEN only! What a waste of a good thing. Everyone was waiting for this to be a Hybrid phone.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 16th 2008 12:35PM]

I think the Original writer of this article should print a retraction and admit he knows absolutely nothing about what he is saying.

As previous posters have stated, Push-To-Talk or PTT is a registered trademark of Nextel (as acquired by Sprint). This is not the first BlackBerry to have PTT (commonly referred to as Direct Connect). The 6510 was, then the 7510, then the 7520, then the 7100i.

It is however the first BlackBerry that has Group Connect capabilities, which may be where the OP is confused (read: doesn't know what he is talking about).

To clear up misconceptions: This is a pure iDEN BlackBerry. It uses iDEN for voice (interconnect, direct connect and group) and data. Do not be fooled by fakers talking about feeds and speeds, the iDEN BlackBerry will out-perform any other network's BlackBerry when it comes to applications and email. The only thing that it will not do well is receiving large amounts of data (pictures or graphics rich web browsing).

It does have bulit in WiFi, which a user can have up to 25 profiles stored on the device.

So please, if you do not realize the power of this device do not order one. I do not want to have to wait for a backorder because some idiot doesn't understand the value.

And one last time, please print a retraction and admit you did absolutely no research and you have no business writing on this topic.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 22nd 2008 11:26AM]

I have an AT&T blackberry curve but I live in Venezuela so I just want to ask what is this Push to Talk tool? reading this blog I understand that it is sort of a "walkie talkie" on the cellphone??? please someone could explain to me what is this about, I´m very curious!! thanks in advance

MO