Sprint doesn't just leave you hanging, though: It will offer an unlimited BlackBerry email and Web access in the US, Canada and Mexico on CDMA, and GSM/GPRS carriers abroad where Sprint has applicable roaming agreements. You'll still have to pay for your international calls with this plan; Sprint says that could be anywhere from 59 cents per minute to $4.99 per minute. Now there's a pretty good reason to stick with instant messaging (AIM is included).

TRAVELERS GET THE POWER OF CHOICE AND FLEXIBILITY FOR STAYING CONNECTED IN THE U.S. AND ABROAD WITH NEWEST BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONE FROM SPRINT

Unlocked SIM card smartphone gives Sprint customers the choice of using Sprint international roaming service plans or utilizing local providers in international markets

RESTON, Va. June 28, 2007 - Customers needing flexible, cost-effective options for staying connected in the U.S. and abroad need look no further than the BlackBerry® 8830 World Edition smartphone to be available from Sprint (NYSE:S) next month. This smart device, developed by Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM), is the first BlackBerry smartphone with international voice and data roaming capabilities offered by Sprint and will feature unlocked SIM capabilities for voice and data services.

"Sprint is making the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone available with flexible, convenient options designed to appeal to international travelers, especially those customers who may have a significant number of employees working internationally," said Danny Bowman, vice president of customer equipment for Sprint. "By offering the BlackBerry 8830 with an unlocked SIM capability customers can sign up for competitive international service plans directly from Sprint or take advantage of service from local providers in other countries."

"The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition delivers world-class communications, multimedia and GPS features together with the intuitive BlackBerry smartphone experience that users have come to expect, all in a thin and stylish design," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "The BlackBerry 8830 is the first BlackBerry smartphone to combine CDMA and GSM connectivity, enabling Sprint customers to take advantage of its industry-leading productivity benefits at home in the United States and abroad."

The BlackBerry 8830 operates domestically on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, and globally on CDMA and GSM/GPRS networks where Sprint has international roaming agreements. With this handset, Sprint customers have the power to make or receive phone calls in more than 170 countries and access BlackBerry data services including email and Web browsing in more than 75 countries. More information about expansive international coverage options with Sprint can be found at www.sprint.com/international.

Service Plans
While customers have the option of using a third-party SIM for international voice and data services, Sprint is also offering clear value and simplicity with its international BlackBerry service plan. The newly available Worldwide BlackBerry plan for $69.99 per month gives customers unlimited BlackBerry email and web access in the U.S., Canada and Mexico using CDMA technology and with GSM/GPRS carriers abroad where Sprint has applicable roaming agreements. Sprint customers have the flexibility to pair the Worldwide BlackBerry plan with any CDMA-based BlackBerry smartphone from Sprint, including the BlackBerry® 7130e and BlackBerry® 8703e, which offer data roaming capabilities in Canada and Mexico.

Sprint international voice roaming rates range from $0.59 to $4.99 per minute, depending on where customers are calling. Customers making frequent calls while in Canada can take advantage of a specific service plan for $2.99 per month which allows calls to be made and received at $0.20 per minute. Additional pricing plans are available exclusively to enterprise customers.

Regardless of where Sprint customers find themselves they can boost their productivity or enjoy personal interests with the premium capabilities of the slim, stylish BlackBerry 8830. A speakerphone, voice activated dialing and Bluetooth support make hands-free use a breeze, while a full QWERTY keyboard and trackball navigation enables easy use of productivity and entertainment applications. Other key features include:

• Built-in GPS - customers can utilize applications such as Sprint Navigation, spoken and visual turn-by-turn driving directions, or BlackBerry® Maps, a mapping application.
• OnDemand - a unique application available exclusively from Sprint that delivers customized, up-to-date information such as sports, weather, news, money and movie information, all with the push of a button.
• Phone as Modem - with the included USB cable, customers can utilize the BlackBerry 8830 as a wireless modem to extend the capabilities of the Sprint Nationwide Network to a laptop. An appropriate service plan is required.
• Media Player - play videos, audio podcasts or music files with the built-in media player; also includes a stereo headset jack.
• MicroSD slot - allows expandable memory to store music and video files.

The BlackBerry 8830 will be available next month online at www.sprint.com, through Sprint Telesales, Sprint business sales channels and retail locations. The BlackBerry 8830 from Sprint will be priced at $199.99 with a two year-service agreement and $100 mail-in-rebate and $100 instant rebate. Additional savings may be available to business customers through their Sprint account manager.

AOL Instant Messenger Service for BlackBerry Smartphones
Sprint is also announcing it is delivering more value to its customers by being the first carrier to launch an AOL Instant Messaging client for BlackBerry smartphones. The downloadable Java application provides a true AOL instant messaging experience on compatible BlackBerry handsets with fast message delivery and presence notification. Sprint customers using a compatible BlackBerry smartphone* from Sprint (CDMA) or Nextel (iDEN) will be able to take advantage of the AOL Instant Messenger service. Compatible CDMA BlackBerry handsets include the 7130e, 8703e and 8830. Compatible iDEN BlackBerry handsets include the 7520 and 7100i.

Key features of this new functionality includes:

• Contact Management. Customers will be able to Manage AIM Buddy Lists right from their BlackBerry smartphone.
• Virtual real-time message exchange. Customers will experience virtual real-time message exchange.
• Immediate presence updates. Customer will see which buddies are online and ready to chat.
• Instant 'New message' notification. Customers can choose how to be notified when they receive a new message.
• Multitasking. Customers can keep the AIM service running in the background while they use the BlackBerry smartphone for other things.
• Emoticon support. Customers can express themselves with many of the AIM emoticons.
• Auto sign-in. Customers can save time by setting the AIM client to remember their username and password and sign them into the service automatically.

Sprint customers can leverage their existing BlackBerry data plans for the AOL Instant Messaging service. There is no additional cost to customers for the AIM client or instant messaging service.

About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks serving 53. 6 million customers at the end of the first-quarter 2007; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.
*Contact Sprint for information on AIM support for various BlackBerry models.
###

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM assumes no liability and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee in relation to third party products or services. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

Kevin over at jkOnTheRun says he sees a mention of another $100 rebate on the site, but we're not sure if that's kosher. Let us know if you see anything. – Jason Chen

Verizon [via Electronista via JKOnTheRun]

However, and despite the fact that Verizon's flavor of 3G doesn't work in Europe, Research In Motion's international agent of mail love managed to impress me in almost every test. Discover the adventures of a pseudo-American CrackBerry-addict werewolf in Madrid (gallery and video included) after the jump.

Verizon shipped the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition and the SIM card separately to Gizmodo's Madrid lair. The test phone came without manuals, so all the setup was done using just my gadget-o-powers and generous amounts of margarita cocktails. The slot for the SIM card is not marked in any way, so after I opened the battery compartment I spent a long time with Ad trying to realize where to slide in the SIM, which was marked "Verizon Wireless" with a small Vodafone band at the bottom. We figured out that it fitted in one of the sides of the phone after almost breaking the internal microSD slot, which is plainly visible next to its right. The SIM fits perfectly, but it just feels like if you are sliding it in a random empty location between the main circuitry and the exterior plastic case.

And that was the only problem. Starting up the phone worked like any other BlackBerry: It recognized the Vodafone Spain GPRS network instantly (unfortunately, 3G access was disabled) and, after setting up mail access to my Gizmodo account, I was sending mail to unsuspecting women in Sweden friends all over the world and receiving replies back with no delays whatsoever.

Access to the Web worked equally well using the built-in browser. Even while it's nothing to write home about, I was able to get into all kinds of pages, including Gizmodo's own Movable Type publishing system. In fact, this post was started using the BlackBerry (it was originally titled "OMG thos wrksd graaat! Myt finghrs are tooi bnig!", but that's another story and too much tequila in the cocktail shaker). The speed was a little better than my old BlackBerry, but rather this wasn't caused by the network speed (which is exactly the same) but because of the better processor in this unit.

After trying data access I called some people both locally in Madrid, in other countries (UK and Sweden) and in the US (New York, Virginia, Los Angeles and San Francisco). All calls worked great, with clear sound every time, no delays and no problems connecting to anyone, independently of the network they were in. And while this is more a sign of good coverage and good network interconnection systems rather than of the 8830's abilities, it's good to be see that things are working so well after past years of echoes, sudden disconnections and problems.

Two of those problems used to be short messaging systems and voicemail. Again, both of them worked great. I sent short messages to our features editor Wilson Rothman in New York, who uses Verizon, and my friend Zac, who uses T-Mobile, and both of them received them in no time. We timed our SMS: To receive messages in my end it took about 3 to 4 seconds, while in theirs it took about 5 to 10 seconds, counting the time it took to the phone to connect to transmit to the network. Multimedia Messaging, however, didn't seem to work at all but I am not surprised about it. Even using two other Vodafone phones between the UK and Spain, MMS will never work for me either. This is a negative point because it means no sex-phone with visual aids not a quick way to send pictures, but then again, you can still get your images and videos using normal email (which is free).

Voicemail worked without a hitch. After setting up the voicemail for the first time. I accessed like usual: just calling my own number, hitting # to access the login, my password and then # again to enter. I got into it in no time and listened to two messages: Wilson saying hi and someone called Sharon telling me that her oven was broken and I had to go and fix it. (Sharon, whoever you are, I don't want anything to do with your oven. OK, so maybe I am curious about it, but a) you are not Swedish and b) you are not my wife).

One important thing to remember about voicemail: When calling the US you must add the + sign (for international calls) and the number 1 (US' international calling prefix) before your number (i.e. +1 ### ### ## ##). This applies to your voicemail as well. Therefore, if you are traveling my advice is for you it to change your voicemail speed dial temporarily adding that prefix.

Clearly, the RIM BlackBerry 8830 World Edition and the Verizon Wireless/Vodafone partnership works great. Extremely easy setup, even doing it abroad, clear calls, access to email, the Web and voicemail, and almost instant short messaging makes the 8830 a winner for anyone who needs the features of a BlackBerry and travels outside the US. The only thing will be the cost: Let's just say that I am oh-just-so-glad that I am not paying the bill for this test. – Jesus Diaz

Our Original 8830 Story with Plan Pricing [Gizmodo]

So today we're giving you a cheat sheet for the updated BlackBerry line. Once upon a time, you just owned one kind of BlackBerry. And so you'd say things like, "I own a BlackBerry," and it was more than enough explanation. But now, their lineup has grown to three models with confusing, overlapping functionality. So what's the deal?

BlackBerry Pearl (8100)
Good For: Push email in your pocket
Bad For: QWERTY lovers
Retail: $499

The BlackBerry Pearl was the first "new" BlackBerry. Shrunk from the holster-sized units of the past, the Pearl can fit in your pocket. And because it's a BlackBerry, you still get full-featured push email. However, due to its smaller form, the QWERTY keys have been shrunk to a double letter SureType format—which is a topic of contention among Pearl users.

The Pearl also introduced the "pearl"—or trackball (see: Centipede) interface to replace the trackwheel. Since its Pearl debut, the trackball has been incorporated into all new units. The Pearl also features a 1.3MP camera and MicroSD for MP3/MP4 etc. media playback (also BlackBerry firsts).

Many of the Pearl's features have since been incorporated into the entire new line, like the trackball and MicroSD media playback. But if you can handle the lack of QWERTY, the Pearl's smaller form is the way to go.

BlackBerry (8800)
Alias: 8830 on Sprint & Verizon
Good For: Straight upgrade of old BlackBerry
Bad For: Those who really want a less business-streamlined product
Retail: $299

The BlackBerry 8800 is the new traditional-style BlackBerry (translation: full QWERTY). Despite the slimmed form factor, the 8800 still wide enough for awkward-pocket land. And just as with the Pearl, the trackball has replaced the scrollwheel and we have MicroSD media playback.

Many users will take advantage of the built-in GPS, which trumps a lot of its smartphone peers and reportedly functions very well. Also, push-to-talk walkie talkie style communication has been added, which is a bonus for those post-meeting sleepovers.

At its simplest definition, the 8800 is the "new BlackBerry". The lack of camera won't bother most businessmen (or women), though the lack of Wi-Fi could be a dealbreaker when coupled with no 3G support. But that's the price of owning any BlackBerry for the time being.

BlackBerry Curve (8300)
Good For: BlackBerry users who want a camera
Bad For: The 8800. Non-AT&T users.
Price: TBA

So if the 8800 is the daddy, and the Pearl is his scrawnier teenage son, what does that make the Curve? Maybe it's the trophy wife who both men find kinda hot. Or maybe it's the dad post-midlife crisis.

The BlackBerry Curve is a sexier version of the 8800. It's the thinnest QWERTY BlackBerry ever, measuring almost an ounce lighter than the 8800 (or nearly 20%). The keyboard is considered more comfortable than the 8800, and a full-sized headphone jack is a nice addition to round it out the experience (no pun intended).

Plus, the Curve features a 2MP camera, which is the most powerful in RIM's lineup even though it still cannot record video. So why would anyone buy the 8800 when the Curve is basically a nicer 8800? GPS. That's it. And for a little more bulk, using the Curve's Bluetooth could remedy the GPS situation. The only catch is that the Curve is only available on AT&T at the moment...well...when it's actually released any day now.

Now go ace the test. – Mark Wilson

Discover Blackberry [Blackberry]

We already told you that the smartphone formerly known as Daytona won't have Wi-Fi, nor any kind of 3G. As a GSM handset, it looks like it's having the same basic troubles that Nokia and others are having trying to build a world phone that runs on US HSDPA. (The 8830, a CDMA phone, had no trouble conforming to EVDO standards.) Give it a year perhaps?

Now we have new facts, or at least new educated guesses, along with some tantalizing rumors.

No Wi-Fi, sure, but now we're hearing that there will be a 2-megapixel camera, unlike the all-business 8800 and 8830. The Curve will also be slimmer than the 8800 series, but will still most likely pack built-in GPS.

As for the name, the reason MobileWhack suggests that the 8300 will be called the Curve is that both blackberry8300.com and blackberrycurve.com are owned by the same entity. MobileWhack said that the two sites were also linked, but when we visited, all we got were white screens of possibility.

Will T-Mobile introduce it on May 7, RIM's Capital Markets Day down in O-Town? Or will Cingular AT&T ship it sometime this "summer"? We don't know. There is also speculation that a Verizon/Sprint Pearl handset may appear on the 7th, but judging from our recent conversation with Verizon Wireless, and the fact that both carriers are really pushing the 8830s, that seems a bit far-fetched. All we can do is wait and wonder and maybe make some calls. – Wilson Rothman

Blackberry 8300 is the Blackberry Curve [MobileWhack]
BlackBerry 8300: What to Expect from RIM's Uber Smartphone [SmartPhoneToday]

Product Page [Sprint]