BlackBerry Purchasing Guide for LSPs:
Recommendations for First Quarter, FY 2010
Specifications effective July 7, 2009
BlackBerry
Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry devices are designed to work best in Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Notes, or Novell's GroupWise Mobile server-based infrastructure. These servers require a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) in addition to the normal email server hardware requirements to push email, calendar, contacts, and other information to BlackBerry handhelds.
ISC Support Statement:
ISC offers email accounts on Microsoft Exchange 2007 with a connected BES, and considers BlackBerry handhelds to be supported devices when connecting to this service. For more information on these new services, including pricing and options, please visit Networking and Telecommunication's website for email services.
As always, faculty and staff should speak with their LSP to determine which product(s) are supported or recommended before choosing a device. LSPs consider local costs and operational requirements, and are responsible for ensuring that connectivity to University-wide systems is maintained as necessary. |
Cellular Influence:
Different cellular providers carry different devices, so be sure to check with your preferred carrier before making a commitment to one device over another. ISC Networking & Telecommunications has partnered with AT&T, Sprint-Nextel, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless to provide discounted cellular phone service for Penn affiliates. Where available, we recommend purchasing insurance on these devices, as replacing them outside of the warranty period is expensive. Please ask your preferred wireless carrier for more information about mobile phone insurance.
Whenever deciding on which BlackBerry service to purchase, keep in mind how it will be used. For example, if end users intend to travel internationally, it's best to choose a service that will be compatible with the overseas cellular networks of their destination. Please see the Provider Notes article on cellular standards for more information on the various cellular network protocols.
Devices
Below are the base models of BlackBerry devices that each of our preferred cellular vendors currently sells. They all vary by features and style, but each one will receive push email, calendar and contact updates from ISC's Microsoft Exchange 2007 server.
AT&T |
9000 Series Bold
UMTS/HSDPA |
|
The BlackBerry Bold is the first BlackBerry OS 4.6 device. This device features a faster processor than earlier BlackBerrys, as well as 3G connectivity, WiFi, and GPS. |
8900 Series Curve
EDGE |
|
The 8900 is the new generation Curve platform. Consumer focused, and with a high resolution display, this device will allow simultaneous data access via Wi-Fi while on a GSM phone call. |
8800 Series
EDGE |
|
The 8820 is the first Wi-Fi enabled BlackBerry from AT&T. This device will allow simultaneous data access via Wi-Fi while on a GSM phone call. |
8300 Series Curve
EDGE |
|
The Curve is the previous generation consumer BlackBerry, with features such as voice-activated dialing, a 2.0 MP camera and micro SD slot. |
8100 Series Pearl
EDGE |
|
The The Pearl Flip is a slim, narrower version of the larger BlackBerry line. Also more consumer focused, it uses SureType predictive typing instead of having a full QWERTY keyboard. |
Sprint |
9630 Series Tour
EV-DO Rev. A |
|
The The Tour is the successor to the 'Curve' series. GSM roaming make it good for those who roam beyond Sprint's network. |
8800 Series
1xEV-DO |
|
The 8830 was the first BlackBerry in Sprint's lineup that could roam globally on GSM networks. |
8300 Series Curve
1xEV-DO |
|
The Curve is the previous generation consumer BlackBerry, with features such as voice-activated dialing, a 2.0 MP camera and micro SD slot. The 8350i series features Nextel Direct Connect |
T-Mobile |
8520 Curve
EDGE |
|
The The 8520 Curve is the latest consumer focused 'Curve' series device, featuring the first optical trackpad in a BlackBerry device and the traditional Curve keyboard. The 8520 is HotSpot enabled. |
8800 Series
1xEV-DO |
|
The 8820 is a basic, business-focused BlackBerry. |
8200 Series Pearl Flip
EDGE |
|
The The Pearl Flip is a slim, flip-phone version of the larger BlackBerry line. This is the most consumer focused BlackBerry, and it uses SureType predictive typing instead of having a full QWERTY keyboard. |
Verizon |
9630 Tour
EV-DO Rev. A |
|
The The Tour is the successor to the Curve series. A keyboard that is hybrid between the Curve and Bold platforms, it has 3G and a GSM radio, making it good for those who travel globally. Available without camera. |
9500 Series Storm
EV-DO Rev. A |
|
The Storm is the first BlackBerry to have no discrete keyboard, instead having a touch-click screen. The Storm has 3G, no wifi, and can roam globally on GSM networks. A 'Storm 2' is in the works. |
8800 Series
1xEV-DO |
|
The 8830 was the first BlackBerry with a discrete keyboard in Verizon's lineup that could roam globally on GSM networks. |
8200 Series Pearl Flip
EV-DO Rev. O |
|
The The Pearl Flip is a slim, flip-phone version of the larger BlackBerry line. This is the most consumer focused BlackBerry, and it uses SureType predictive typing instead of having a full QWERTY keyboard. |
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Page maintained by Jordan McClead
updated
September 2, 2009
Next update as needed
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