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Home»BlackBerry News»News & Rumors, Devices

BlackBerry Dakota pictured and specs revealed; Keyboard, touchscreen, HD video and more

by Adam Zeis on 13 Jan 2011 09:16 AM
224
 

BlackBerry Dakota

The elusive BlackBerry Dakota has made its way back into the spotlight. BGR has revealed the specs for  the rumored QWERTY/touchscreen BlackBerry. It looks like the device is still out there in the shadows somewhere and has some pretty impressive specs to go with it. It holds basically the same form factor as the Bold series, but mixes a full QWERTY keyboard with a touchscreen. It also sports HD video, 4GB of storage with 768MB of RAM and can be used as a mobile 3G hotspot. It also looks like it will ship with BlackBerry 6.1 that we first heard of yesterday. All in all some good stuff here, so lets hope we get some more details on this guy soon. Hit the source link for the full specs.

Discuss more in our new BlackBerry dakota forum

Source: BGR

Filed Under: News & Rumors, Devices; Tags: BlackBerry Dakota
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224 Comments

Posted by SjorsBB Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Ultimate blackberry

 
 
Posted by DrewDT Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Not if it is only 3G. Let's see if there is any LTE capability first. Looks like no QNX. I think I'll reserve any grandiose proclamations for it at this time.

 
 
Posted by deRusett Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Since LTE is Verizon and this appears to be another GSM blackberry, the LTE is irrelevant.

Also as stated in threads on the forums, LTE isn't all important to RIM who is targeting world Markets not just the US market. this Phone will address Europe users who are in need of a new mobile phone, but require a portrait keyboard.

 
 
Posted by DrewDT Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Thank you, which is why I why I stated I won't be running into the streets proclaiming this as the ultimate BlackBerry.
If this is a GSM only BlackBerry then yes LTE does not apply at this time for AT&T but one can only hope that RIM would consider offering phones with a set of specs for more than one carrier. This one carrier release thing has gotten old IMO.

 
 
Posted by i2ollingstone Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

What exactly do you mean by "LTE is Verizon"? LTE is the next world standard when GSM/CDMA gets thrown out. It will be used for sure by VZW, ATT, and MetroPCS. As for Euro companies I believe both Orange and Vodafone will be on LTE as well.

 
 
Posted by deRusett Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

LTE will be the next world standard agreed, BUT in terms of Phone releases, LTE outside of USA is probably 2-3 generations of phones away.
SO LTE is Verizon only on the current batch of smartphones

 
 
Posted by sf49ers Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

LTE in US itself is 2-3 phone iteration/generations away

 
 
Posted by ILoveTorch Sunday, Jan 16, 2011 402 days ago

Doesn't the Torch address European users seeking a keypad and touch screen already?? I agree that LTE is pretty much irrelevant as this phone looks to be going to be AT&T exclusive in the US, but I'm still not saying its the ultimate BlackBerry as I don't think it does anything in terms of hardware that the Torch doesn't, and nothing in terms of software that the Torch 2 isn't going to.

 
 
Posted by kmbauer Saturday, Jan 29, 2011 389 days ago

I am just hoping for HSPA+ (which is not specifically listed). AT&T has not even started rolling out LTE.

 
 
Posted by Xecutioner88 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Or better yet, The new adventures of old Blackberry!

 
 
Posted by jinxednuance Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

totally!

 
 
Posted by 1magine Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

ULTIMATE FAILURE! Sorry - but no open GL, 768 megs RAM - how much does OS6.1 use? 300 megs? Leaving how much for applications? Less than a single application on most platforms. This is one of the reasons why you always see new commercial apps for IOS and Android and BB rarely mentioned. That and the underlying JAVA OS that RIM has admitted is a failure. RIM is telling you that you ned to wait 2-3 years for a fix. Really, why build a QNX Playbook and not a BBOS6.1? IOS and Android tablets are IOS and Android Tablets. Unless you are completely dense you must realize what RIM thinks of its current OS.

And again they short us on hardware. But we the faithful, who after living on crumbs and dirty droplets of water think that a piece of day old bread and warm glass of tap water is a meal fit for a king.

 
 
Posted by jwmax Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

I think what you are not really getting is just how good the playbook OS is. Yes Apple and Androis put their phone OS on tablets but that just shows their tablets are crap.

 
 
Posted by sf49ers Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

do yourself a favor by not commenting anything about phones, tech is not for you buddy

 
 
Posted by Jenks5150 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

+1 for this. That guy has zero idea what he's talking about.

This will be my next BlackBerry after my 9700. There is absolutely nothing wrong with those specs - also I don't know why people are ragging on "no open GL, blah blah this and that" - did it ever cross your mind that not every single spec is going to leak? RIM is beginning to make some good moves, and that is reflected in their increase in stock price.

The ONE and ONLY thing that I have against this phone is the small circle-shaped LED notification light. I much prefer the bar shape on the 9000 and 9700. Maybe by the time this device is released it will be ok. Sign me up though, this is the blackberry I've always wanted ever since I got rid of my 9000.

 
 
Posted by MattDub22 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

That guy is just not wise about this subject. What a tool. People really put their foot in their mouths sometimes!

 
 
Posted by AliensWanted Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Try again, it has Open GL. That's also TONS of room for apps, my friend.

YOU FAIL.

 
 
Posted by taylortbb Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

I think you have completely misunderstood RAM. The iPhone 4 has 512MB of RAM, that is obviously not the issue.

 
 
Posted by Brando0623 Friday, Jan 14, 2011 404 days ago

Did you not read the article on OS 6.1? The OS has openGL support built in and besides we don't even get a breakdown on the specs of this device.

 
 
Posted by frozencloud Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

the blackberry every crackberry user want 1 year ago, and me personally. unfortunately for me, it's a year late and i have already moved on

 
 
Posted by MattDub22 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Not if you are posting here. Welcome back soonn my friend! Lol!

 
 
Posted by sf49ers Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

agreed this will be the best selling blackberry for a long time to come.

 
 
Posted by BerryGuy25 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Although I would reserve the title "Ultimate Blackberry" for a Bold 9000 sized device running QNX OS with 1GB (or more)of RAM, this device has definitely peaked my interest.

I could have done without the touchscreen but I have to say (just like they said about Starcraft 2) it's about f***ing time!!!

A true successor to the Bold 9000 series and not that 9700 bull crap they call Bolds. I will come back to the Blackberry fold on day one if this device is real. I haven't bought a Blackberry since the Bold 9000 because nothing beats the size of the keyboard, it was hands down the best out there in size and quality. I really hope RIM doesn't do something stupid and only make it available on one carrier.....

AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint... day one RIM, make it happen!!!!

 
 
Posted by MattDub22 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

9700 bull crap?? I know you like the 9000 but you can't deny the progression of the Bold series to do so is just humerous. The 9000 was a great phone, much like older vettes, but to say the new ones don't completely rock is just silly. Oh, and try OS6 with a trackpad and let me know what you think?? Lol!

 
 
Posted by Brando0623 Friday, Jan 14, 2011 404 days ago

If you look at the device it has the shape of a 9000 with a 9700 style white number keyboard (rounded edges of the 9000) so judging by the picture alone it looks like the 9000 housing with a 9000 screen size touch screen

 
 
Posted by hair couture Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011 401 days ago

I cant wate for the Dakota. when i saul it i all most got a hard on.... Some people dont like the small new phones. Please give us a big (9000) size phone/keypad, are give a magnifying glass and my wife's fingers.... I dont under stand why theay made the bold smaller when theay have the Curve/ style/ and pearl. I have ben to at&t 5 or 6 times trying to make my self like Torch and every time i leave mad becouse i realy want a 9000 with OS6 and a track pad. I just pray my (9000) will hold out until the Dakota is in stores.

 
 
Posted by AgentScribe Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Uh oh....competing (finally) with the likes of Droid Pro and similar candy bar/touchscreen phones. Nice!

 
 
Posted by AliensWanted Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Android on the Droid Pro is exceptionally nice, granted, but Android still doesn't have the Blackberry features we all use (and trust) and security of Android is still a 'work in progress'.

Yes, this will combat the Droid Pro nicely.

 
 
Posted by 1magine Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

What features and security? Tell me. What security feature can you not get on Android. Remote lock, remote wipe (both available). RSA runs well on Android so 256 bit VPN is available and as I'm sure you has never been cracked. Firewall is available. What security feature?

 
 
Posted by slant Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Yeah Android has a ton of extra security features ie.

1) Worms
2) Virus'
3) RootKits
4) Trojans

And they all come free when you use Android devices!
WooHoo.

 
 
Posted by AliensWanted Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Hahahaha my thoughts exactly.

 
 
Posted by branta Friday, Jan 14, 2011 404 days ago

You forgot the Google DataMine and finding your data on the web or sold to the highest bidder.

 
 
Posted by MattDub22 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Lol! Is this guy talking again??? Stop it guy! RIM has the ONLY OS with security high enough to be used OUT THE BOX by government agencies. Have you even used a iPhone or Droid on a Enterprise server? Ever? Seek knowledge. Learn. Shut up.

 
 
Posted by sf49ers Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Droid Pro won the award for the crapiest phone ever to that extent that Moto pulled them off the shelves, you should be a fool to compare this is to a droid Pro, Droid Pro can't be even be compared to a dumbphone let alone a smartphone

 
 
Posted by Phill_UK Friday, Jan 14, 2011 405 days ago

That's absolute bullshit, and you obviously have no idea what you're talking about.

 
 
Posted by pccuser Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

good
i love this

 
 
Posted by ghostnyc Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Looks like a Bold 9000, any word on processor, front facing camera, etc?

 
 
Posted by scuebydue Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Just curious. What's the reason behind want a front facing camera?

 
 
Posted by Wildo6882 Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Video chat... Video calls...

 
 
Posted by BlkBear Friday, Jan 14, 2011 404 days ago

A reason to have a fast draining battery, and use more data, but a feature that will work with only other computers/laptops/netbooks and other devices with web cams or front facing cameras and apps that allow for it.

So until more people are using "video chat" it's going to be for the most part an advertising bullet point, more than a useful item for the masses.

 
 
Posted by DrewDT Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

I think many people like the idea of a front facing camera for video conferencing / Skype. Not sure how much use it would be on this phone if it is only 3G though.

 
 
Posted by jasonvw Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

3g is fine for video calls. Dont start believing the idiotic "4g" marketing being made by stupid US carriers. None of them have a real 4g network and wont for years and years. If we go by their standards I guess Bell/Telus's 42mbps here in Canada is 9G.

And honestly video calls arent important. If they were everyone would be using nokias for the past 6 years.

 
 
Posted by DrewDT Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Interesting, thanks for the perspective. I wouldn't go so far to say that video calls aren't important. They are important to a segment of society including many business users, which is why Skype is doing so well. I would venture a guess that Nokia's failure to attract more users has more to do with what Nokia doesn't offer in their phones to give users a satisfying experience. It's not enough to be a "one-trick pony" these days.

 
 
Posted by XWolf Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

I have seen people doing sign language to each other via vid calls.

 
 
Posted by AliensWanted Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Well, video calling hogs the hell out of the network. The infrastructure to support that for all simply doesn't exist yet.

Cool feature, but the carriers cannot fully support it yet.

Like having a Ferrari in NYC. Why bother?

 
 
Posted by scuebydue Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

I just don't see the need. But to each their own. Upgrade the MP's, definitely! I'm waiting to see videos or pics of people who forget they are video calling and they are picking their noses, or look like crap. Like the text messages that get sent to the wrong people. lol

 
 
Posted by imcurved Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

RIM you're on the right track. Please must make it in the Bold 9000 form factor the keyboard will be heaven. And since this is a touch screen (yes!), screen resolution need to be better than the one on the 9000 otherwise it won't look good. And please kick up a notch with the CPU speed too so the browser doesn't feel like a snail. I think RIM OS 6.1 is good for now. Don't rush to push QNX to the phones yet if it's still buggy.
I'm ready whenever you're ready.

 
 
Posted by AgentScribe Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Though I've never owned one, sure would like to see these specs in a 9000 form factor. But, OS 6.1, all that memory, and mobile hotspot capabilities is just awesome. Makes my 9800 feel, kind of status quo. :)

The question is, of course, who gets this beauty? AT&T? Sprint? Verizon?

 
 
Posted by DrewDT Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

Isn't that always the question? So tired of playing the silly which provider gets it game. We can hear and get excited about the next great thing, only to find out you have to jump providers if you want to use it.

 
 
Posted by scuebydue Thursday, Jan 13, 2011 405 days ago

GSM band, probably Crap AT&T

 
 
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