T-Mobile Germany Now Shipping the BlackBerry Curve 8900
Posted in News & Rumors on 26 Nov 2008 09:13 by Kevin Michaluk | 68 comments

BlackBerry Curve 8900 Shipping from T-Mobile Germany

T-Mobile Germany is now shipping the all-new, ultra-sleek BlackBerry Curve 8900. I received a few emails from excited German CrackBerry readers today, letting me know their new Curves have finally arrived and that it ROCKS.

One of the things that has blown me away about the Curve 8900 is just how fast the web browsing is, even though it lacks 3G. Whatever EDGE magic RIM worked into the device, it works extremely well. This device is hawt!

Now the only question is, will we see it hit North American carriers in time for Christmas? We've been hearing both yesssssses and nooooos on this one... let's hope the no's have it wrong and we see it pop up on a North American carrier or two in the weeks ahead.

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By: Anton Wahlman (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 09:18

T-Mobile USA will be late January at the earliest, possibly February. AT&T may be earlier, potentially as early as Friday, December 5, although that's far from 100% confirmed. The devices are identical, except for the incremental testing T-Mobile USA needs to do in order to verify the UMA software.

By: CanisMinor | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:13

Anton,

I've been hearing very different info. I have good insight in VZW, so obviously my info is what we hear from RIM, and not direct from the two GSM carriers, and thus likely less accurate. My current understanding is that the 8900 is launching in the US AT&T with an exclusivity period, similar to the 8300 launch. T-Mo in the US will then get the 8900 about 3 to 6 months later.

Of course, the actual launch date on AT&T is unclear as they have shown a tendency to launch whenever the hell they feel like it. I believe RIM is targeting mid-Q1 (in line with your February view, but different carrier).

By: Anton Wahlman (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 14:36

AT&T will most likely have a period of exclusivity, but it would be either 30 or 60 days, not 3-6 months. With T-Mobile USA's launch pinned at either late January or in February, that could mean an AT&T launch potentially as early as December 5, although I wouldn't be surprised to see it slip into January.

By: Anonymous (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 22:50

I like when people make their opinions factual information. Its funny, lol. It'll come out when it does. I cant wait either, but what can you do.

By: bbunderground | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 09:21

Man that is a good looking device, I hope it hit Canada before Christmas...although as said before I would need 3g before I went to it from my bold.

andrew
http://www.blackberryunderground.com
A Truly Social Site for Blackberry Users

By: OutsideLookinIn | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 09:45

Any Germany users that bought the device who can verify what color is the trackball? The photo looked like black or with a darker shade... Thanks!

By: Marlo (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:00

Hi,

the trackball is black! the ring around the trackball is glowing not the trackball itself

By: killaj | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:15

Hopefully In Dec if not Early Jan this will come to the states. Especially for us loyal t-mobile company!!

LONG LIVE BB

By: Anonymous (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:24

Will this phone be coming to Verizon at a later date??

By: CanisMinor | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:43

Yes, and the VZW version will obviously have 3G! But don't wait around - we're talking a good 6 to 9 months before that happens.

By: Derek R. (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:21

Where do you get your info? Just curious. I've searched everywhere and can't find any info on VZW picking up this device. The only thing I've seen is that VZW will be releasing the Niagara (the CDMA Bold equivalent) sometime in May or June. Is this what you're referring to?

By: CanisMinor | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 14:53

Yes, Niagara is the EvDO Bold. Magnum is the EvDO Javelin. It's basically going to the same as with the current 8X30 series: Niagara replaces 8830 and Magnum replaces 8330. Finally, there is Apex, which is the EvDO Pearl Flip.

By: Ub3RdoRK | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 13:21

oooh i can definetly wait....the storm blows and i love my curve...

By: wagonis | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:25

Or do I hit ebay/Germany and buy one? I would imagine that there will be some people selling theirs to make a few $'s. I am trying to be patient, but all these damn conflicting reports on when it will arrive in the US are killing me.

By: BBpixie | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:22

Been waiting forever for BB 8900!! I hope it hits Canada or At&t/T-mobile (so I can get one unlocked) before Christmas or early January (my birthday on the 9th!) RIM please make it come out during the holiday season for the sake of us!!

By: Anonymous (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:33

When the BlackBerry curve 8900 comes to the U.S. will it have a full QWERTY or the full QWERTZ? Thank you so much and yes i am a BlackBerry addict hehe.

P.S. The current blackberry i own is the BlackBerry Curve 8310 from AT&T

By: Kevin Michaluk | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:52

Will definitely be QWERTY for North American models.

By: CanisMinor | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 14:55

I think the secret German plan is for it to have Qwertz. Zee Germans vil conker zee vorld with zee Kanadians and zere nu Qwertz blackberryz! ;)

By: Derek R. (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 10:43

I'm with the guy above...I sure hope a CDMA version comes to Verizon SOON! The Storm left a bad taste in my mouth, but got me excited about buying a new phone. Alas, I've been biding my time by hoping the OMNIA will be worthwhile...then again, WinMO blows!

By: innerblitz | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:06

Back in the summer I was all Bold. Then the Storm came into the picture and I was totally set on that device until...I played with both and neither thrilled me. And all throughout this, the 8900 sort of stayed under the radar.

Now in the end I think its the best looking, best suited device for me despite being the one I paid the least attention to.

I'm month-to-month on T-Mobile, so if this comes to ATT first I'll switch to them.

By: brotherjoe | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:25

I hope it's just an error. The keypad on left picture has a QWERTZ keypad and the middle picture has a QWERTY keypad. Probably just a typo.

Would love one of these for the holidays. It would be a nice step up from the 8300.

By: wagonis | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:58

If you go to the European section of Blackberrys website, it lists the German T-Mobile Curve 8900 as having a QWERTY keypad.

By: crispycutz | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:22

Oh Lord its like seeing the Messaiah! So sexy....

By: crispycutz | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:25

http://de.blackberry.com/devices/blackberrycurve/curve_360.jsp

click the jav.. just look at that..... :O

By: Syn-tax (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:29

The Curve 8900 will probably not be released in Canada before Christmas. Think about it...Rogers has already put out its big Christmas marketing push with billboards, print material, tv spots, etc. This campaign pushes the Bold, the Pearl Flip, and the Curve 8320. To add a new blackberry this close to Christmas might confuse consumers and erode sales of the existing line-up. I'm thinking Q1 2009 will come before we hear of the 8900 from Rogers.

By: joeyw (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:37

i want this phone not the storm. im on verizon and i can see now ill have to wait a year or so.

By: Dirt McGirt | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:34

does the screen look like the "click" screen on the storm to anyone else?

By: Chad D (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:35

No wifi, but gps is there? On a tmo phone?

By: McDay | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:40

Got mine and it really ROCKS :-)

So keep waiting

By: fatla | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:51

Rogers should be getting it in January (so not before xmas) for $149 on a 3 yr.

By: BBpixie | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 12:14

I sure hope so, so then it'd make a great bday gift for me!! Do you know how much it would be approximately without contract?

By: jimper88 | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 14:50

oh come on how about just before christmas? the price sounds nice though

By: BBpixie | Date: Fri, 11/28/2008 - 06:55

If and when it does come before xmas, this is def on the top of my Wish List!! Make my wish come true!!

By: joey_crack | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:56

The Storm is not for me and I'm waiting for this Niagara CDMA thing because I'm on VZW. I hope that this VZW mystery device comes out by next March which is my new every two or else I'm jumping ship.

By: vx1 | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 12:04

now thats a some smexy goodness, watch that honey roll baby - trackball action :)

By: JagoMidnight | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 12:13

I was gonna just cave and get a Bold because the web browsing on my 8300 just isn't fast enough anymore, but I was really conflicted because I love love love the form factor of this 8900,..thanks Kevin for adding in the reports that the Edge is faster, I'm gonna wait and go for this one when it hits AT&T stateside!

I'll be a bit upset if this hits before the 4.5 update for my current curve, what the heck is goin on with AT&T? anyone know?

By: redrocket38 | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 12:32

I just upgraded from my old Razr to a Curve 8320 and then I find out this is coming out?! Ahh, I want it sooo bad. My one big complaint about my 8320 was the lack of a dedicated lock key and the 8900 now has it. I don't care what it costs, I must have it! I'm addicted now!

By: applesugar | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 13:37

You can assign one of the side buttons to be your dedicated lock key. Just a thought

By: redrocket38 | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 22:55

I know and I've done that but that wastes one my side keys then. The new 8900 will allow me to customize both side keys and not have to waste it on the lock.

By: redrocket38 | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 22:58

Sorry, double post.

By: Derek R. (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 13:37

You can download an app called Autolock for your Curve. It's free and will automatically lock the key pad. The delay is customizable. I use it when I'm out at the bars.

By: jimper88 | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 14:51

auto standby locks the keys and saves on battery life

By: Derek R. (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 15:39

Can you receive calls and messages while on standby though?

By: jimper88 | Date: Thu, 11/27/2008 - 00:16

you can...its a great app i love it

By: joygasm310 | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 23:08

if you push the Alt button and the enter/return button it locks the keys. I was able to do this from home screen on the old OS, but on 4.5 I have to do it from the menu screen.

By: STYLN | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 12:42

Theres certainly plenty of berries to choose from here lately...I dont even know anymore - think I'll wait untill I can get sum hands on action with all of them b4 I make my decision.

By: kcurve | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 13:26

This is driving me crazy! I have wanted this phone from the moment it was first mentioned! I really hope it comes out next month to AT&T. I just can't stand it!!!

By: applesugar | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 13:37

I WILL BE GETTING THIS DEVICE..NO MATTER WHEN

By: BBpixie | Date: Thu, 11/27/2008 - 08:51

me tooo!!

By: Brad Holmes (not verified) | Date: Wed, 11/26/2008 - 14:10

I had the opportunity today to play with one of these fantastic handsets, it blew me away, the screen quality is amazing and its the lightest handset ive ever had the pleasure of testing. anyone who gets the chance to own one of these you will not be disappointed

 
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