BlackBerry Javelin 8900 Hands-on impressions

Posted

BlackBerry Cool

on September 21, 2008, at 12:31 PM

in News and Spotlight

. Tags: blackberry curve 8900, blackberry javelin, blackberry-8900, blackberry-curve, RIM, Rumors.

Comments: 89 responses

89 Comments

BlackBerry Javelin 8900

Our friend Kevin over at CrackBerry.com has done it again, this getting his hands on a pre-release BlackBerry Javelin 8900. Kevin hasn’t delved too far into the Javelin’s features yet to offer the final word on the device, but his initial impression as a “Curve on steroids” is encouraging to those who want the power of the BlackBerry Bold in a smaller frame. Here’s a quick summary of the device:

Better display than the BlackBerry Bold. Hard to imagine, but true. The Javelin 8900 has a smaller screen but higher, 480 x 360 pixel resolution.
Improved camera over the Bold. A 3.2 MPx camera, with a class cover protecting the lens and flash Makes the Javelin perfect for shutterbugs.
Keypad resembles the BlackBerry 8700. The navigation buttons are also smaller than the Bold’s and you may be able to change the trackball color to gray or black.
Very different side layout. The right side of the BlackBerry Javelin features a headphone jack and Micro-USB controls in addition to volume controls and convenience key.

Good job Kevin! So are you a Bold man now or pure Javelin?

(via CB)

BlackBerry Javelin 8900

BlackBerry 8900 “Javelin” Key Features:

* Quad-band radios: GSM/GPRS/EDGE (no 3G)
* Wi-Fi b/g with UMA + GPS in one
* OS 4.6.1, featuring Safe Mode start up
* 480 by 360 high-res HVGA+ display
* 512 MHz Processor
* 256 MB onboard flash memory (more room for apps)
* Hot-swappable microSD slot – located under the battery door
* 3.2MP camera, includes auto-focus
* Glass cover – one piece glass cover will house the camera and flash, providing a very polished look and feel
* Micro USB charging/syncing port, w/ high speed data
* Dedicated Lock Button – will allow easy access to lock / hold the device when not using a holster
* “Sweet Spot” narrow keypad
* Battery Cover features a new easy to use, latch mechanism

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http://www.muzikfetish.net/ Ty

Nice, but no 3G ~ DOA for me. Well, looks like I’m dumping RIM & going back to SE with their Xperia X1.
http://www.muzikfetish.net/ Ty

Nice, but no 3G ~ DOA for me. Well, looks like I’m dumping RIM & going back to SE with their Xperia X1.
http://www.muzikfetish.net/ Ty

Nice, but no 3G ~ DOA for me. Well, looks like I’m dumping RIM & going back to SE with their Xperia X1.
http://www.muzikfetish.net Ty

Nice, but no 3G ~ DOA for me. Well, looks like I’m dumping RIM & going back to SE with their Xperia X1.
http://www.favbrowser.com/ Vygantas

16 bit color display or?
http://www.favbrowser.com Vygantas

16 bit color display or?
DavidB

No way I can go back from 3G. Hopefully either Storm really impresses, or whatever that CDMA device due next spring will have to be it for me.
DavidB

No way I can go back from 3G. Hopefully either Storm really impresses, or whatever that CDMA device due next spring will have to be it for me.
http://www.dragonhunting.com/ James

Why do people keep moaning about the lack of 3G on the Javelin? We’ve known since it’s inception there wasn’t going to be any. So move along.

For the rest of us who live in places with no 3G, this phone is a godsend.
http://www.dragonhunting.com James

Why do people keep moaning about the lack of 3G on the Javelin? We’ve known since it’s inception there wasn’t going to be any. So move along.

For the rest of us who live in places with no 3G, this phone is a godsend.
martin

3G is useless on the bold cause the hardware/software combo for the browser sucks so bad.
My Rogers Bold has full 3G coverage in Ottawa, yet the browser is as slow as my 8310 with EDGE. So whats the point? I have 3G and 6GB of data, but rarely use the browser on this phone as its brutally slow.
Maybe US carriers waiting is a good thing to fix issues rather than Rogers being first with a defective product.
martin

3G is useless on the bold cause the hardware/software combo for the browser sucks so bad.
My Rogers Bold has full 3G coverage in Ottawa, yet the browser is as slow as my 8310 with EDGE. So whats the point? I have 3G and 6GB of data, but rarely use the browser on this phone as its brutally slow.
Maybe US carriers waiting is a good thing to fix issues rather than Rogers being first with a defective product.
http://www.blackberrycool.com/ BlackBerry Cool

@Martin,

What browser options do you have set up? Javascript on or off?
User agent set to Firefox, IE or BlackBerry?

If you turn javascript off, many of your problems should go away.
http://www.blackberrycool.com BlackBerry Cool

@Martin,

What browser options do you have set up? Javascript on or off?
User agent set to Firefox, IE or BlackBerry?

If you turn javascript off, many of your problems should go away.
Mike

There must be a new design for the keyboard as well, the Q and A are swapped as well as the Z and W. haha
Mike

There must be a new design for the keyboard as well, the Q and A are swapped as well as the Z and W. haha
Mike

There must be a new design for the keyboard as well, the Q and A are swapped as well as the Z and W. haha
http://www.blackberrycool.com/ BlackBerry Cool

Actually Mike, what you’re seeing is a French BlackBerry, using the AZERTY standard.

Possible hint as to where the device is launching…
http://www.blackberrycool.com/ BlackBerry Cool

Actually Mike, what you’re seeing is a French BlackBerry, using the AZERTY standard.

Possible hint as to where the device is launching…
http://www.blackberrycool.com BlackBerry Cool

Actually Mike, what you’re seeing is a French BlackBerry, using the AZERTY standard.

Possible hint as to where the device is launching…
Kymberlee

When will it be available? Which carrier?
Kymberlee

When will it be available? Which carrier?
Kymberlee

When will it be available? Which carrier?
Kymberlee

When will it be available? Which carrier?
Kymberlee

When will it be available? Which carrier?
http://www.chillpilgrim.com/ Chillpilgrim

One cool mobile device… Can’t wait to lay my hands on this one!
http://www.chillpilgrim.com Chillpilgrim

One cool mobile device… Can’t wait to lay my hands on this one!
Janeen

Sounds like all this phone is missing is 3G. I wonder if they’ll have an “upgrade” to the 8900 sometime next year. I like this style better than the Bold’s but a fast internet browser is always an advantage. I REALLY hope they’ll produce an upgrade…if so I’m 100% sold on this phone. In almost 2009 I don’t know why they just don’t make all phones with 3G capability anyway. Once you’re used to having something it’s hard to go backwards.
Janeen

Sounds like all this phone is missing is 3G. I wonder if they’ll have an “upgrade” to the 8900 sometime next year. I like this style better than the Bold’s but a fast internet browser is always an advantage. I REALLY hope they’ll produce an upgrade…if so I’m 100% sold on this phone. In almost 2009 I don’t know why they just don’t make all phones with 3G capability anyway. Once you’re used to having something it’s hard to go backwards.
Katherine

@Janeen

Unfortunately, I HIGHLY doubt that they would have a 3G over-the-air upgrade to the 8900. You need special hardware to have 3G and the Javelin just doesn’t have it.

If I was used to 3G though, I wouldn’t get this phone. Would be hard to go back to EDGE. But I’ve never had 3G and T-Mobile doesn’t have it in my area, so what do I have to lose?

I’m so dropping my cruddy Sidekick come February and getting the Curve 8900.
Katherine

@Janeen

Unfortunately, I HIGHLY doubt that they would have a 3G over-the-air upgrade to the 8900. You need special hardware to have 3G and the Javelin just doesn’t have it.

If I was used to 3G though, I wouldn’t get this phone. Would be hard to go back to EDGE. But I’ve never had 3G and T-Mobile doesn’t have it in my area, so what do I have to lose?

I’m so dropping my cruddy Sidekick come February and getting the Curve 8900.
eli

i have the javelin and for some reason i cant get pocket mac and my new macbook air to sync !! any ideas why it doesnt work? it went thru and snyced 46 out of 1560 contacts! making me crazzzy!
eli

i have the javelin and for some reason i cant get pocket mac and my new macbook air to sync !! any ideas why it doesnt work? it went thru and snyced 46 out of 1560 contacts! making me crazzzy!
Amy

I actually own one of these blackberry javelins and i can honestly say it is fantastic. It is better looking than the older curves and the bold and offers better features. also from what i’ve heard about the storm i wouldn’t hold my breather because by the sounds of it they aren’t all they are cracked up to be. The storm is merely a blackberry with the same problems as the iphone. I am saying this from experience because i work for a cell phone provider.
Amy

I actually own one of these blackberry javelins and i can honestly say it is fantastic. It is better looking than the older curves and the bold and offers better features. also from what i’ve heard about the storm i wouldn’t hold my breather because by the sounds of it they aren’t all they are cracked up to be. The storm is merely a blackberry with the same problems as the iphone. I am saying this from experience because i work for a cell phone provider.
webterractive

I own one as well from Rogers AT&T in Canada and it’s an amazing little device, though for some reason there’s a John Mayer video in the media app. Other then the 3G it’s a sweet little device and one I don’t regret getting. I’m coming of an iPhone 3G and this little device ahs really filled that void that my iPhone left.
webterractive

I own one as well from Rogers AT&T in Canada and it’s an amazing little device, though for some reason there’s a John Mayer video in the media app. Other then the 3G it’s a sweet little device and one I don’t regret getting. I’m coming of an iPhone 3G and this little device ahs really filled that void that my iPhone left.
webterractive

Correction with the above specs:

Memory isn’t hot swappable since you have to remove the battery to install it, it’s a Micro SD card.
webterractive

Correction with the above specs:

Memory isn’t hot swappable since you have to remove the battery to install it, it’s a Micro SD card.
webterractive

@eli: Go the Blackberry website and install the new drivers that have been released.
webterractive

@eli: Go the Blackberry website and install the new drivers that have been released.
Greg Gebhardt

I do not give a cr^p about 3G. My Bold’s email does not come thru any faster than my previous EDGE devices. If you want internet the iPhone is for you!
Greg Gebhardt

I do not give a cr^p about 3G. My Bold’s email does not come thru any faster than my previous EDGE devices. If you want internet the iPhone is for you!
no3G???

it looks like everything is fine except no 3G, it could post a problem for phone roaming to Japan, Korea….
no3G???

it looks like everything is fine except no 3G, it could post a problem for phone roaming to Japan, Korea….
star asia

hi…i from indonesia…somebody to know when…BB javelin coming to ind?
star asia

hi…i from indonesia…somebody to know when…BB javelin coming to ind?
http://teflonspitta.knows.it/ blackmangabbin

I got it and the damn thing is nice.
http://teflonspitta.knows.it blackmangabbin

I got it and the damn thing is nice.
http://magnum360.wordpress.com/ Tariq

Hello all
got my 8900;man! its beautiful. It has all the functions of a curve yet its sexayyyyyyyyyyy!
one thing i miss in my 8900 is the flash player. RIM has to do something abt it.Its the demand of the day guyz cmon. Heard that Device Software4.6 is getting l;aunched soon.Hope they included flashplayer in it.

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