News
Issue #2003 - 19 (June 2003)
(Updated June 12, 2003)

DEVICES

Device News This Week

1. T-Mobile USA launches color Sidekick
T-Mobile today launched the color version of its popular Sidekick (a.k.a. the Danger Hiptop). In addition to a color display, the new Sidekick has twice the memory of its predecessor and sports capacity for a better add-on camera. The new color-screen Sidekick will cost roughly $300 and will be available on June 6. T-Mobile is the only national carrier that offers the Sidekick. The Sidekick met with critical acclaim when it debuted on the wireless market, but the device has yet to reach significant mainstream market penetration. T-Mobile has come under criticism from many fans of the device, claiming that the carrier has stunted the development of the Sidekick by limiting external application development for the handheld's platform.

2. RIM Introduces New BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds in the United Kingdom
BlackBerry 7230 and BlackBerry 6230 Wireless Handhelds Available in the UK Through T-Mobile International

Research In Motion announced recently availability of its newest BlackBerry® handhelds to mobile professionals in the United Kingdom. The BlackBerry 7230™ and BlackBerry 6230™ support worldwide international roaming* on GSM/GPRS networks and deliver email, phone, SMS, browser and organizer applications.

The BlackBerry 7230 features a crisp, high-resolution color screen and the BlackBerry 6230 incorporates a high-contrast monochrome screen. Both of the new BlackBerry handhelds are compact and lightweight with superior battery performance, making them ideal for mobile use.

The new, Java™-based handhelds are available in the United Kingdom as part of T-Mobile International's retail launch of BlackBerry for professional consumers. The BlackBerry 7230, BlackBerry 6230 and professional consumer service offering were unveiled by RIM and T-Mobile in Germany and Austria on June 2. Details of pricing and roaming services are available from T-Mobile International.

Source - Several, including CTIA, Fierce Wireless, TechWeb, 802.11 planet and Fierce 80211

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Color is becoming almost a standard feature in PDAs and top of the line handhelds. RIM's support of Java in Blackberry is noteworthy and shows it is serious about Java. We think that this will make it more attractive for enterprise applications. Also read about RIM's announcement of its BlackBerry Development Environment With Over-The-Air Application Deployment.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.