Touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder to launch in Q3?

Touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder to launch in Q3?

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Published on: 13 May, 2008 by Nanko Rusev

Touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder to launch in Q3? This article contains unofficial information.

If this is real, the Bold is not the biggest announcement of RIM for the year. The first information on the BlackBerry Thunder was reported by BGR, revealing the first all-touch phone of the manufacturer. This is one of its codenames and others refer to it as the BlackBerry Storm or BlackBerry 9500. As it can be seen from the illustrated picture (not real), on its front it has a huge display and only four keys: send, end, BlackBerry menu and back.

According to the source, Thunder will be a CDMA/EVDO and GSM/HSDPA hybrid that can be used all over the world. It will be exclusively available with Verizon (in the U.S.) and Vodafone (in the rest of the world). However, if they cannot meet a specific sales quota, BlackBerry may dissolve the exclusivity and bring the phone to other carriers also. A 4G (LTE) support is also mentioned, but we don't really expect to see one in a device, rumored to launch in Q3 this year.

source: BGR

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-2
1.
I would love to see this one come out with AT&T, Verizon wouldnt know what to do with it, AT&T has all the blackberrys anyway
0
2.
you may want to check your info there.
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-1
3.
AT&T will have the 3g iphone
Reply to this comment
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5.
why don't you ask AT&T how long it will take to make it's coverage area 3G.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #3 ( Show )
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9.
Apparently, anonymous poster #1 doesn't know %$@# about cell phones and wireless carriers. That last comment is the most preposterous, off the wall comment I've ever read.
Reply to this comment
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24.
seeing as verizon is the fastest data network im pretty sure theyll know what to do with it
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #2 ( Show )
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32.
Good luck with that!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #3 ( Show )
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39.
Verizon has the fastest network? Hardly! If you would like proof, look at Helio; they lease voice from Verizon and data from SPRINT.

On another note; LTE is not even finalized yet. People cannot agree on the complete definition of it's standard. On the bright side, Sprint and Clearwire have formed a merger of it's Wi-Max licenses and will crush competition due to having a true 4G network. Dan Hesse seems to be righting the sinking ship. A friend of mine who works for AT&T said that people in that firm became worried when Hesse took the reigns of Sprint; he wants to DIFFERENTIATE. Why be in business if you are going to be like everyone else; LEAD!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #24 ( Show )
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40.
worried. i guess you didn't read yesterdays article on bloomberg, "Sprint May Sell Assets as Loss Grows, Customers Leave". really something to worry about.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #39 ( Show )
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41.
um yeah helio leases everything through sprint amp'd did everything through verizon. and vzw and sprint use the same tech for their 3g networks so go figure. it's the same speed. sprint is sinking and fast if you just look at their churn rate and earnings statements anyone can see that. I hope Hesse is as good as you think he is we need some friends in the cdma world
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #39 ( Show )
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44.
AT&T has all the BBerrys? Well I got a news flash for you, VZW sells more BBerrys than any other carrier in the US and that is FACT.

Better do some research before you make yourself to be a dumbass on the internet.
Reply to this comment
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66.
although you sound verry knowlegdeable (pardon my spelling) I dont think you grasping the concept, Qwest dropped Sprint, Sprint drops customers, sprint is feeding off Verizon. Sprint isnt doing anything, they CANT AFFORD to do ANYTHING. All I have to say is network tests prove whos the best...makes you wonder why ATT motto "fewest dropped calls" isnt around anymore...
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #39 ( Show )
0
71.
AT&T does normally get first crack at BB's. If you look into it though it's because they only test devices for 30 days before the launch. VZW test for 120 days, If there is a problem they will start over. Also, VZW picks up the BB's with more to offer ( more memory, video capture ect.) that would be why #44 elgee02 makes a good point.
Reply to this comment
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74.
The proof is in the puding: All reports prove that although ATT may have more customers, VZW is still leading in KPI ! and profitability!!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #66 ( Show )
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78.
Att is garbage. They had to buy out cingular just to grow thier coverage and customers. Thats a nice 1 up.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #2 ( Show )
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79.
Where would you suggest people look?
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #2 ( Show )
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83.
Why would Rim want to give a loser company like AT&T (Cingular) a exclusive like that. They wouldnt.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #3 ( Show )
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84.
Well say what you want about Verizon, there the only company that has had to merge with someone else to stay afloat. Verizon has been 3g for a long time and now there going to lte or 4g. If Verizon is so bad why are all the carriers trying to copy them? anser me that? Verizon LEADS Sprint, AT&T and all the rest seems to be the ones following.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #39 ( Show )
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93.
Verizon's network may not be faster than Sprints..in fact...they have the same speeds approx 600kbs to 1.4 mbs but it has 3x the coverage. Helio probably signed up with Sprint before Verizon bumped up to Rev A but Sprint will never be real competition for Verizon Wireless!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #39 ( Show )
Reply to anonymous Hide 18 replies to this comment
0
4.
at&t has all the blackberry's? lol, so does VZW, get your facts straight. It's one thing to like your carrier, its another to love it to point that you have to make false statements to feel better about your choices in life.
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90.
??? Are we talking gross sales of blackberrys' or types of blackberrys'. Either way that made no sense
Reply to this comment
Reply to anonymous Hide 1 replies to this comment
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6.
Att has more Blackberry's on its network than any other company.. Why would it go to Verizon first???
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10.
Because AT&T's coverage is about as good as the Minnesota Viking's secondary last year.
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60.
Nice #10, and i agree. At&t is sh**, their coverage is horrible, and if u ever wanted the iphone, u have to get specific plans, internet is more, and if there are ever any defects to the phone u have to go to an apple store. Wow they sure no how to handle their customers.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #10 ( Show )
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72.
Why VZW?
* Because I can insure my phone on VZW.
- AT&T is thinking about doing it but at this point any PDA/Smartphone is not covered. iPhone with apple care only.
*Because VZW doesn't get bought, sold, merged every two years.
*VZW doesn't need a phone to define itself, iPhone. (Funny how Jobs went to VZW first on that one before AT&T)
Reply to this comment
Reply to anonymous Hide 3 replies to this comment
0
7.
No slide/flip out QWERTY? I doubt it will be a big seller at VZW for that reason alone. All their big sellers right now have them. How is the Touch selling right now? I bet they sell more BB Bold than this one...guess we will see.
0
8.
bold is for at&T and is not available yet
Reply to this comment
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12.
At&t gets it first but will be released to all carriers just like the Curve.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #8 ( Show )
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73.
Touch is not the biggest seller. Honestly, BB is the better seller. VZW will have this as a big seller becuase of it's exclusivity
Reply to this comment
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89.
i personally wish it would goto vzw id love to get one but it will goto a gsm

1)This phone will not goto vzw, RIM always manufactures phones for GSM first, because thats what the majority of people are using. if released to vzw it would be the first ever blackberry to goto cdma first. Rim is all about making money ( what company isnt ) and why would you release a phone everybody is going to try get there hands on to a cdma first?
2) as far as VZW LTE is still on paper its not even finallized, nor being tested anywhere 4g will roll out on vzw no earlier then 2011. so be ready when it finally does. however sprints wimax 4g is supposed to launch this year and if it does i may just have to start paying a phone bill agian
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #12 ( Show )
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95.
Umm, the thunder is gonna be Uber compatible
its supposed to have HSDPA, EVDOrevA, GSm, GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, FBI, CIA, and SWAT
LOL

Seriously though ATT is not a better carrier, if they hadnt merged with Cingular VZW would be destroying the market thats the reason why they did it.
Are they more exopensive YES
Do they have better coverage YES
Are they buying Alltell to fill in the few gaps they have YES
Am i on vzw NO
but not becuase i dont want them, becuase I cant afford the deposit
When they get inline with the other carriers and drop the max deposit to 150
IM ALL OVER IT

Do they get the best phones first HECK NO
WILL wou wait forever for that new handset YES
but theyre getting better
I worked for VZW data support for 2 yrs
Not a fanboy, but ive had EVERY CARRIER
Ive used em all
VZW was the best
Sprint was ok at one point but theyve gone to the dogs
Now what sprint should do is bow down and beg to be bought by VZW
now that would be a sight, LOL
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #89 ( Show )
Reply to anonymous Hide 5 replies to this comment
0
11.
Reasons as to why VZW is getting this phone:
1.VZW owns a lot of the shares for Vodafone.
2.Vodafone owns 44% of VZW shares.
3. Making a phone that can be used between these companies (flawlessly)
4. Giving VZW customers (who refuse to change carriers) more freedom to work outside the US.

I'm not sure how older business people would like this phone, but i trust RIM
The Bold is definitely HOT
-1
13.
2.Vodafone owns 44% of VZW shares. - absolutely correct
1.VZW owns a lot of the shares for Vodafone. - not really.
Reply to this comment
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22.
yea i dont think verizon wireless...(which is an entirely seperate entity from Verizon the Corporation) owns any shares of Vodafone
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #13 ( Show )
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26.
verizon wireless is joint venture between vodaphone and verizon corp just to clarify
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #22 ( Show )
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37.
ummm obviously but verizon doesnt own any shares of vodafone. and to be honest nobody ownes any shares of verizon wireless due to the fact that it is not publicly traded. Vodafone owns a percentage of verizone wireless. shares are completely different. i couldnt have 50 shares in coca cola but that doesnt mean i own 50% of the company

verizon wireless to be honest is really its own company...the fact that we have a competely different Pres/CEO than Verizon Corp proves just that
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #26 ( Show )
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81.
Its not that people refuse to change carriers, as a loyal Verizon customer where else is there to go. I havnt always been with Verizon, I tried some others but once I tried them, there was no reason to go anywhere else. Verizon takes longer to release versions of different phones because they prefer to work the bugs out before a phone is released. Rather then companies like T-Mobile, or AT&T, or Sprint who just seem to be in a hurry.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #13 ( Show )
Reply to anonymous Hide 5 replies to this comment
0
14.
Why choose Verizon? Because Verizon is the future. By the time the GSM comparators have a full 3g network. Shortly after that Verizon will turn the 700mhz in LTE (700mhz=LTE). Then nation wide 4G will be born. Together with Vodafone, Verizon are going to mop up the competition.
0
18.
nationwide 4g will be born a good three years before vzw flips the lte switch
Reply to this comment
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23.
"nationwide 4g will be born a good three years before vzw flips the lte switch"

^^^ i love how people just pull statements out of their behind and try to pass them off as being valid facts
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #18 ( Show )
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61.
no no, i think they pull these statements National Inquirer, and believe it to be real. Dont worry the Yeti is out ther. lol
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #23 ( Show )
Reply to Wireless Store - Paradise Hide 3 replies to this comment
0
15.
I will buy any Blackberry if I could use them with Rhapsody to Go... I like Music Subscription... Another reason why I cannot get an iPhone... I am stock with Windows Mobile phones at the moment.... But I love the Curve's hardware keyboard...
Reply to this comment
0
16.
I said this months ago about the 9000 post. That VZW will get an exclusive blackberry. The blackberry rep that came in would only say. You will get a blackberry in Q3/Q4 that will make all other blackberry's prior to it look like a joke. This is what was said when I asked about exclusivity about the curve and why it was taking so long to receive it. All this does it just prove the point more to what I mentioned here and what he said months ago.
Reply to this comment
0
17.
AT&T will not get this BB first. Although they were the first carrier to offer BB, they will not bring it to a network that has such a strong impression with the iPhone. Guaranteed Verizon or Sprint will carry this BB first.
0
20.
Sprint will not carry the Thunder because they're on a downhill climb right now. Like at&t they also blow donkey nuts.
Reply to this comment
0
62.
yeah. HOw many CEOs has sprint gone through? God, they r more busy than a hooker on a Navy Ship. lol
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #20 ( Show )
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94.
as long as verizon makes their sales quota.. neither sprint nor at&t will EVER get the phone. its a lifetime exclusive for verizon.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #62 ( Show )
Reply to DamonO Hide 3 replies to this comment
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21.
I was a VZW rep and I have an ATT phone
After all was said and done
ATT is not bad, not bad at all
I have a HSDPA 8525 and its great
I just love the flexibility of bieng able to swap phones in 5 seconds
Ive got highspeed data
may not be as fast as VZW but im content until they launch LTE
but LTE is a GSM technology so it makes sense that ATT will goto LTE first
0
46.
"but LTE is a GSM technology so it makes sense that ATT will goto LTE first"

But actually that DOESN'T make any sense at all because it won't be any more difficult for VZW to rollout LTE than it would AT&T. And seeing as though VZW made off with A LOT more 700mhz spectrum than AT&T if anything they will have an easier time rolling out LTE.
Reply to this comment
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47.
Att will not go first, If you think about it Voda phone which is a sister company of Vzw is alrealy starting on LTE, Plus VZW has ALWAYS been ahead on the data aspect of the cell phone company. They are jsut rolling out 3G when vzw has had it for a couple of years.
Reply to this comment
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51.
Verizon is supposed to be beginning the testing of LTE phones this year and to be available in 2010 whereas AT&T's won't be available till 2012.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #47 ( Show )
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64.
LTE is not a GSM Technology. LTE is a W-CDMA technology based off of the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and is used as an underlying air interface. It is it's migration path for GSM, but does not use any GSM at all. LTE sends IP (Internet Protocol) packets through cellular towers. Similar to a wireless TCP/IP but broadcasted through spectrum of up to 20mhz for about 200 active users on a cellular tower. Verizon choose LTE because existing CDMA towers and GSM towers can be backwards compatible to handle both GSM w/LTE or CDMA w/LTE. But if Verizon choose UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband) 4G network similar to what Sprint pcs wants to use (Aka WiMax), it would definitely be capable of quicker speeds out of the box, but would not be compatible with GSM also (which LTE is backwards compatible with both), That way Verizon customers will be able to seamlessly take there handset to Europe (or other countries that use the same frequency) and it will hand off too there LTE network abroad. All while the customer (at least the non-techy ones) have no idea that all there calls and data running off the LTE when they are abroad. For the people who hate to read or can't understand me: LTE = GSM/CDMA friendly UMB(WiMax,Hiperman,Iburst,Wibro...etc) = CDMA friendly but not does work with GSM.

So you can see why Verizon/Vodaphone choose LTE as there standard, so that way both can benefit.

Let's get our facts straight people.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #46 ( Show )
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96.
Nice
thats what i meant
Thanx for clarifying
thats right VZW was supposed to goto UMB
i forgot all about that
Good info sinfulta!!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #64 ( Show )
Reply to HeyTreTre Hide 5 replies to this comment
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