3GSM: BlackBerry 8800 unveiled

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Business users in the UK can now get their hands on a device that blends corporate and consumer functionality, following on from this morning's 3GSM World Congress announcement that Research in Motion (RIM) has launched the BlackBerry 8800.

Mobile operators Orange and Vodafone and have already announced their support for the new offering.

The device is the slimmest smartphone by RIM so far, according to its creator, and includes mobile, e-mail, text messaging and web browsing functionality in addition to support for corporate data applications and built-in GPS and Bluetooth.

In addition to helping workers keep up to speed with e-mails and information while on the move, the new device also includes more consumer-oriented features, including a media player and microSD expandable memory card slot for music and videos.

"This handset will be extremely appealing to mobile professionals that have demanding work and social lives," said Charmaine Eggberry, vice-president and managing director, for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at RIM.

"It is an exceptional phone that will meet the mobile application needs of professional users along with the additional perks of a multi-media player."

"By combining the new BlackBerry 8800 with the BlackBerry Internet Service, we are also providing further support to smaller businesses and individuals who desire a level of service without the need to manage back-end IT systems," said Neil Laidler, vice president of Orange Business Services.

Kyle Whitehill, director of Vodafone UK's enterprise business unit, added: "The BlackBerry 8800, with its slim design and full QWERTY keyboard will be an absolute must for ourfor many of our corporate users. We're pleased to expand the choice of BlackBerry handsets for our customers with the powerful and stylish BlackBerry 8800."

(Additional reporting by Maggie Holland)

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