BlackBerry 8820 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of BlackBerry 8820

The BlackBerry 8820, announced in July 2007, represents a classic example of BlackBerry's commitment to providing robust mobile devices catering primarily to the business class. Released at a time when BlackBerry was synonymous with mobile email and secure communications, the BlackBerry 8820 introduced improvements while maintaining the traditional strengths of BlackBerry devices.

Network and Connectivity

The BlackBerry 8820 supported GSM technology, ensuring global connectivity. It operated on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 bands, which allowed users to roam even internationally without losing connectivity. The device was compatible with GPRS and EDGE networks, providing moderate data transfer speeds which were adequate for the email-focused communication BlackBerry was renowned for.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 114 x 66 x 14 mm and a weight of 134 grams, the BlackBerry 8820 was designed to offer a balance between portability and usability. The inclusion of a full QWERTY keyboard was a hallmark of BlackBerry devices, enabling efficient typing and email management. The sturdy build and compact design were tailored for professionals on the move, allowing for single-handed operation while ensuring longevity.

Display

The device featured a 2.5-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The display could produce 65K colors, which was standard at the time for business phones primarily focused on text and email with minimal emphasis on media consumption. The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 25.7%, providing adequate space for user interaction via the keyboard and navigation controls.

Operating System and Processor

The BlackBerry 8820 operated on the BlackBerry OS, a stable and efficient platform designed to support BlackBerry's range of communication and security features. It was powered by a 32-bit Intel XScale PXA272 312 MHz processor. While not exceptionally powerful by today's standards, it was sufficient for handling the device's primary functions, including email, messaging, and browsing.

Memory and Storage

This device came with 64MB of internal storage and 16MB of RAM. For users requiring additional space for emails and documents, the inclusion of a dedicated microSD slot offered flexibility, allowing for storage expansion. Although the internal memory was limited, this setup was typical for devices focusing on communication rather than multimedia.

Camera and Multimedia

Interestingly, the BlackBerry 8820 did not include a camera, a decision reflecting the device's target market – professionals who prioritized secure and efficient communication. Despite the lack of a camera, the phone supported MP3 and WAV ringtones, and the presence of a loudspeaker offered sufficient audio quality for calls and alerts.

Connectivity Features

The BlackBerry 8820 was noteworthy for its connectivity options. It featured Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) capabilities, allowing users to connect to wireless networks, a relatively uncommon feature at the time for mobile phones. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP was also included, enabling wireless audio streaming to compatible devices. The inclusion of GPS enabled location-based services, an added advantage for business users needing navigation support. However, it lacked FM radio and a 3.5mm audio jack, reflecting its focus on business rather than entertainment.

Battery Performance

The device housed a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery, which provided up to 520 hours of standby time and up to 5 hours of talk time. This battery performance was quite impressive, considering the device’s emphasis on constant connectivity. The removable nature of the battery also allowed business users to swap batteries on the go, ensuring continuity in communication during extended travel periods.

Miscellaneous Features

Offered in a classic silver color, the BlackBerry 8820 maintained a professional aesthetic. The device adhered to SAR standards with values of 1.28 W/kg for the head and 1.58 W/kg for the body, with European SAR values slightly lower, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Priced at around 110 EUR at launch, it was positioned as an affordable yet feature-rich device for business users.

Conclusion

In summary, the BlackBerry 8820 stood out as a reliable business communication tool. Its focus on email and messaging, coupled with broad network support, made it a valuable asset for professionals seeking uncompromised communication. While newer smartphones have introduced advanced features and a shift towards media and apps, the BlackBerry 8820 remains a noteworthy example of mobile communication innovation from the late 2000s.