The BlackBerry 8820, announced in July 2007, holds a special place in the history of mobile communication devices. This unique smartphone is renowned for its durable build, QWERTY keyboard, and reliable GSM connectivity.
In this article, we will explain the specifications, features, and impact of the BlackBerry 8820 on the mobile technology landscape.
BlackBerry 8820 Summary Key Features:
- Display: 2.5-inch (320 x 240 pixels)
- Processor: 312 MHz
- Camera: No
- Storage: 64MB
- RAM: 16MB
- Battery Capacity: Li-Ion 1400mAh
- OS: BlackBerry OS
BlackBerry 8820 Color and Price
The device sports a sleek silver finish that exudes a professional and timeless aesthetic. When it was first introduced, the BlackBerry 8820 was priced at around $131. This pricing made it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich mobile communication device.
- Price in USA – $131
- Price in Europe – EUR 110
- Price in Canada – CAN$176
- Price in UAE – AED 495
- Price in India – ₹ 10,999
- Price in Pakistan – Rs. 22,090
- Price in Bangladesh – BDT 15,499
BlackBerry 8820 Network Technology
The BlackBerry 8820 operates on GSM technology, offering reliable 2G connectivity. It supports GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, making it compatible with a wide range of networks. This ensured that users could stay connected across the globe, making it a valuable tool for both personal and professional use.
| NETWORK | Technology | GSM |
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | |
| GPRS | Yes | |
| EDGE | Yes |
BlackBerry 8820 Design and Dimensions
The BlackBerry 8820 boasts a classic design with dimensions of 114 x 66 x 14 mm (4.49 x 2.60 x 0.55 in). It has a weight of 134 grams (4.73 oz), which gives it a substantial and durable feel in the hand.
The physical keyboard is a standout feature, providing a tactile and efficient typing experience. The device also includes a trackball for easy navigation. Its dimensions and weight, combined with the iconic QWERTY keyboard, made it a status symbol among business professionals.
| BODY | Dimensions | 114 x 66 x 14 mm (4.49 x 2.60 x 0.55 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | |
| Trackball |
BlackBerry 8820 Display
The device features a 2.5-inch display with 65K colors, offering a visually satisfying experience. The screen’s resolution is 320 x 240 pixels, with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a pixel density of approximately 160 ppi. While these specifications may seem modest by today’s standards, they were quite respectable in 2007, ensuring clear text and images.
| DISPLAY | Type | 65K colors |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2.5 inches, 19.4 cm2 (~25.7% screen-to-body ratio) | |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~160 ppi density) |
BlackBerry 8820 Operating System and Performance
Running on BlackBerry OS, the 8820 is equipped with a 32-bit Intel XScale PXA272 processor clocked at 312 MHz. While this may appear basic compared to modern smartphones, it was more than capable of handling the tasks and applications of its time. The 64MB of internal storage and 16MB of RAM were sufficient for its intended purpose.
| PLATFORM | OS | BlackBerry OS |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 32-bit Intel XScale PXA272 312 MHz |
| MEMORY | Card slot | microSD (dedicated slot) |
|---|---|---|
| Internal | 64MB 16MB RAM |
BlackBerry 8820 Battery Life
The BlackBerry 8820 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery. With a standby time of up to 520 hours and talk time of up to 5 hours, it offered respectable battery life for its era.
| BATTERY | Type | Removable Li-Ion 1400 mAh battery |
|---|---|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 520 h | |
| Talk time | Up to 5 h |
BlackBerry 8820 Connectivity and Features
The BlackBerry 8820 offers several connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support. The inclusion of GPS positioning made it a valuable tool for navigation and location-based services.
It’s important to note that this device does not support a 3.5mm audio jack, which was common at the time, meaning users had to rely on the provided proprietary connection for audio.
| SOUND | Loudspeaker | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Alert types | Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones | |
| 3.5mm jack | No |
| COMMS | WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11b/g |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | |
| Positioning | GPS | |
| Radio | No | |
| USB | miniUSB |
BlackBerry 8820 Software and Productivity
The device comes with various software features to enhance productivity. It supports web browsing through WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, and also includes BlackBerry maps for navigation. The media player allows users to enjoy music and videos, and the organizer keeps track of appointments and tasks.
One of the standout features is the document viewer, which can handle Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files, making it a valuable tool for professionals on the go. Voice dialing is another handy feature that simplifies making calls while driving or multitasking.
| FEATURES | Sensors | |
|---|---|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML | |
| BlackBerry maps Media player Organizer Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Voice dial |
BlackBerry 8820 SAR (Specific Absorption Rate)
The BlackBerry 8820 has a head SAR of 1.28 W/kg and a body SAR of 1.58 W/kg. For the European Union, the head SAR is 1.00 W/kg, and the body SAR is 0.83 W/kg. These values were within acceptable limits, ensuring user safety.
| MISC | Colors | Silver |
|---|---|---|
| SAR | 1.28 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) | |
| SAR EU | 1.00 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | |
| Price | About $131 |
Final Words:
The BlackBerry 8820 was a notable device in the mobile technology landscape of its time. Its classic design, QWERTY keyboard, and robust feature set catered to the needs of both professionals and general users.
While it may no longer be in active production, its legacy lives on as a symbol of the era when physical keyboards ruled the mobile world.
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