Blackberry software update: Lots 'o updates

From pcmag.com posting
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What the BlackBerry Update Means for You
02.01.08
by Sascha Segan

BlackBerry owners rejoice! The upcoming BlackBerry 4.5 software will vault your Pearls and Curves into the top ranks of multimedia devices. We got RIM to explain, model by model and server by server, what the new software will give existing BlackBerry owners. (Version 4.5 used to be called 4.3.1, if you're really plumbed into the BlackBerry landscape.)

There's a lot of awesome stuff here, with multimedia streaming support, Microsoft Office document editing and HTML e-mail support at the fore. We're still waiting for RIM to tune up its Web browser, though—it's falling behind the options available on Windows Mobile, Symbian, and the iPhone.

Some of the new features are handheld-only; some require server upgrades. If you're on BlackBerry Enterprise Server, your IT department will need to upgrade; if you're on BlackBerry Internet Service, you'll need to wait a few months for your carrier to upgrade. I've marked server features with an (S), and handheld features with an (H) to show what you'll be able to do immediately.

Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, and Alltel all confirmed that you'll be able to upgrade existing BlackBerries to the new software. We're still waiting for word from T-Mobile. The software will arrive within a few months, but the carriers and RIM aren't being any more specific than that.
Here's the scoop by model number.

If you have a BlackBerry Pearl 8100 or BlackBerry 8800, you'll get:

• Spell check (H)• BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H)• Improved media player with playlist support and automatic playlist generation (H) • Voice note recording (H)• Streaming support for YouTube and Sling Player (H)• Bluetooth stereo music (H)• Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)• Native format attachment downloading (S) • HTML e-mails (S)• Over-the-air device upgrades (S)• Free/busy calendar lookup (S)• Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have a BlackBerry Pearl 8130, you'll get:

• Automatic playlist generation in the media player (H)• Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)• Native format attachment downloading (S) • HTML e-mails (S) • Over-the-air device upgrades (S) • Free/busy calendar lookup (S)• Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have any BlackBerry Curve or the BlackBerry 8820 or 8830, you'll get:

• BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H) • Improved media player with playlist support and automatic playlist generation (H) • Voice note recording (H) • Video recording on Curve models (H) • Streaming support for YouTube and Sling Player (H)• Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)• Native format attachment downloading (S)• HTML e-mails (S)• Over-the-air device upgrades (S) • Free/busy calendar lookup (S) • Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have a BlackBerry 8700 or 8703e, you'll get:

• Spell check (H) • BlackBerry Maps with Points of Interest (H) • New pictures and ringtones applications (H)• Voice note recording (H) • Microsoft Office document editing with DocumentsToGo (H)• Native format attachment downloading (S) • HTML e-mails (S) • Over-the-air device upgrades (S) • Free/busy calendar lookup (S) • Searching the server for old e-mail messages (S)

If you have an older BlackBerry, maybe it's time to upgrade!

Mentioned in this roundup:

BlackBerry 8100 – The original BlackBerry Pearl is still on sale from T-Mobile. The Pearl's SureType keypad is easier and more accurate than texting, but takes up less room than a full QWERTY keyboard.

BlackBerry 8130 – The "Pearl 2," for Verizon and Sprint, adds a 2-megapixel camera and music and video players to the slim Pearl form factor.

BlackBerry 8700 – The 8800's predecessor as a business-class BlackBerry isn't quite as sleek, but it has a keyboard with separated keys that many people like more.

BlackBerry 8703e – This high-speed BlackBerry for Sprint and Verizon combines an easy-to-use separated keyboard with a business-friendly lack of camera.

BlackBerry 8310 – AT&T's BlackBerry Curve has lots of multimedia verve, GPS, and a camera, but no Wi-Fi.

BlackBerry 8320 – T-Mobile's Curve, on the other hand, has Wi-Fi and a camera, but no GPS. We like it because you can make unlimited voice calls over Wi-Fi networks with T-Mobile's Hotspot@Home plan.

BlackBerry 8800 – T-Mobile's BlackBerry 8800 is all business, with a bright screen, GPS, and the usual excellent BlackBerry E-mail.

BlackBerry 8820 – AT&T's business-class BlackBerry adds Wi-Fi, which speeds up Internet browsing but doesn't let you make voice calls over home networks.

BlackBerry 8830 – Sprint and Verizon give road warriors this truly global BlackBerry model, one of the few Sprint/Verizon phones to roam to Europe and parts of Asia