BlackBerry 7100i Comes to Sprint

Sprint's latest BlackBerry from RIM brings features common to this portable information device into a cell phone form factor.

Sprint and Research In Motion today announced the launch of the BlackBerry 7100i, which brings together the functionality of a traditional BlackBerry handheld and a slimmer cell phone like design. It is set to be available next week at a retail price of $349.99.

The BlackBerry 7100i comes with 64 MB of flash memory, 8 MB of SRAM and a removable, rechargeable battery. It features a 240 x 260 high resolution color display, an integrated keyboard and software system which converges the phone keypad with a QWERTY keyboard and full wireless synchronization of calendar, contacts, notes and tasks as well as text messaging and the ability to send, receive and store pictures.

Other features of the BlackBerry 7100i include GPS technology for real time, audio driving directions and walkie-talkie capabilities through Sprint’s Nextel service.

“This device is different from most BlackBerry devices because it looks and feels more like a traditional phone – including a narrower, smaller form factor – yet it still boasts the functionality of BlackBerry that customers have come to expect,” said Vicki Warker, vice president of marketing for Sprint. “The addition of the BlackBerry 7100i handset to our broad portfolio of integrated devices demonstrates Sprint’s commitment to providing services that allow busy mobile professionals to stay connected and multitask from anywhere and everywhere.”