BlackBerry 7100t Now Available from T-Mobile

Last month, RIM took the wraps off its first smartphone, the BlackBerry 7100t. However, the device wasn't available at that time. The 7100t can now be ordered from T-Mobile USA.

The 7100t is the first BlackBerry that doesn't include a full keyboard. Instead, it merges a keyboard and a number pad in a design created by RIM. Leaving off the keyboard moves the 7100t into the smartphone category, while RIM's other models are larger, cellular-wireless handhelds.

This smartphone is exclusively available from T-Mobile USA. With a qualifying rate plan, the BlackBerry 7100t costs $200, after a $100 mail-in rebate.

Additionally, T-Mobile offers a $70 voice and data plan. This includes 1000 voice minutes, plus unlimited email, unlimited text and instant messages, and unlimited Web browsing.

More information is available on the T-Mobile web site.

It is not known when versions of this device will be available from other wireless carriers.

More about the BlackBerry 7100t

While RIM has been very successful selling BlackBerry wireless-handhelds to corporate users, its sales to consumers are virtually nil. The company hopes the 7100t will be the device that will interest the man on the street in getting a BlackBerry.

Of course, this smartphone runs RIM's proprietary operating system. It has 32 MB of RAM. It doesn't include a memory card slot.

In addition, it includes Bluetooth, which allows it to be used with wireless headsets.

This is a Quad-Band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) GSM/GPRS device, so it can be used in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and just about anywhere in the world.

More information on the BlackBerry 7100t is available in this article.

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