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Research in Motion has announced availability of a new version of its BlackBerry handheld device, the first designed for use on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks.

The data and voice-enabled BlackBerry 6750, which supports J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition), offers users access to e-mail, a short-message service, a dual-band phone, a browser, and organizer applications, according to RIM.

The new model will be marketed through carriers, which are moving toward the 3G services of CDMA networks. The BlackBerry 6750 is essentially a "2.5G" device, which can support data transfers of up to 1.44 kilobits per second.

It is expected to become available in the United States through Verizon Wireless in the first quarter of 2003, and in Canada through Bell Mobility in the same time frame. RIM previewed the new model, among others, at the PC Expo trade show in June.

Dual-Duty Handheld

The offering is designed specifically to meet the needs of both information technology departments and end users, RIM said.

Along with the enterprise e-mail integration offering that is enabled through the BlackBerry Enterprise Server, the firm is providing a new Web-based application with this device that supports ISP e-mail accounts through the POP3 protocol. The application, called BlackBerry Web client, enables users to access various e-mail accounts through their handheld devices, configure settings, and set up filters and automatic signatures.

RIM noted in a statement that enterprises currently running BlackBerry Enterprise Server will still have the ability to manage handheld devices that "prevent access to personal ISP accounts."

Still Evolving

CDMA 1XRTT networks offer a migration path between 2G and 3G capabilities, but some companies are still anticipating the data transfer rates of up to 2 megabits per second that true 3G provides, said Lawrence Surtees, director of telecom research with the market research firm IDC Canada.

For now it's going to find initial take-up in the consumer market--such as in video games and mobile phones--but the real untapped potential is the enterprise market, which requires the better speeds of 3G, Surtees said.

"For the business market it's a first step--it's a prelude to even better, faster, true 3G services, which are still a few more years out," Surtees said.

(Ryan B. Patrick of IT World Canada contributed to this report.)

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