MetroPCS Offers New Prepaid BlackBerry 8530, More Coverage, But Still No 3G.
Yes boys and girls, MetroPCS has finally released the BlackBerry 8530 (insert applause here). Yes that was my feeble attempt at humor, but for many MetroPCS BlackBerry fans this is a time to celebrate. MetroPCS’s latest BlackBerry addition, the BlackBerry 8530, comes on the heels of the now dated BlackBerry 8330 which has been a staple of MetroPCS smartphone inventory. The BlackBerry 8530 is a much needed improvement over the BlackBerry 8330 and boasts the following features.
Available Features
- 2.0MP Digital Camera
- Video Camera Capabilities
- Supports BlackBerry App Worldâ„¢
- 256MB Flash Memory
- Wi-Fi® enabled
- BlackBerry® Maps
- Built-in GPS capabilities*
- 3G network access*
- Bluetooth® enabled
- Multimedia Player
- Wireless Email
- Organizer
- Browser
- Phone
- SMS/MMS
*Available only on the BlackBerry® Curve™ 8530 smartphone
Now there are a few things you should know. First, yes this is a 3G capable BlackBerry, but MetroPCS currently does not have a 3G network. MetroPCS has decided to wait and go directly to a 4G at some point according to MetroPCS CEO Roger Linquist, and this device will not support a 4G upgrade. On the other hand this device does support Wi-Fi, so fast downloads of apps and streaming music still works well. This device should come with BlackBerry OS 5 installed, but will not be upgradable to the upcoming BlackBerry OS 6 . The reason for this is because currently it’s understood that BlackBerry OS 6 will require at least 512 Mb of memory on board, and the 8530 only has 256Mb. To answer your question, no you can not just add a MicroSD card to increase memory, it doesn’t work that way.
You should keep in mind that this is designed to be a very basic and cost effective BlackBerry. If you are coming from a BlackBerry 8330 or this is your first BlackBerry this just may work for you. Things like Email, Facebook, BlackBerry Messenger, ITunes Sync, and all the other feature work just fine. Also if you are a little hard on phones, the 8530 light but hard rubber hosing might be just what you need.
MetroPCS has had to bump up their coverage, and here is a look at the places you can use metro as of July 2010.
The BlackBerry Curve 8530 comes with unlimited talk, text, BlackBerry data service, e-mail, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation for $60 per month including all applicable taxes and regulatory fees. You can pick up this latest addition currently for $229.99 after $50.00 prepaid card rebate.
So what do you think of MetroPCS finally getting a new BlackBerry, but still no 3G? Sound off in our Facebook comment section below and let us know what you think. Also don’t forget, if you like this post, tell us by hitting the “like†button, and you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest BlackBerry updates.
If you looking for the best prices on the latest and fastest BlackBerry Smartphone’s on the market, visit our BlackBerry Superstore at http://BlackBerryDreamBlog.com/blackberry .
Click here for a video demo of the BlackBerry 8530
