Boost Mobile To Offer “Shrinkage”?

Did I read that right? Boost Mobile is offering “shrinkage”? Let’s get to the bottom of this! Sprint just announced today that Boost Mobile (the no-contract wireless servivce on the Sprint Network) will be rewarding loyalty with shrinking bills!

Here’s how it’s going to work…. the longer you stay, the less you pay! Make on-time payments and watch your monthly unlimited plans “shrink” from $50 to as low as $35 a month!

For every 6 on-time payments, a customer’s monthly cost will shrink by $5, eventually getting down to $35 a month for unlimited nationwide talk, text, web, email, IM and 411 calls.

This is great news for existing customers with Boost Mobile, especially with those people who consistently pay their bills on time. In a time when bills just seem to be going up, up, up… Boost Mobile steps up and offers an alternative!

Here’s the full press release:

IRVINE, Calif. (BUSINESS WIRE), October 14, 2010 – Boost Mobile now offers shrinkage you can be proud of. Boost Mobile once again shakes up the wireless industry with the introduction of Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage. The no-contract wireless service on the Nationwide Sprint Network now offers its customers the opportunity to reduce their $50 monthly unlimited plan to a monthly price of $35 by simply making on-time payments. For every six on-time payments, a customer’s monthly cost will shrink by $5, eventually getting down to $35 a month for unlimited nationwide talk, text, Web, e-mail, IM and calls to 411.

“At a time when consumers are looking for ways to save their hard-earned money, we’re rewarding Boost customers by helping them shrink their monthly payments,” said Bob Stohrer, vice president-Marketing, Boost Mobile. “Throughout the year, we’ve enhanced our device lineup with Android and Blackberry devices and added more benefits to our Monthly Plan. Now, we’re introducing even more value, all with no annual contracts. Shrinkage is yet another demonstration of Boost’s commitment to ‘unwronging’ wireless.”

How Shrinkage works

Monthly Payment Amount
Initial
Monthly	Total 12 On-
Payment	6 On-Time	Time	Total 18 On-
Amount	Payments	Payments	Time Payments
Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage	$50	$45	$40	$35
BlackBerry Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage	$60	$55	$50	$45

Shrinkage is available with Boost Mobile Monthly Unlimited and BlackBerry Monthly Unlimited plans. As of Oct. 14, existing Boost Mobile customers simply go to www.boostmobile.com or call 1-888-BOOST-4U to sign up for Shrinkage. New customers coming to Boost on the $50 or the $60 BlackBerry Monthly Unlimited plans as of Oct. 14 will automatically be part of Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage.

A customer’s on-time monthly payment date is the same day each month and each on-time payment moves the customer’s monthly cost toward the lower amounts. Consumers who miss their monthly payment date will not be penalized; they will not lose any on-time payments accrued toward the next Shrinkage payment milestone or lose any reduced monthly payment already achieved.

Get the latest smartphone from Boost with Shrinkage plan

Boost Mobile customers can choose from a range of diverse handsets from entry level to the Motorola i1 powered by Android, available on the Nextel National Network, and recently launched BlackBerry™ Curve 8530with a new optical track pad for easy navigation, rich 2MP camera and integrated Wi-Fi capabilities. The Curve 8530 is designed to keep customers connected and entertained and is available for $249.99 (excluding taxes) through Boost Mobile exclusive retail stores, select independent wireless dealer locations and, by the end of October, at major retail outlets. This smartphone is also available at www.boostmobile.com with free shipping.

Enjoy even greater value with the International Connect feature

Boost Mobile has also reduced the price of International Connect by 50 percent to $5 a month for new and existing subscribers who add this feature to a monthly unlimited plan by Dec. 31. This limited-time offer includes unlimited calling to landlines in more than 150 cities in Mexico, landlines in the Dominican Republic, unlimited calling to landlines and mobile phones to select Asian-Pacific countries and Canada, and unlimited international text messaging from the United States.

About Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile, one of Sprint’s prepaid brands, offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its ‘Monthly Unlimited’ service, offering unlimited nationwide talk, text, Web, e-mail, IM and 411 for $50 per month, and with its ‘BlackBerry Monthly Unlimited’ service, offering unlimited nationwide talk, text, Web, e-mail, IM and 411 for $60 per month. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 275 million people, and on the Nextel National Network, reaching more than 278 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from Motorola, Sanyo, Research In Motion (RIM) and Samsung, ranging from entry-level to high-end devices. Boost Mobile phones are available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target and Walmart, Sprint retail stores, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network; and Re-Boost® is available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web at MySpace, Facebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:

source – Sprint PR – http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1675

Sprint Launches Pre-Owned Device Program For Customers

In case you missed this the other day, Sprint is now going to be offering customers certified pre-owned refurbished devices at lower prices. Sprints goal with this is to offer customers perfectly good devices while at the same time trying to reach their goal to reuse and recycle devivces, thus giving them a “second life”.

Currently, there are three devices available in this program:

* BlackBerry Tour – $79.99
* Samsung Reclaim (green) – $49.99
* Sanyo 2700 (pink or blue) – $49.99

Wait….it gets better…. if you sign a new two year contract on any of these devices under this program, here’s the break down:

* BlackBerry Tour – $29.99
* Samsung Reclaim – FREE
* Sanyo 2700 – FREE

So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive device for yourself but don’t need a brand new one, or for someone using a device for the first time, you can get into them under this program pretty inexpensively!

Here is the original press release that Sprint sent out on October 12th -

Sprint Launches Certified Pre-Owned Device Program to Give Wireless Phones ‘Second Life’ and Offer Sprint Customers Exceptional Value

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), October 11, 2010 – Sprint Nextel [NYSE:S] todayannounced the launch of its new, national Certified Pre-owned Device Program. Sprint Certified Pre-owned devices offer customers exceptional, feature-rich refurbished devices at lower prices. Customers who purchase a pre-owned device from Sprint not only get one of today’s devices at a great value, but also simultaneously help Sprint to achieve its aggressive reuse and recycling goals by giving these pre-owned devices a “second life.”

Three certified pre-owned devices are now available for purchase in this exciting new program at Sprint.com – BlackBerry® Tour™, Samsung Reclaim™ in green, and Sanyo 2700 in pink and blue.

Existing customers can purchase one of these pre-owned devices at regular price without a contract extension and without affecting their current upgrade eligibility status.

Existing pricing for the devices are as follows:

*BlackBerry Tour at $79.99, and

*Samsung Reclaim in green and Sanyo 2700 in pink and blue are each available for $49.99.

Customers with a new two year contract can get the Tour at $29.99 and the green Reclaim or pink & blue 2700 for FREE.

Visit www.sprint.com for further details.

“The Sprint certified pre-owned device program enables our customers to purchase innovative devices at an exceptional value,” said David Owens, vice president of marketing for Sprint. “Each of these certified pre-owned devices meets Sprint’s rigorous quality standards, and is backed by the 30-day return policy. The Sprint pre-owned device program also supports Sprint’s goal to reuse and recycle more of our devices. Ultimately, giving phones a ‘second life’ is a win-win for Sprint, our customers and the environment.”

All Sprint certified pre-owned devices are thoroughly inspected, tested and, if necessary, remanufactured according to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) new unit specifications, and come with the 30-day return policy. Every Sprint-Certified Pre-owned phone is:

*Prepared for resale by facilities certified by the original manufacturer of the device,

*Subjected to a comprehensive 30-plus point quality checklist to ensure compliance with Sprint standards,

*Inspected for any cosmetic defects to make sure your device looks like new

*Returned to factory default settings, and

*Updated to the most current system software.

Sprint’s Certified Pre-owned Device Program is another step forward in support of the company’s aggressive reuse and recycling collection goals. Sprint was the first in the industry to publicly announce an ambitious goal to collect nine phones for reuse and recycling for every 10 sold by 2017, a 90 percent collection rate. As of 2009, Sprint’s collection rate was more than 40 percent, well ahead of the industry average. More than 90 percent of the 3.7 million phones Sprint collected in 2009 were reused.

Sprint places a high priority on reuse, as it helps reduce the need to manufacture new phones and thereby conserves more energy and raw materials, compared with recycling. According to the Electronics Environmental Electronics Environmental Benefits Calculator, which was funded by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, reusing 1 million mobile phones saves 40 million kilowatt hours of electricity – enough to power more than 3,000 U.S. households for a year.

Sprint continues to receive recognition for its leadership in environmental sustainability. Sprint recently scored highest among U.S.-based wireless companies on the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) S&P Fortune 500 Leadership Index for its carbon disclosure efforts.

For more information on Sprint’s recycling programs go to www.sprint.com/recycle, or follow

@SprintGreenNews

on Twitter.

Editorial Note:

An older version of this press release referenced a handset no longer available for purchase, Blackberry Hero. This version [10:30 AM ET, October 12, 2010] is the most current, updated version outlining currently available pre-owned devices.

source – Sprint PR – http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1671

Blackberry Oxford To Be Released By Sprint On 10/31/10???

Looks like we have some juicy tidbits to start off the week, folks! The Blackberry Oxford does seem exclusive to Sprint. I guess the “Style” moniker didn’t quite cut it with the Sprint executives. The Oxford will by styling in a grey color scheme it seems. The pricing seems just right bring these off the shelves…$99.00 after a $100.00 mail-in-rebate.

Blackberry 6 will be on-board along with a 5-megapixel camera, full QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi and GPS capable EV-DO Rev. Are you Sprint customers excited about this offering? Hit us up in the comments with your feedback. Have a great week from everyone here at The Sauce Report.

Source: Boy Genius Report

Thanks

BigTechTony

Sprint Announces Samsung Galaxy Tab

Looks like the carriers were busy tonight! Got a press release from Sprint announcing THEIR availability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab. No date on this release either, but it looks like customers will see it this fall.

Here’s the press release:

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), September 16, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States¹, today announced the upcoming arrival of Samsung Galaxy Tab™ to the Sprint 3G network this fall. This new tablet combines the popular Android platform and award-winning data features of the Samsung Galaxy S lineup of mobile devices with the reliability and value of Sprint and access to the Sprint 3G network.

Samsung Galaxy Tab weighs less than a pound and features a brilliant 7-inch Enhanced TFT touchscreen display, Android 2.2, a 1GHz Hummingbird Application processor, supporting 3D graphics and smooth Web browsing, as well as dual cameras for video chat on-the-go. It offers two fast and easy ways to enter text onto the tablet – a virtual keyboard and SWYPE technology, which allows users to input text faster and more intuitively with one continuous finger motion across the virtual keyboard.

“Samsung Galaxy Tab is another Android innovation for Sprint and adds a new category of devices to the Sprint device portfolio,” said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “The Sprint 3G network is designed to bring our customers a reliable data experience to keep them productive and entertained on-the-go. With Samsung Galaxy Tab, our customers will appreciate the ability to quickly and easily browse the Web, send email, share pictures and video, use GPS navigation or watch videos or live TV.”

Samsung Galaxy Tab features two cameras – a 3-megapixel camera with camcorder, flash and zoom, and a front-facing, 1.3-megapixel camera – enabling video chat. It also offers mobile hotspot capability to simultaneously connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices. Additional key features include:

• Android Market™ for access to more than 80,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
• Microsoft Document Viewer & Editor to open and make changes to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or PDF documents
• Stereo speakers
• Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n
• Integrated GPS
• 2GB onboard memory, 16GB microSD card included, with support for up to a 32GB microSD card
• 4,000 mAh battery

On-The-Go Movie Theater Experience

Samsung Media Hub will offer users an easy-to-use mobile video store with movies and TV shows available for purchase or rental and video content set up for an HD-like entertainment experience. Users can quickly get downloads of a full library of video content powered by some of the biggest names in entertainment using Wi-Fi, including MTV Networks, NBC Universal and Paramount.

Samsung Galaxy Tab will also enable sharing user-generated video content with other devices with Samsung’s exclusive AllShare service. AllShare wirelessly shares stored music, pictures and HD video (720p) to other DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified™ home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras and printers. Through AllShare, users can capture special moments with the phone’s camera and camcorder and wirelessly show them to friends or family on their DLNA-certified HDTV or download music from a PC to Samsung Galaxy Tab and take it on the road.

To make staying connected faster and easier, Samsung Galaxy Tab includes Samsung Social Hub, designed to integrate social networking services, messages, personal and business email, calendars and contacts. Calendar information from portal calendars, such as Google Calendar and social networking services, are displayed together in one calendar with two-way synchronization.

Reliability from Sprint 3G

Samsung Galaxy Tab will operate on the Sprint 3G network and customers can be confident in their ability to stay connected. According to the results of a 13-city test conducted by PC World on 3G performance, no one has a more reliable network than Sprint. For the second consecutive year, Sprint’s reliability rates were second-to-none.

PC World’s test involved Sprint, AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile in 13 major cities in all regions of the country during December 2009 and January 2010. In all, roughly 9,000 individual tests of Sprint’s 3G service were conducted from 280 testing locations. Testing sessions were one minute in duration per location, and network performance can be highly variable from neighborhood to neighborhood. In laptop-based tests, Sprint tied with another carrier for first in 3G network reliability.

With the Sprint Free Guarantee, customers can take advantage of Samsung Galaxy Tab for 30 days. If not completely satisfied, customers may return the device within 30 days to get reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get both the early termination and restocking fees waived, and receive a full refund for the monthly service plan charges.²

A Sprint developer guide for Samsung Galaxy Tab will be available on the Sprint Application Developer Web sitewhen the device launches. The developer guide will provide details for an Android 2.2 tablet and how to take advantage of Samsung Galaxy Tab’s unique hardware and software capabilities on the Sprint network. In addition, session leaders will cover tablet development at the Sprint Developer Conference during the Android breakout sessions. The Sprint Developer Conference is Oct. 26-28 in Santa Clara, Calif. Developers can register for the conference at http://developer.sprint.com/devcon2010.

source – PR Email/Sprint

Sprint Announces New BlackBerry Curve 3G (9330)

Following on the heels of the RIM/Verizon Wireless announcement yesterday, Sprint/RIM announced today the availability of the BlackBerry Curve 3G (9330) on their network, coming September 26th. Great news for Sprint customers wanting to pick up this device to add to their arsenal.

Here’s the full presser from Sprint, who’s planning on picking one up?

Popular Series Continues with New BlackBerry Curve 3G from Sprint; Able to be updated to BlackBerry 6

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), September 15, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today announced the upcoming availability of BlackBerry®Curve™ 3G (model 9330), a new addition to the popular BlackBerry Curve family of smartphones. The
new model offers Sprint customers a powerful, feature-rich handset at an easily affordable price.

BlackBerry Curve 3G will be available beginning Sunday, Sept. 26, through Sprint’s direct ship sales channels including Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and Web sales (www.sprint.com) for $49.99 with a new two-year service agreement, after a $100 mail-in rebate (taxes and surcharges
excluded). It will then be available in all remaining Sprint sales channels beginning Sunday, Oct. 10.

The new BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone features a sleek and professional look with its slim and lightweight form factor, textured battery door and a new chrome-like finish in Graphite Gray or Royal Purple. BlackBerry Curve 3G has 512MB Flash memory as well as a MicroSD/SDHC slot that supports
up to 32GB memory cards for media storage.

This new smartphone ships with BlackBerry® 5 out of the box and is BlackBerry® 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry® smartphones that will be available to Sprint BlackBerry Curve 3G customers in 2011. It retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while
delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use. Key enhancements will include a new intuitive user interface, new Social Feeds application, WebKit browser and universal search.

“The BlackBerry Curve series continues to be a tremendous success,” said David Owens, vice president of Marketing for Sprint. “We are excited to offer this new model and then bring the new BlackBerry 6 operating system to it in 2011. BlackBerry Curve 3G offers the same value and form factor our
customers have come to expect but it also provides key enhancements to stay productive and entertained with email messaging and the latest multimedia and social media features.”

BlackBerry Curve 3G offers many popular features including:

*Convenient trackpad interface with full QWERTY keyboard
*2.0 MP camera with support for video recording
*Dedicated media keys to play, pause and skip songs
*Wi-Fi®: 802-11 B/G and GPS
*Visual Voicemail
*512MB Flash memory plus a MicroSD/SDHC slot for up to 32GB of media storage, 2GB card included

“The new BlackBerry Curve 3G is an extremely attractive, approachable and affordable handset that provides a perfect choice for Sprint customers who are looking for a user-friendly 3G smartphone to help them make the most of their day,” said David J. Smith, vice president of Product Management,
Research In Motion.

The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone will support a variety of multimedia applications, including Sprint Music Store™, Sprint TV™ and Pandora™. It also boasts dedicated applications for a smoothly integrated social networking experience with Facebook®, MySpace™ and Flickr™.

BlackBerry Curve 3G requires activation on an Everything Data plan or a Business Advantage Messaging and Data plan. Additional plan options are available for business customers. Sprint’s industry-leading Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM include unlimited Web, texting and
calling to and from every mobile in America while on the Sprint network. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month – the same price Verizon and AT&T charge for unlimited talk only (all price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).

With the Sprint Free Guarantee, customers can take advantage of BlackBerry Curve 3G for 30 days. If not completely satisfied, customers may return the smartphone within 30 days to get reimbursed for the handset purchase and activation fee, get both the early termination and restocking fees waived,
and receive a full refund for the monthly service plan charges.

Sprint is the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their BlackBerry Curve 3G, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a
Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time at http://www.sprint.www.sprint.com/storelocator.

source: Sprint PR

Attention App Developers – Sprint Wants YOU!

Sprint put out a call this morning to app developers around the world, they are challenging you to create innovative 4G apps! Think you have what it takes? Well, if so you have to get yourself involved in The Sprint 4G App Challenge, a contest of sorts that is running from now through November 5th, 2010 and will recognize the top performer in the following categories:

* Entertainment
* Gaming
* Productivity
* Social Networking
* Multimedia

I don’t know about you, but I think this is a pretty good contest for app developers to get their hands into. Whats in it for me, you ask? Great question, one that you’d be silly not to ask:

"In addition to bragging rights, winners in each category will take home a $50,000 grand prize, an HTC EVO 4G with one-year of Sprint service (includes applicable taxes and surcharges), a one-year membership to the Sprint Professional Developer Program (including 250 hours in the Virtual Developer Lab) and an invitation to WIRED’s VIP party during the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas."

So get your developer hats on and get going. It will be interesting to see what great apps come out of this challenge! I hope to see some familar faces throw their hat in the ring!

For more information on this challenge, and all the official rules, go here: http://www.sprint.com/appchallenge

Hit the link at the bottom for the whole press release!

NOTE: always support your app developers!

source – Sprint PR: http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1631

Amplify Your HTC EVO Experience with OtterBox

In a press release released on September 9th, Otterbox revealed their newest case for the HTC EVO, the Otterbox Commuter Series case! As with all Otterbox protective cases, this stunning accessory will protect your HTC EVO to the bitter end!

Fort Collins, COLO.—With cutting-edge capabilities like 4G speed, Android^™ 2.1, mobile hotspot, GPS, dual cameras and revolutionized social networking, the HTC EVO^™ 4G provides an unmatched smartphone experience. Safeguard the features you depend on with the OtterBox^™ Commuter Series^™ for HTC EVO 4G.

The OtterBox Commuter Series provides two innovative layers of protection including a silicone mid-layer wrapped in a polycarbonate shell to prevent damage from bumps and shock.* Silicone protects the power and volume buttons and silicone plugs flip open for access to the charger/accessory, headset and HDMI jacks. The cameras, speaker, kickstand and proximity sensor also remain accessible through the case.

“We are thrilled to have the new OtterBox Commuter Series for HTC EVO 4G,” OtterBox founder and CEO Curt Richardsonsaid. “Not only will this case provide innovative protection, but it also offers sleek style that complements the features of the device.”

An included microfiber cleaning cloth, installation card and self-adhering clear protective film keep your screen scratch-free and looking new.

Don’t compromise your 4G experience, safeguard your HTC EVO 4G with OtterBox.

Additional Information:

Environmental Protection:

·         Added protection against bump and shock.

Colors:

·         Layer 2: Black

·         Layer 3: Black

Dimensions (Case Only):

·         5.01” [127.2 mm]X2.80” [71.0 mm]X 0.68” [17.2 mm]

Approximate Weight:

·         1.54 oz(43.6 g)

About OtterBox:

Built upon fundamentals of hard work, innovation and perseverance, OtterBox is a leader in the production of premier protective solutions for global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.

Incorporating creativity and cutting-edge design into every product, OtterBox creates sleek and durable cases that offer reliable device protection to complement any lifestyle.

OtterBox was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colo.

For more information, visit www.otterbox.com or call 888-695-8820. We’ve Got Technology Covered.

Notes:

*Commuter Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide some added protection against bump and shock.

You can pick up this great accessory for just $34.95 at the official Otterbox store!

Source – email/Press Release

Samsung Epic 4G Pricing & Availability Announced By Sprint

In a press release today, Sprint has officially announced the pricing and availability of the upcoming Samsung Epic 4G, a Galaxy S device. Not familiar with the Samsung Epic 4G? Well, here are a few of the details on this device:

• 4″ Super AMOLED display for an HDTV-quality viewing experience
• Android 2.1
• Future access to Samsung Media Hub (coming later this year), a full library of video and literary content powered by some of the biggest names in entertainment
• Six-axis motion sensor for the ultimate in gaming experiences
• Slide out QWERTY keyboard and virtual Swype keyboard
• 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor
• Dual camera: 5 MP camera/camcorder with autofocus, power LED flash and 4x digital zoom for photos and HD video¹ (720p) video recording, as well as a front-facing VGA camera for video chat and more

Again, those are only just a FEW of the options that this device comes with. Head on over HERE for the full spec sheet. Ok, let’s get down to business here, how much is it going to cost you?

The Samsung Epic 4G will be available for $249 after $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate. You will have to sign a new 2-year contract. You will be able to pick up this device beginning on August 31st in all Sprint retail channels, including Sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Walmart, with Sprint Stores opening at 8 a.m. local time.

So what do you think? Plan on picking up the new Samsung Epic 4G? Let us know in the comments!

source – Press Release

Sprint Customers In Delaware, Florida & Michigan Get 4G, California Get 4G Extended

Sprint announced today that they’ve launched their 4G service in densly populated areas within California, Delaware, Florida and Michigan. Can I get it, you ask? Well, if you live in the following communities, you may be able to:

* Modesto, CA

* Stockton, CA

* Jacksonville, FL

* Wilmington, DE

* Grand Rapids, MI

These communities round out the list of communities that Sprint offers 4G in to 48! This is great news for these communities and Sprint customers. I am eagerly awaiting 4G speeds in my area and hope to see them sometime soon.

Are you in one of the lucky 48 metropolitan communities currently taking advantage of 4G speeds? Let us know in the comments below!

You can read the full Sprint press release HERE

Device Review – BlackBerry Bold 9650

Here’s a device that I’ve been pretty excited to try out, and I finally got my hands on one to try out for about a month. Hopefully this review will help future owners of the BlackBerry Bold 9650, especially when trying to decide between a few devices. The one I tried out was a Sprint branded 9650, and let’s get down to business!

I want to break down a few of the basics and go over the specs and also weave my opinions throughout, so hopefully by the end of this review, you’ll have a better idea of what the 9650 is all about.

I was a Tour 9630 owner, and loved it. Yes, it had some issues (trackball insanity and loose battery door), and I managed to have all the issues that the Tour had over the course of my ownership. However, I loved the device and was sad to part with it. Soon there was talk of an updated Tour….the Tour 2, which would boast WiFi and a trackpad. Of course, I wanted it. I had the chance to review a BlackBerry 9700 and loved it, so I knew that I couldn’t go wrong with the Tour 2…..wait….it’s not a Tour 2? It’s a Bold you say? Oh….ok. Rolling with the punches, the Tour 2 turned into the Bold 9650 and is what we see now in the picture at the top of this post. I had high hopes for the Bold 9650, so was very excited to try it out.

Here’s to doing things all out. To following your passion and embracing everything you do headfirst, without hesitation. Whether you’re conducting business with partners or conducting imaginary trains with your five-year-old, give every moment your undivided love.

That’s why we built the new BlackBerry® Bold™ 9650 smartphone. Sleek, refined, and created with impressive materials and textured finishes, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone captures the true essence of top-tier design. We accessorized it with a smooth and fast optical trackpad, Wi-Fi®, multimedia and much more. And we included BlackBerry® Messenger, so you can BBM™ message the people who matter in your life. Which means you’ve got everything you need to go forth and love boldly.

Here are some of the details on this device:

• Optical Trackpad
• WiFi
• 3G Network Support
• GPS
• Bluetooth
• Expandable Memory (512 MB Flash memory and an expandable memory card slot that supports up to 16 GB microSD cards)
• 3.2 megapixel camera with flash, image stabilization, variable zoom, auto-focus and video recording
• 13 days/312 hours standby time
• Up to 5 hours talk time
• Up to 18 hours music playback time

Those are just some of the many features of this device. To see the FULL specifications, head on over HERE and read up on them!

What did I think of the device? Well, in a nutshell I thought it was a great followup to the BlackBerry Tour 9630 and as usual, I was not disappointed. There were a few things about the device that were less than stellar, and I’ll get to those soon.

Let’s take it head to toe:

As you can see by the photo, this is one slick looking device. Gone is the leather backing that we saw with the original BlackBerry Bold, but there is still a textured battery case on this one. The silver accents give it a nice smooth look and the trackpad just makes the device. Gone are the trackwheels and trackballs of BlackBerry past, and you don’t miss either of them with the BlackBerry Bold 9650.

Along the right side of the device is the camera button (bottom) and the volume keys, up and down. There is also a charging port on that side, which is one of the negative things to the build of the Bold 9650. It didn’t affect me much, as I am a lefty, but if you are right-handed and hold your device in your right hand, you’re going to have to adapt if trying to use the 9650 while it’s charging. Also on the right hand side, the headphone jack. That rounds out the right side of the device.

Along the top, the mute button and the lock/standby button.

As shown above, we have the left side of the device. All that you will find along the left hand side of the device is the convenience key. As usual, you can set that to launch whatever you want. That rounds out the rest of the device.

Keyboard

I loved this keyboard, the keys are nice and big, spaced out nicely, and are slightly angled, making it easy to type without making too many mistakes. The numbers keys are red, helping them to stand out from the rest of the white letters and characters.

Battery

I found the battery to be pretty predictable. Nothing earth shattering here, I use my devices hard all day and never go more than a day on a charge. This battery lasted me all through the day (stuck inside a concrete high-rise struggling for a strong signal) and needed a full charge at night.

All in all, I think the BlackBerry Bold 9650 is a great follow-up to the Tour and will make CMDA users very happy. I feel like this device is the perfect size and has plenty of memory to get yourself all loaded up with apps without seeing much lag.

If you are looking for something to replace your Tour or your Curve, I highly recommend the Bold 9650, you cannot go wrong with this powerful little device, it won’t let you down. Be sure to pick one up at your local carrier store or online!

If you have any questions on something that I didn’t cover, be sure to leave them in the comments section and I’ll get an answer for you!