BlackBerry Planet Glossary - Numbers

Model Numbers

In 2002, RIM began to use a simple naming pattern where the first two digits indicate the device's family, the last two digits tell you which model it is, based on which radios it uses.

xx10

A BlackBerry with GPS GSM has this number at the end of its name

xx20

A BlackBerry with WiFi has this number at the end of its name

xx30

A BlackBerry with CDMA has this number at the end of its name

8000 Series

RIM groups families together to maintain separation, eg the 8800 series and the 8300 series model. The 9000 is modeled after the 8800 series and the 8900 is modeled after the 8300 series. The 8300 is in between the 8100 and 8800 series and offers features from either device.

2G - Second Generation Networks

Wireless 2G and 3G are two separate signals, and use 2 different radios inside your phone.

AT&T serves 3G and 2G (EDGE) using different cell tower panels on very different frequencies throughout most of the US. Verizon also serves 1x and EVDO on separate bands and two different levels.

3G - Third Generation Networks

AT&T's 3G signal isn't as strong as their 2G EDGE signal. AT&T serves GSM and EDGE primarily on the 850MHz band, which has shorter range but greater building penetration. 3G is currently mostly on the 1900MHz band, which travels farther but isn't as good at penetrating buildings. AT&T will slowly migrate 3G to their 850MHz band, as there are still plenty of EDGE phones in customers' hands.