RIM BlackBerry 8300 Curve

(Review) - RIM continues to expand its 8300 Curve series, and this time, AT&T's 8300 Curve gets an update with 8310. Again, there's nothing special between the two units other than the now added GPS capability with the 8310. That's the only differentiating factor unless you count the strikingly amazing red (exclusive to US) and titanium color schemes. When we first reviewed the 8300 Curve, we were dumbfounded to realize that RIM had disabled the GPS functionality. It was especially hard to swallow considering that 8800, the original of the 8000 series, had it all along. Why would RIM make such an obviously wacky mistake? Apparently to sell more units.

Months after the 8300 Curve launch, GPS hits home. For those of you who picked up with the 8300 Curve without GPS must be rightfully annoyed. RIM is purposely disabling features and adding them one-by-one to have your replace your BlackBerry units with updated ones. It's a little childish, and their strong financial performance depicts their intentions clearly.

We wonder if RIM users are going to be annoyed enough to complain? RIM may just trigger the iPhone effect. Despite the added functionality, you might still not want to get the 8310. Remember that it doesn't support WiFi. That's what the 8320 is for. It supports WiFi and GPS, so we suppose most of you would want to replace your 8300 Curve with the 8320. To break it down: 8300 - no WiFi, GPS; 8310 - GPS-only; 8320 - WiFi and GPS.

For a full review of the 8300 Curve, check out our review from earlier this year. The 8310 Curve is expected to retail for $199.99 with mail-in-rebates and a 2-year contract from AT&T.

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