Appearances are sometimes deceiving. The Blackberry 5820 looks much like the RIM 857 and 957. If you measure it, you'll get the same dimensions: 436 x 3.1 x 0.70 inches. But interestingly enough, if you weigh the device, it's 4.9 ounces, not 5.3 like the RIMs. And even though the display looks the same size, you get another user-selectable option to choose from -- 13, 16, or 20 lines, instead of just 16 or 20.

The way RIM has developed this device is quite interesting. But once you see the reasoning behind it, it makes sense. It looks so much like the RIMs and performs the same functions -- PIM, wireless email (duh), and synchronization - but it's named something else. Well, the Blackberry 5820 is actually targeted for the United Kingdom. It operates on the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz GPRS networks, which means a different wireless module, and a difference in weight.

One other difference you'll see is that as opposed to the RIM 857 and 957, the Blackberry has more memory -- 8 MB of flash and 1 MB SRAM. And the miniature QWERTY keyboard is backlit. But that's pretty much where the differences end.

The Blackberry 5820 runs on a 32-bit processor and can be navigated using the keyboard or the thumb-operated trackwheel. Your email and appointment alerts come via tone, vibration, on-screen, or LED indication. The icons and menus are the same, and security is also included with password protection and authentication.

Pricing and Availability

The Blackberry 5820 is currently available in the United Kingdom.

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