The BlackBerry 850, released on January 19, 1999, was the first device to bear the BlackBerry name. This pioneering device was an email pager that allowed users to send and receive email messages, marking the beginning of the BlackBerry brand’s journey in revolutionizing mobile communication.
Some notable features of the BlackBerry 850 include:
- Email messaging
- Pager functionality
- Physical QWERTY keyboard
- Monochrome display
The BlackBerry 850 laid the groundwork for future BlackBerry devices, which would go on to become incredibly popular among business users and consumers alike.
Here are some key details about the BlackBerry 850:
General Information
- Release Date: January 19, 1999
- Manufacturer: Research in Motion (RIM), now known as BlackBerry Limited
- Device Type: Email pager
Features
- Email Messaging: Allowed users to send and receive email messages
- Pager Functionality: Received pages and notifications
- Physical QWERTY Keyboard: Made typing easier and more efficient
- Monochrome Display: A simple, single-color display
Specifications
- Weight: Approximately 4.7 ounces (133 grams)
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches (11.4 x 6.9 x 1.8 cm)
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours of talk time, up to 30 hours of standby time
Impact and Legacy
- First BlackBerry Device: Marked the beginning of the BlackBerry brand
- Pioneered Email on-the-go: Revolutionized mobile communication by allowing users to access email anywhere.