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An adaptation of Research In Motion's (RIM) more consumer-friendly BlackBerry 7100 series smartphone will soon be available from Nextel. Dubbed the BlackBerry 7100i, the handheld has a slimmer more phone-like design than a traditional RIM device. Carriers around the world have been rolling out versions of the BlackBerry 7100 throughout the past year.

In addition to traditional BlackBerry 7100 series features, the edition from Nextel adds support for the operator’s real-time GPS navigation and walkie-talkie services. It appears, from the picture of the BlackBerry 7100i, the smartphone has a longer antenna too.

The BlackBerry 7100i sports a high-resolution color display (240 x 260 pixels) to view Web pages, pictures and attachments plus RIM's SureType keyboard technology. SureType effectively converges a phone keypad and a QWERTY keyboard to fit within the size of a traditional wireless phone form factor.

Through an integrated keyboard and software system, SureType provides users with a familiar look and feel and enables them to dial phone numbers and type messages quickly, accurately and comfortably.

Sprint Nextel VP of marketing Vicki Warker says, "This device is different from most BlackBerry devices because it looks and feels more like a traditional phone - including a narrower, smaller form factor - yet it still boasts the functionality of BlackBerry that customers have come to expect."

Traditional BlackBerry services include support for the full wireless synchronization of calendar, contacts, notes and tasks as well as text messaging and the ability to send, receive and store pictures. It works with RIM's BlackBerry Enterprise Server, of course, for Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and Novell GroupWise compatibility.

For smaller corporations and individual users, BlackBerry Internet Service allows users to access up to ten corporate or personal e-mail accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and many popular ISP email accounts) from a single device.

GPS
The BlackBerry 7100i's GPS technology delivers real-time, audible and visual turn-by-turn driving directions. For example, BlackBerry handhelds operating on the Nextel National Network support GPS-enabled navigation with TeleNav in the United States.

On the Nextel National Network, assisted-GPS (A-GPS) technology and data service offers driving directions and updates in real time, even when the driver misses a turn at high speeds and immediately needs a new route. For more on Nextel GPS, see Mobile GPS: Part 2 –Trail Blazers, Applications.

The BlackBerry 7100i should ship next week for $350, before discounts and promotions. In additon to the new BlackBerry 7100i, there's the 7100 T, V, R, G & X from other carriers. Follow the links below for more on RIM’s BlackBerry 7100 series.