BlackBerry 857: A Classic Wireless PDA for Professionals

BlackBerry 857 (2000): Detailed Noun Explanation (English)

The BlackBerry 857 (RIM 857, Model Code: 857) is a wireless handheld PDA – style device released by Research In Motion (RIM) in October 2000, operating on BlackBerry OS 2.0 and tailored for corporate users needing wireless email and basic PDA functions, running on Motient (US) and Bell Mobility’s ARDIS (Canada) networks.

Basic Identity & Launch Info

Item	Details
Full English Name	BlackBerry 857 (RIM 857)
Model Code	857
Release Date	October 18, 2000 (5MB); November 2000 (8MB)
Market Position	Wireless handheld PDA for corporate/business users, focused on mobile email & PDA tasks
Key Taglines	“Wireless Email & PDA Powerhouse”; “Stay Connected, Stay Productive”
2000 Launch Price	~$399 (5MB variant, US carrier – locked)
Network Compatibility	Mobitex (US via Motient); ARDIS (Canada via Bell Mobility)

Key Technical Specifications (English)

1. Display & Input

Parameter	Details
Type & Size	3 – inch 160×160 pixel MSTN LCD with backlighting (monochrome)
Interface	Icon – driven, menu – based UI; backlight for low – light use
Input	Full QWERTY keyboard; thumb – operated trackwheel (clickable)

2. Processor & Memory

Parameter	Details
Chipset	Intel 386EX 32 – bit processor (33MHz)
RAM	512KB SRAM (5MB variant); 1MB SRAM (8MB variant)
Storage	5MB Flash ROM (5MB variant); 8MB Flash ROM (8MB variant)
Expandability	No external memory card support

3. Core Features & Software

Parameter	Details
OS	BlackBerry OS 2.0; paired with BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.0
Key Apps	Email (push – email, send/receive/forward/reply), Address Book, Calendar, Task List, Memo Pad, Calculator, Alarm
Notification	Red LED indicator, audible beeper, mechanical vibrator, on – screen alerts (user – configurable)
Security	Password – protected device lock

4. Battery & Charging

Parameter	Details
Type & Capacity	Removable Li – Ion battery (typical capacity ~800mAh)
Charging	Via serial port docking cradle; no USB charging
Battery Life	Up to 7 days standby; ~48h active use (email + PDA)

5. Design & Build

Parameter	Details
Material	Ruggedized plastic housing
Dimensions	117×78.5×18mm (4.6×3.1×0.7 inches)
Weight	136g (5oz)
Ports	RS – 232 serial port (115200 baud max) for sync/charging
Protection	Ruggedized build for daily use; no IP rating

6. Software & Connectivity

Parameter	Details
OS Version	BlackBerry OS 2.0 (minimal UI, enterprise – focused)
Connectivity	Mobitex/ARDIS wireless data (no cellular voice; data only)
Sync	Desktop sync via serial port (contacts, calendar, emails)
Enterprise Integration	Works with BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) for corporate email sync

Core Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Wireless Email Excellence: Push – email support with enterprise integration via BES, a game – changer for on – the – go professionals.
All – in – one PDA Functions: Combines email with calendar, address book, tasks, and more for comprehensive productivity.
Rugged & Portable: Compact, durable design fits easily in pockets/purses, ideal for business travel.
Customizable Notifications: Multiple alert options (LED, vibrate, beep) to suit different work environments.
Enterprise Security: Password protection and BES integration ensure secure corporate data access.

Common Terminology Clarification

QWERTY Keyboard + Trackwheel: RIM’s iconic input combo for easy text entry and menu navigation, setting the standard for future BlackBerry devices.

BlackBerry OS 2.0: Early proprietary OS for RIM’s wireless handhelds, optimized for email and PDA functions with minimal resource use.

Intel 386EX: A low – power 32 – bit embedded processor, suitable for early handheld devices requiring basic computing power.

Push – email: Automatic email delivery to the device without manual checking, a key RIM innovation for enterprise users.

MSTN LCD: Monochrome super – twisted nematic LCD, common in early PDAs for low power consumption and good readability.