BlackBerry 950: Pioneer of Wireless Email Technology

BlackBerry 950 (1998, Prototype/Inter@ctive Pager 950) – Detailed English Specifications

The BlackBerry 950 (development name “Leapfrog”, launched as Inter@ctive Pager 950, announced August 26, 1998) was an iconic early two – way pager with integrated wireless email from Research In Motion (RIM), serving as a refined successor to the Inter@ctive 900. It was a prototype – to – production device that pioneered secure mobile messaging for business professionals, featuring an Intel 386EX CPU, QWERTY keyboard, scroll wheel, and long – lasting AA battery power.

1. Core Overview

Category	Details
Announcement	August 26, 1998 (launched 1998, US/Canada)
Development Name	Leapfrog
Launch Branding	RIM Inter@ctive Pager 950
Positioning	Enterprise two – way pager with wireless email
Software Editions	Exchange Edition (Microsoft Exchange integration); Internet Edition (general internet mail)
OS	RIM BlackBerry OS 2.0 (proprietary, menu – driven)
Network	900MHz two – way paging (BellSouth in US, Cantel AT&T in Canada)
MSRP (1998)	~$399 (device only, plus service plan)
Color	Matte Black (standard)

2. Key Hardware Specifications

Display

Feature	Specification
Type & Size	Monochrome LCD with backlight, 132×65 pixels, 2.9″ diagonal (~51 PPI)
Lines	Selectable 6 – or 8 – line text display
Controls	Backlight toggle, contrast adjustment

Body & Design

Feature	Specification
Dimensions	89×64×24 mm (3.5×2.5×0.94 in)
Weight	134g (4.73 oz, without holster); 161g (5.68 oz, with holster)
Build	Durable plastic chassis, belt – clip holster included
Input	31 – key QWERTY keyboard, trackwheel (scroll/select)
Sensors	None (basic input – only device)
Extras	Mono buzzer/alarm, status LED

Performance

Feature	Specification
Processor	Intel 386EX (embedded 32 – bit CPU)
Memory	4MB Flash (OS/apps); 512KB SRAM (user data/cache)
Connectivity	900MHz wireless paging modem (two – way messaging)
Synchronization	Desktop sync via serial cable (contacts, calendar, tasks)

Messaging & Functionality

Feature	Specification
Messaging	Two – way paging, secure wireless email (SMTP/POP3), message delivery confirmation
Data Services	Basic XHTML/HTML text rendering (no images)
Sync	PC – based sync (Windows only, via RIM Desktop Software)
Security	AES – like encryption for data in transit

Battery & Power

Feature	Specification
Battery	1x AA alkaline (removable, user – replaceable)
Battery Life	Up to 3 weeks standby (light use); 1–2 weeks (moderate messaging)
Charging	No built – in charging (battery replacement only)

Connectivity

Feature	Specification
Wireless	900MHz paging network (two – way, low – bandwidth)
Wired	RS – 232 serial port (sync with PC)
No Wi – Fi/Bluetooth	No modern wireless standards (1998 era)

3. Software & Enterprise Features

UI: Proprietary menu – driven OS 2.0 with text – based navigation, customizable shortcuts.
Email: Push email support, Exchange/Internet edition differentiation, message filtering.
Productivity: Basic calendar, task list, contact management (sync – only).
Security: End – to – end encryption for enterprise data compliance.

4. Core Advantages & Limitations

Advantages	Limitations
First integrated secure wireless email pager	No voice call capability (pager – only)
Long AA battery life (weeks, not days)	Low – resolution monochrome display
QWERTY keyboard + trackwheel (iconic RIM design)	Limited memory (512KB SRAM)
Enterprise – grade encryption	No color, no multimedia support

5. Variant Differences

Model	Key Differences
Exchange Edition	Microsoft Exchange server integration, corporate address book sync
Internet Edition	POP3/SMTP for consumer email accounts
AOL Mobile Communicator (2000)	Custom AOL OS 1.1, purple color, AOL service integration (discontinued 2003)

6. Quick Specs Summary

Feature	BlackBerry 950 (1998)
Display	2.9″ monochrome LCD, 132×65, 6/8 – line, backlit
CPU	Intel 386EX (embedded 32 – bit)
Memory	4MB Flash, 512KB SRAM
Input	31 – key QWERTY, trackwheel
Battery	1x AA alkaline, up to 3 weeks standby
Network	900MHz two – way paging
Weight	134g (without holster)