On BlackBerryForums.com, contributor muss2k1 writes this morning that his friend works at the Cingular corporate office in Paramus, NJ in the EIS (Enterprise Information Systems) department.

"I told him to get more information about the (BlackBerry) 8800 because they receive the devices way before release so they can learn it before they come out so they can help troubleshoot for customers.," muss2k1 writes.

"Anyway, the manager states that the 8800 (shown via our fellow AOL site Engadget) is still at RIM undergoing more testing," muss2k1 passes along. "He also confirms that it won't be available on Cingular until Feb earliest and April latest. "All RIM told Cingular was first quarter of 2007 but the manager states that the agreement they have with RIM is that they must get the phone atleast one month in advance so they can train their EIS reps."



I have something to say here. When I cite this type of info from forum posts on BlackBerryForums, Pinstack or Howard Forums, I generally consider the number of posts made by the source as well as reaction and challenges from other posters. It has been my experience that posters with a track record are far less likely to go off on wild speculation- and/or be challenged as such by fellow forum posters.

This one seems to pass the sniff test.

I have another term for sniff test, but the term involves something you would not want to sniff. Trust me.