vB Easy Archive - Un-branded Blackberry Pearl 8100

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Un-branded Blackberry Pearl 8100
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Posted by: jaydickens

Does anyone know where to purchase/obtain an unbranded Blackberry Pearl, meaning without the t-mobile or Cingular branding?

Posted by: gibbs

You can always debrand a phone - that means any provider's gsm phone can be unbranded.

If you wish to purchase one, or have one debranded, check the marketplace here.

Posted by: H-bomb

Out of curiosity, why would you need an unbranded one? You can get the unlock code from t-mobile or cingular, so you can use any SIM in it. You can also load any carrier's OS onto the device. I just don't know what an unbranded device would get you other than a higher price tag.
Any carrier is going to customize the device to their network using service books anyway.

Posted by: jaydickens

Well I just didn't want it to say Cingular or t-mobile on the front. Do they have kits that replace the front cover and keys? Is this an easy process

Posted by: H-bomb

AFAIK the keys can't be replaced. I think I read they're glued on.

I vaguely recall someone mentioning sugar cubes could be used to remove the carrier's logo from the front plastic, but you'll have to search for that. I have no idea if it works or not.

Posted by: rivvah

One of the guys on BBF also indicates that denatured alcohol (not isopropyl, denatured) can be used to take off the logo but I've never tried it. Proceed with caution.

@ OP: truly unbranded BlackBerries are extremely hard to come by - if at all for a certain model - and fetch a very high premium when they are for sale. RIM directly caters to carriers and does not sell unbranded phones like other manufacturers (SE/Samsung/Nokia/Moto/etc.).

Posted by: Jdog1183

Hi there, check out my site because I actually posted 2 pics today of my unbranded pearl.

Secret: I did it with my fingernail while driving! LOL

Posted by: briareus

You can buy unbranded devices from RIM but IIRC they have a minimum number of units that you need to order and they're very expensive. I'd recommend just dealing with the logo. You can't change the splash screen anyway.