BlackBerry Bold pulled from shelves in Japan

By on Feb 27, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Retail February 27, 2009

It looks like four bands of HSPA is too much for a BlackBerry to handle as Japanese carrier DoCoMo has suspended all sales of the Bold due to overheating issues. Since its February 20th launch, DoCoMo has sold approximately 4,000 Bolds but after receiving more than 30 complaints about overheating keypads while charging, DoCoMo decided it was best to halt sales while RIM investigates the matter. RIM is being quite tight-lipped on the matter and would only comment with, “This issue appears to be specifically limited to the BlackBerry Bold devices sold in Japan since last week and sales of BlackBerry Bold devices in other countries are unaffected by this matter.” RIM went on to clarify that faulty batteries are not to blame. For those of you scoring at home, this brings the number of carriers that have suspended sales of the Bold up to two thus far. Anyone taking bets on who might be the third?

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38 Comments

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  • http://palmdiscovery.com May C

    So anyone unloading a Bold? I don’t need the 3G. Just want a decent price on one and ain’t paying $600 just for Wi-fi since I’m not using it with the BB email and stuff.

  • Heathen

    I love my Bold. It was a bit flaky with Rogers launch firmware. I installed version .210 then recently .237 on it and it has been great.

  • Canis_Major

    What is up with RIM? Can’t they even add in an extra frequency band and not screw it up? I guess the only joy is that the device names have great alliteration:

    - Buggy Bold
    - Sucky Storm
    - Jazzy Javelin (Yup, they got that one right)

    What’s next?

    - Knackered Niagara?

  • The Jackal

    Since we are talking 3G…I do own the iPhone, but am by no means a phanbois. It does have it’s drawbacks like any other phone, but I must say that I have been very happy with it. Primarily because of the 3G. My previous EDGE motorola would barely achieve 2 bars inside my home. With the iPhone(and also on the Bold) I’m achieving pegged 3G bars and much better call quality. So no @Ariel Levy, I think it is more than just a gimmick as you say. Yes my battery runs down quicker than my old EDGE motorola, but I would happily trade that for the better call quality and reception. Seriously-how hard is it to get in the routine of plugging up your phone every evening?

  • Sir Twilight King

    Ha ha. Oh RIM… You should have shipped the version that you made sure did not have any heating problems, like the one made for AT&T. Now, if only you could make sure the device does not overheat and has a better battery, then you got something. However, I am happy with my Bold all the same.

  • Len

    I think overheating is really subjective. For some ppl, even slightly warm could equal overheating and for others, overheating is when it melts the casing and burns your legs while the device is in your pocket (funny Iphone story).

    The complaints are only talking about overheating during charging. It’s normal for a device to heat up a bit when it’s being charged and seeing how this is in Japan, the fact that they are the most technologically advanced when it comes to gadgets could lead to them being extra anal about how their devices perform, even if it is a slight bother.

  • http://www.bgr.com Michael Bettiol

    @Len

    Do you really think they’d recall the thing because it got only “slightly warm” when charging? Companies only pull products after performing a cost-benefit analysis where they weigh the costs associated with halting sales/recalling the product against replacing defective units. Obviously DoCoMo felt this was a big enough issue to stop all sales exactly one week after launch.

  • henry

    i dont get why folks think BGR hates on RIM? I always thought they were pretty comprehensive on their coverage. Now, RIM has been kinda screwing things up lately, and as of late certain aspects of their phones leave a lot to be desired. Why shouldnt BGR call attention to the fact? That’s what prompts progress and improvement, something certain aspects of Blackberrys could really use at the moment to remain competitive (web browser anyone? Ive yet to hear anybody say that the BB web usage WASNT kinda slow).. and i also dont get where folks think BGR are iPhone suck-ups… ive read many articles on here bemoaning certain (lack of) things on the iPhone on many occasions.
    I say keep it up, BGR. With +1 smugness to boot.

  • Joe the Plumber

    soooo is at&t like the only phone company that didnt get the retarted bolds?

  • zac

    Ok I agree rim should be hammered for releasing a busted product but at the same time they do have a lot of pressure to meet market demand to push new phones out

    Abd BGR def has to put these scoops out to get fire under companies asses

  • wpn svn

    My Bold is running smoothly, I am really happy w/ it.
    It definitely lived up to the hype in my opinion.
    I have zero problems w/ it and/or at&t.

  • Coop

    I have been in Okinawa for a few months and the Bold isn’t the only phone that overheats there. My HTC phone gets hot enough that I’ve actually burned my fingers on it while it’s plugged in the wall the simple solution was to not surf the web while it’s plugged in. Anyone know if the Bold is only overheating while using it plugged in or is it just plugging it in?

  • David A

    Getting a Bold from rentobile this thursday, pretty excited, but didnt want to spring the 300 dollars to buy one and extend my contract. I guess i will see if it is a really good phone when i get it.

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