Earlier this week I posted what seemed like an indication that a SprintNextel BlackBerry 8702 was in the works. Drew that conclusion after seeing a graphic from the SprintNextel support site indicating the 8702 as an option for service support.

That's the graphic.

Several of you have commented that yes, you tried it too, and it is legit.

Only thing is, though, SprintNextel and BlackBerry have not yet introduced the 8702. But I pretty much know where and when they will.

And I will tell you if you promise to come along.

I state here for the record that the BlackBerry 8702 will be formally introduced at the Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES) in Orlando starting on the evening of May 15. This is BlackBerry's big business account annual bash, and since the 87xx series is enterprise-centric, and RIM often announces new devices at WES, this is where the announcement will be made.

Next, we have to consider when the 8702 will be available.

RIM is not one to announce new devices far in advance of shipping. That would run counter to the excitement they like to build around just-announced models. So I say - once again for the record- that you will see the 8702 in the sales channels by the end of this month.