October 9, 2008 11:52 AM PDT
T-Mobile BlackBerry Pearl Flip close to launch?
It's not the RIM BlackBerry Storm or the BlackBerry Bold, but it looks like the RIM BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 might be nearing its release date. Early unboxing videos and photos of the smartphone have started appearing on the Web, including those from the Boy Genius Report and PhoneDog.com, complete with T-Mobile packaging, so we'd say you'll see this sooner rather than later.
If you'll recall, the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 was announced at CTIA Fall 2008 and is the first BlackBerry with a clamshell design. T-Mobile will be the first U.S. carrier to offer the model, and though we can't say much right now, rest assured that a full review is coming soon. In the meantime, you can check out our First Look video of the Pearl Flip from CTIA.
Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie. 
