MetroPCS gets smarter

The BlackBerry Curve is MetroPCS's first smartphone.

(Credit: MetroPCS)

MetroPCS landed its first smartphone this week when it introduced the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330. The handset has all the features you'd expect from a BlackBerry device, which is to say it goes far beyond the majority of MetroPCS phones. Inside you'll find messaging and e-mail, a personal organizer, a 2-megapixel camera, a music player, 3G support, voice commands, a memory card slot, and stereo Bluetooth. Only the red model is available, but you get the same roomy keyboard.

Since MetroPCS does not require a contract, its Curve is more expensive than the Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular versions. Currently it will run you $449.

MetroPCS will require a special plan for its Curve. For $50 per month you'll get unlimited local and long distance voice calls, text and multimedia messaging, personal e-mail, GPS, and Web access. Corporate e-mail is available for an extra $10 per month and unlimited directory assistance is $2 per month.