RIM makes a Bold BlackBerry debut

RIM BlackBerry Bold

(Credit: RIM)

World: Say hello to the RIM BlackBerry Bold. *Cue dramatic music.*

You may know it as the RIM BlackBerry 9000, but on Sunday, Research In Motion officially took the wraps off the highly anticipated smartphone, complete with a new name. The "Bold" is in reference to the smartphone's gorgeous display, but it's also bold in that it represents a number of new moves for the company. Oh, BlackBerry Bold, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways.

The bold and the beautiful
As we just mentioned, the device gets its name from its screen. The BlackBerry Bold features a half-VGA (480x320 pixel resolution) and a 65,000-color display. During some initial product testing, research group participants repeatedly called the screen "bold" and "brilliant." The Brilliant moniker didn't really jibe with the company, thus the BlackBerry Bold was born.

So just how bold is it? Well, RIM stopped by our office late last week to show us the device, and let me just tell you, I was absolutely blown away. I can pretty much say I've never seen a better-looking display on a smartphone. Colors pop off the screen, and it's really amazing how sharp and crisp everything looks on the display.

We watched a couple of videos, and for the first time, we didn't notice any of the pixelation or blurriness that you typically get with phones. In addition, the menu interface has been revamped with a much more modern look and icons. Also, as you can see from the images, the BlackBerry Bold boasts a new design. It's more elegant than models past, with curvier edges and a silver trim that complements the black casing.

If you turn it over, you'll also notice that the back has a leatherette texture. No more slick plastic. RIM will sell replaceable backplates in different colors, including blue, gray, and red, if you want to individualize your phone a bit. The BlackBerry Bold measures 4.5 inches tall by 2.6 inches wide by half an inch deep, and it weighs 4.7 ounces.

Kevin Michaluk at Crackberry.com took a gamble, buying one on eBay, and posted a hands-on review. He made a good comparison of the device to the Motorola Q9h.

Finally, the BlackBerry Bold has a QWERTY keyboard that RIM likened to a modernized Curve keyboard, but I'm not really seeing it. Instead, it reminded me more of the BlackBerry 8830.

Now, I know some of you 8800 series users had issues with the keyboard, but I tried it out, and it's pretty easy to use--relatively large buttons with some spacing between the keys.

(Credit: RIM)

Wireless smorgasbord
There's a heaping of wireless options on the quad-band (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) BlackBerry Bold, but the most appetizing and notable item is the HSDPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100) support.

It's the first such equipped BlackBerry, and we all know that it's been a long time coming. RIM says the delay for bringing such a device to the market is that it wanted to make sure that battery life wouldn't be sacrificed at the expense of including the 3.5G technology. Hey, whatever the reason, we're just finally happy to have it.

You also get integrated Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 with full A2DP support, and built-in GPS (enhanced and assisted).

Horsepower
The RIM BlackBerry Bold is equipped with a 624MHz Intel PXA270 processor, whereas previous BlackBerrys had 312MHz processors, so technically, you should enjoy smoother and faster performance.

During our briefing, there were a few hiccups in performance, but we're going to keep our fingers crossed and chalk it up to the fact that it wasn't a final unit. There's also 128MB of flash memory and 1GB of onboard memory, which is all supplemented by the microSD/SDHC expansion slot (supports up to 16GB cards).

Multimedia, Web, and other good stuff
You still with me? I know this post is getting a bit lengthy, but there are just a few more highlights to note. First, the Bold includes an improved Web browser (thank goodness), with the option to view pages in a full desktop HTML style or a mobile version, and you can now more easily navigate pages with the trackball, which acts like a mouse cursor, and zoom in and out.

As for multimedia, the smartphone is equipped with a 2-megapixel camera with video-recording capabilities and up to 5x zoom. The media player also continues to support numerous audio and video formats, including MP3, WMA, AAC, DivX4, and WMV3 files, and the phone is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack. By the way, the Bold has some pretty powerful speakers--none of that weak, tinny junk.

Oh, and hey, what's this? It's makes calls, and sends and receives e-mails, you say? Yes, you'll still get all of the voice and messaging features of previous BlackBerrys, and the handset will also come preloaded with Dataviz's Documents to Go suite, for document viewing and editing.

"When and where can I get one?"
Now that we've totally built up the device, and you're ready to run out and buy one, here's the letdown: the BlackBerry Bold isn't available quite yet. It's currently going through carrier certification, and although RIM wouldn't officially name the service provider, based on the 3G bands, you can pretty much guess who it will be (hint: starts with an A and ends with T&T). And while pricing will also depend on the carrier, RIM is guessing that it will be in the $300 to $400 range, and expected worldwide availability is "this summer."

OK, that's it! My fingers are tired from all the typing, so now it's your turn. Clearly, I'm pretty amped about the smartphone. Of course, the true test will come when we finally get it in for real-world testing, but from everything I've seen so far, the RIM BlackBerry Bold has huge potential. But what do you think? Hot or not? The commenting floodgates are open, so have at it.

Update: AT&T confirmed this morning that it will be the official carrier of the BlackBerry Bold but didn't provide any details on availability other than "later this year."

[ejvanals]

Intel doesn't make PXA processors anymore; they're owned and manufactured by Marvell. It's been almost 2 years; how hard is that to remember?

[CHICUBNC]

Going to be the hottest smartphone of the summer without question.

[Galenn20K]

I agree!

[4avocats]

or the fall. . . or the winter . . .

[Galenn20K]

I cannot Wait

[cnetsean]

In one corner we have the BlackBerry Bold. In the other we have (a little late to the ring) the iPhone v2. Both sporting freshly aquired 3.5G and all set for push email.

Ready... fight!

[moebugge]

Been a bb user since 2000. they are a little slow out of the gate but when they do let it loose. It is reliable and works like a swiss clock. Can't wait for the the 3.5g and larger keyboard. NICE

[lpsayo]

This is a 3G phone but it does it allow for video calls? I didn't notice a camera in the front.

[krayziekelz4ya]

ok...we all know that AT&T has all the hot phones.. but when is verizon going to catch up? Will the bold go to verizon sometime?? I really want this phone!!!! lol

[MASIMMONS98006]

Have you checked out the LG Dare that Verizon carries? that's a kick azz phone but of course Verizon's calling plans aren't the greatest. I'm definitely waiting on the Bold to come out!

[bauertt]

I agree with you. I'm a Verizon user, and I WANT THIS PHONE! Verizon needs to get on the stick.

[wmyinzer]

I disagree. Seriously compare the two companies. Verizon's network and the majority of their phones are more advanced than AT&T's. AT&T may have the majority of smartphones, but Verizon still carries a diverse selection.

[babybluemila]

um verizon will have a phone like this called the blackberry storm... and its better than this one....dont forget the dare and voyager..so um.. they caught up and went far!

[mckinnie]

Wish it wasn't so expensive... maybe that's the price before it becomes subsidized. I know this isn't an iPhone comparison, but its only $200 for an 8gig.

I think the current blackberry OS is so ugly and plain, which has kept me from buying one. I would have had one a year or two ago if it wasn't for that plain black on white text menu's and so dull looking. With this more modernized redesigned OS, this just might have to be my first Blackberry! Now all I have to do is wait... :(

[bobby_wayne]

glad I didn't go for the i-phone...this thing ROCKS! ATT should offer similar pricing to the Apple.

[BIGG DADDY 610]

I HOPE THAT SPRINT FOLLOWS AT&T IN GETTING THIS PHONE TO THE MARKET. i WOULD LIKE TO GIVE IT A TRY.

[Dawnearly]

Hey...

I just read the BlackBerry Bold review and I'm disappointed that Sprint just can't keep up with their competitors when it comes to carrying the best phones. What's up Sprint...?

[blk_bry_luvr]

Hey I'm a Sprint customer as well and I totally agree! I really want this new Blackberry!!

[webmaster003]

This sounds great, I can't wait for the BOLD.
I wonder when Telus Mobility in Canada will get it? Anyone know?

[dionne08]

Okay.... When is it coming?

I'm ready for the BOLD :)

[pjill2002]

I am having a Blackberry meltdown waiting for this device. Still no word as to when they will release it??!!

[Blessedarethou]

It is a shame that Verizon has not caught up to AT&T with the newest phones. I am hoping that the Bold will be available around the month of September. What a wonderful birthday gift it would be, for me.

[PokerVixen]

I tried an iPhone for all of a weekend. Hated it and immediately switched back to my crackberry. That's when the sales clerk at ATT told me about this phone and she said late September, early October for a release date. Definitely looking forward to this.

Hmm, lets See, a smart phone that doesn't offer Free PDF Software, Free Microsoft Office Support.
A screen half the size of a iPhone, a Internet browser, slower then the iPhone, a phone that doesn't sync well at all with a MAC. Email that doesn't show attachments. Sure I like the keyboard a little better then the iPhone touch keyboard, but the benefits and the features of the iPhone, far out way anything BB has to offer.

[work_glenn]

let see a phone a phone with a physical keyboard, screen resolution that kicks the iphones ass, oh yeah the iphone is 3g to bad it always switches back to edge (will be true 3g when it comes to verizon). a phone that you can use with microsoft for mac, and full HTML email. oh but wait iphone has mobileme oh wait i kind of like getting my emails pushed to my phone in almost true time. read up before you start glorifying iphones and misinforming people.

[hawk14]

"the features of the iPhone, far out way anything BB has to offer."

I don't believe anything you say carries any WEIGHT among anyone reading this considering you don't know how to differentiate between way or weigh ...

[mrsmith27]

When will the Blackberry Bold be available in the US through AT&T? I want it now! lol

[robenerdjive]

Supposedly in October

[pvtchef66]

november 4th(Election Day) at most at&t stores....
-Go Vote FIRST! Then buy the Bold!!!!

[blk_bry_luvr]

I am a sprint customer and I really like this new Blackberry Bold. Does anyone know if Sprint will ever carry this Blackberry model as well?

[robenerdjive]

I was in a Sprint store yesterday and they said November.

[nicolelam4tweety]

I know how you feel. I really wanted sprint to carry this Bold since I'm also a sprint carrier. My whole family uses AT&T because they used to hate sprint, but now I hate AT&T because although it's "supposed to be the best network, my families phones are ALWAYS having problems. We've gone on vacations in which MY sprint phone was the only one that worked out of a group of 7 people with AT&T. My phone works on the highways, malls, post offices, basements, right before landing on airplanes, pretty much EVERYWHERE. My family that has AT&T their phones have weak (if any) signals on the highway, while traveling, in buildings, some areas in the mall, etc...

[beloved77]

Does anybody knows what company is this phone from??

[Arzo2000]

Company: BlackBerry
Website: http://www.BlackBerry.com