BlackBerry Bold 9000 now official

The first information on the BlackBerry 9000 leaked months ago, but it is just now, it is officially announced, with the name Bold. Everything looks as expected; it runs on a new version of the OS and a 624MHz processor, so things should be fast even with the animated menus. It keeps the standard BB form-factor, but the 480x320 pixels (non-touch) display is claimed to be the best one on BlackBerry ever. The exterior features lustrous black color, satin chrome finished frame and leather-like back plate, which can be changed in various colors as personalization.

It is yet another model to have integrated WiFi 802.11a/b/g. A new "Push Button Setup" is included for easier connecting to a protected network. GPS is also integrated, to be used with BlackBerry Maps and other location-based applications.

The Internet browser is claimed to have been improved for desktop-like experience with trackball “mouse-like” navigation and zooming option. We should also expect better multimedia options with enhanced media player and integrated stereo speakers. Using “a new acoustic design”, it is touted to increase the phone’s audio sweet spot, resulting in better incoming sound quality.

BlackBerry Bold is the first model of the manufacturer to feature global UMTS/HSDPA 3G support (850/1900/2100 MHz) and also the first ever with U.S. GSM 3G. Although not official, it is expected to be offered also in T-Mobile-bound (with 1700 MHz UMTS on-board) and CDMA/EV-DO variants, suitable for carriers such as Verizon, Sprint and Alltel. Exact dates are not known, but the press release mentions availability around the world this summer.

source: BlackBerry