RIM today took the wraps off its newest, next-generation BlackBerry handheld, the high-end BlackBerry Bold (see specifications). The BlackBerry Bold looks to offer substantial improvements over previous BlackBerry devices. The device gets some obvious upgrades, including support for HSDPA networks, a first for a BlackBerry device, as well as 1 GB of on-board storage memory and an enhanced media player, a feature for which we've been asking. But the most impressive improvements will probably come in the improved user interface. RIM hasn't shown many screenshots from the BlackBerry Bold's UI, but it appears to be much prettier than the aging BlackBerry OS we're seeing even on the current line-up.
Some of the specs on the new BlackBerry bold are aimed squarely at Apple's iconic phone. For instance, the 480 by 320 half VGA resolution on the Bold's display is the same as the iPhone's screen. That's one feature that really has us excited, as the higher resolution could mean a much sharper interface, with better video performance and more room for larger Web pages while browsing. Also, videos ripped for the iPhone should work for this device as well, so long as they are not protected. RIM says the LCD is fused to the undersurface of the lens, and we're not sure how that innovation will play out, but we're curious to take a longer look. The BlackBerry Bold also features a 624 MHz processor, which is about the same as the current Apple iPhone. We're hoping RIM puts the chip to good use in driving a graphically improved UI.
The phone also feature a 2-megapixel camera with a flash, as well as stereo speakers for speakerphone and music playback. The improved audio experience includes an EQ for the media player, as well as a larger audio sweet spot when you stick the phone up to your ear. Besides the 1GB of on-board memory, the phone also accepts microSD / SDHC cards.
Otherwise, the BlackBerry Bold gets some of the better features from the current generation. The trackball is there, no touch screen on this phone. The phone also gets GPS and Wi-Fi, while many current-gen BlackBerry devices have to choose one or the other. RIM mentions tri-band HSDPA, and the device will use the 2100/1900/850 band combo. The 2100 band is especially interesting, as this is one of T-Mobile's frequencies for their nascent 3G network. RIM is pretty carrier-agnostic, so we think we'll see flavors of this device on every major U.S. carrier. We expect to see EV-DO devices for Verizon Wireless and Sprint, as well as HSDPA versions for AT&T and, at long last, T-Mobile.
Click here to compare the various versions of the BlackBerry Bold.
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