RIM has yet to launch their curvy new BlackBerry Bold 9000 on AT&T’s network here in the US, but that didn’t stop the famous push-email handset maker from bringing their latest and greatest new wares to the CTIA San Francisco 2008 showroom floor in the Moscone Center. And we had a chance to get our hands on RIM first-ever BlackBerry featuring 3G data connectivity.
First, despite rumors of infighting between RIM and AT&T over the BlackBerry Bold and its 3G radio, RIM representatives assured us that the BlackBerry Bold launch delay was due to technical obstacles rather than any animosity between the two companies – RIM and AT&T are apparently nice and chummy. The BlackBerry Bold has entered the final stages of testing on AT&T’s network, which means we should be seeing this BlackBerry Bolds stainless steel bezel and other metallic accents in the hands of US consumers soon enough.
The BlackBerry Bold 9000 not only represents Waterloo’s first 3G enabled BlackBerry smartphone, but it also represents a new design direction for the entire lineup of BlackBerry handsets. With metallic accents throughout, a super crisp and bright HVGA display, 3G data connectivity, WiFi, and GPS, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 is one seriously high-flying device. The QWERTY keyboard has wonderfully tactile, with a design that was apparently inspired by the frets on guitar. The curvy keys combined with the fret-like design makes for an incredibly intuitive and comfortable typing experience.
As far as build-quality is concerned, RIM has upped the ante again. The BlackBerry Bold feels rock solid and boasts a standard of material quality that should have even the most demanding enthusiast nodding their head in approval. There’s a minimal amount of “plasticky” feel to the device, again owing to RIM’s focus on making a quality handset with quality materials and high-style.
We’ll be seeing the BlackBerry Bold 9000 hitting the US on AT&T’s network in October, according to AT&T. Let’s hope this launch window doesn’t slip in to the holiday shopping season…
Enjoy the video as you wait for AT&T to launch the BlackBerry Bold.