Devoted BlackBerry users on the Verizon Wireless network have been waiting eagerly for the 3G-capable BlackBerry 9630 Niagara, also known as the BlackBerry Tour. With a dual-mode GSM/CDMA radio that supports 3G on EVDO Rev. A and UMTS networks, the BlackBerry Tour (Niagara) is the world-roaming counterpart to the GSM BlackBerry Bold. And, for Verizon customers, the BlackBerry 9630 Tour offers an arguably more appealing alternative to the BlackBerry Storm. New rumors are now indicating that RIM will announce the BlackBerry Tour for Verizon Wireless at Wireless Enterprise Symposium (WES), which kicks off on May 5.
For all its strengths (quad-band GSM radio, 3G support on EVDO and UMTS networks, dual-band CDMA radio), the BlackBerry Tour lacks a WiFi radio. The BlackBerry Storm took flak for not having integrated WiFi hardware, so it’s surprising that RIM wouldn’t include WiFi on their latest CDMA handset. Still, at an expected $199 on-contract price-point, the BlackBerry Tour (Niagara) offers a compelling deal.
In related news, the BlackBerry Pearl Flip is rumored to be unveiled as the BlackBerry Apex for Verizon Wireless. As expected, the BlackBerry Apex will sport the same 3G goodness that T-Mobile’s BlackBerry Pearl Flip enjoys, so that’s a plus. The wonky flip form-factor and squished keyboard, not so much.
Stay tuned, IntoMobile will be bringing you live coverage of WES!
[TheStreet via: MobileCrunch]