
The BlackBerry Curve 3G is eking out to GSM carriers, and we got one from Telus to arse around with. As you might expect, it’s an awful lot like its forefathers, the Curve 8520 and 8530, with a few superficial changes; the trim is a darker titanium chrome, and the battery door has a really nice bumped pattern that provides excellent grip. The plastic unibody construction still feels as solid as ever, and reminds me why I liked the 8520 as much as I did.
For those on GSM networks, the BlackBerry 9300 will provide a few significant upgrades over the 8520, like 3G and GPS, plus the ability to upgrade to OS 6 down the line. While the QVGA display and fixed-focus 2 megapixel camera may leave some scrinching their noses, I’m convinced that the Curve 3G will offer solid core services in a tough, affordable package.
We’ll have a full review sometime next week after we’re done with the HTC Desire., but in the meantime, here are a few stills and video of our unboxing of the BlackBerry Curve 3G, currently available on Telus, Bell, Rogers, Vodafone UK, and T-Mobile.