BlackBerry Bold Smartphone Adds Style To Performance May 12, 2008

BlackBerry maker, Research In Motion (RIM) has rolled out its fastest and best looking device to date, the Blackberry Bold.

Top of the list of key features is its first–time support for tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks, GPS and Wi-Fi in a single device. With a 3G iPhone coming it only makes sense. Inside, the Bold is driven by a 624MHz mobile processor – the fastest yet – combined with 1GB of memory, 128MB of Flash storage and a handy microSD/SDHC memory card slot.

There’s a 2MP camera and the display has been bumped up to a 480x320 pixel resolution for crisp video playback and Web browsing. That said, it’s not as big as the iPhone’s and not a touchscreen either, as earlier rumours optimistically claimed. RIM, however, seem to have overhauled the average/poor BlackBerry Web browser to include full desktop-style HTML. RIM has also promised a $150 million war chest for developers to build mobile apps and services [just like Apple].

The most noticeable difference about the BlackBerry Bold is the styling, with more than a passing nod to the iPhone. The glass fronted display, shiny black body, flatter profile and curved corners all indicate that RIM wants the Bold to be desirable as well as functional. It still has the typical keyboard but now wrapped up in something less clunky looking. Owners will also be able to do a little pimping by buying different coloured ‘leather-like’ backplates.

There’s no pricing yet but it’s out this summer.-Martin Lynch

[RIM]

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