This might just be the perfect Blackberry. Since 2008 RIM has been trying to build the “iPhone killer”, first with the Blackberry Storm and Storm 2, and recently the Torch. While the Storm was not universally liked, the Torch did a lot better because it held on to the one thing that makes a Blackberry a Blackberry – the keyboard. The new 9900 models bring together the great form factor of the Bold series with a new touch enabled Blackberry OS 7 operating system. Apparently OS6.1 got a lot of new features, so 7 is perhaps a more apt name.
The specs are also very impressive: 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, 5MP 720p HD camera, 8GB of storage, 768MB of RAM and a new 2.8 inch capacitative touch screen. The new look is also pretty great – the device is surrounded with a stainless steel rim, and its only 10.5mm. RIM is also sticking with its premium look for the Bold series with a new “glass weave” rear plate.
Current release looks like June/July, and SA has normally not had to wait too long for new Blackberry releases. Blackberry is doing very well in SA, and the Blackberry fans will be clamoring for this one. Expect a review of the 9930 phone as soon as it is launched in SA.
Find Press Release below:
RIM Introduces New BlackBerry Bold Smartphones
New BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 Smartphones are the Thinnest and Most Powerful BlackBerry Smartphones yet, Featuring the Renowned BlackBerry Keyboard Together with a Brilliant Touch Screen and the New BlackBerry 7 OS
Waterloo, ON – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ: RIMM; TSX: RIM) today unveiled two new BlackBerry® Boldâ„¢ smartphones. The high-performance BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones feature a stunning and iconic design that integrates an incredibly easy-to-use BlackBerry keyboard with a brilliant, high resolution, capacitive touch screen. These exceptional smartphones are built on a new, performance-driven platform powered by the BlackBerry® 7 operating system and designed to deliver the ultimate in communications, multimedia and productivity for users around the world.
“The new BlackBerry Bold smartphones and BlackBerry 7 OS are inspired by millions of customers around the world who want the ultimate combination of performance, functionality and style,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, Research In Motion. “œThese fully-loaded and beautifully crafted smartphones offer a highly refined user experience with blazingly fast performance, a brilliant touch screen and an outstanding typing experience.“
Thin, Sleek, Iconic Design
Distinguished by an iconic design and the industry’s best keyboard, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones feature the premium materials and finishes that characterize the BlackBerry Bold line. Both models have a lustrous exterior with a brushed stainless steel frame and a high-gloss glass-weave backplate. They are also the thinnest BlackBerry smartphones yet, at only 10.5mm. The quality materials and optimized design of the new BlackBerry Bold smartphones are instantly evident when held in the hand.
Performance-Driven
These BlackBerry Bold smartphones are built on a new performance-driven platform featuring a 1.2 GHz processor, Liquid Graphicsâ„¢ touch screen, and support for high speed 4G/HSPA+ wide area wireless networks.
