BlackBerry Bold 9700

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 (codenamed "Onyx") is a high-end mobile phone data device (smartphone) developed by Research In Motion. Just like the BlackBerry Bold 9000, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is rolling out on GSM carriers around the world. This time around though, T-Mobile USA is joining in on the fun with their own version of the device which features the HSPA bands required for their new 3G network. The T-Mobile version also allows for WiFi phone calls (awesome!). AT&T has never really been one to embrace UMA calling so it's no surprise for AT&T's 9700 not to include it, but it is unfortunate that Rogers in Canada (who offers WiFi calling on devices including the Curve 8320, 8900 and 8520) chose to not give WiFi calling support to the Bold 9700. WiFi calling discussion aside, the BlackBery Bold 9700 is an all-in-one smartphone that offers 3G, GPS and WiFi in a form factor that's small - it's more like a Curve in terms of dimensions than a Bold.

In terms of existing devices, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 really is a mash-up of RIM's original BlackBerry Bold (processor, battery, 3G), the BlackBerry Curve 8900 (3.2 megapixel camera, memory upped to 256MB of flash, 480 by 360 display), the BlackBerry Tour (similar keyboard) and the BlackBerry Curve 8520 (optical trackpad). But while the individual components may be inherited from other existing devices, the overall package is unique.

As for the operating system, like the BlackBerry Storm2, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 ships with version 5.0 Handheld Software. T-Mobile's version at launch is 5.0.0.330 while Rogers is 5.0.0.321 (I'm sure we'll know AT&T's soon).