(click image for larger view)BlackBerry Curve 9330
The new Curve 9330 for Verizon Wireless' network is similar to the new Curve 3G being offered by AT&T. It has been given a new outer shell, a new keyboard design, and will eventually be updated to BlackBerry 6.
The Curve line is RIM's entry-level line of smartphones, and the specs prove this. Unlike the Bold 9650 or 9700, the 9330 sticks to a dated-looking 320 x 240 display. That's extremely low resolution compared to today's top smartphones, some of which are packing 960 x 480 pixels.
The Curve also comes with a 2-megapixel camera with fixed focus. It lacks a flash. RIM's more top-of-the-line devices have 3.2 megapixel cameras. It's getting hard to find a phone that is limited to just 2 megapixels, as most have moved up to 3- and 5-megapixel shooters, if not higher.
It's these two components that help keep the Curve 9330's price low, however. Verizon Wireless is offering it for the meager sum of just $30 after a $100 rebate with a new voice and data plan commitment. That's a bargain right there, and I am sure bulk purchasing could drive that price even lower.
If you're interested, Verizon Wireless says that the device will be available via its business sales channels starting Thursday, September 16.
Non-business customers will have to wait a few weeks before it is available through Verizon Wireless' regular consumer retail channels, such as its Web site and brick-and-mortar stores.
Here's the full spec run-down:
- Stylish new design (4.3” x 2.4” x .55” and 3.7 oz.) with face finished in a mirror-like trim; black, soft-touch sides; and textured back for a comfortable, secure feel in the hand
- 35-key full QWERTY backlit keyboard for fast, accurate typing and optical trackpad for easy and fluid navigation
- Dedicated media keys integrated along the top of the smartphone, so music lovers can easily access their tunes while on the go
- BlackBerry Media Sync to easily sync music as well as photos with the smartphone
- 512 MB Flash memory and microSD/SDHC slot that supports up to 32 GB memory cards for media storage
- Built-in GPS with support for geo-tagging and location-based applications, including VZ Navigator, which provides audible turn-by-turn directions to millions of points of interest and the option to share the directions with others
- Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) for fast browsing; smooth music streaming; and the ability to talk on the phone while browsing the Web, instant message with BBM (BlackBerry Messenger), and share location with friends on popular social networking sites
- Camera with video recording (requires a separately sold microSD card)
- Industry-leading BlackBerry e-mail and messaging capabilities
- Easy mobile access to Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and Flickr as well as popular instant messaging services
- Support for BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones
- Premium phone features, including voice-activated dialing, speakerphone, and Bluetooth (2.1)
- The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone ships with BlackBerry 5 and is BlackBerry 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry smartphones that retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy to use.BlackBerry 6 is expected to be available for the BlackBerry Curve 3G, upon network certification, in the coming months.
