So get this, it turns out that eBay auction we told you about the other day, the one that was pulled off eBay without warning, was real. In the article I hoped that if someone did win the device, they would speak up, and they sure did. Wouldn’t you know it, Kevin Michaluk, of CrackBerry, was the lucky winner. He dropped $828 on this device. The first impressions are in, and they are good.

Since this device is not official, he makes it known that the device will be subject to software and hardware changes before the actual release. It seems that the bezel around the device is indeed plastic and not metal, most likely to cut some weight. Though the keyboard is still nice, it would not seem that the review fancies it over the Curve. The review is constantly pitting the Curve against this thing. As expected, OS 4.6 looks great on the device, it is smooth, and no doubt that the 480×320 screen can not hurt.

The form factor of the device most closely resembles the 8800 as far as BlackBerries go. It was also said that the device resembles the Q9H device. The device is very sleek and stylish. RIM has done an awesome job making this thing look good.

“Between holding the 9000 in my hand, and seeing the recently leaked images of the BlackBerry KickStart, I think its safe to say the days of a function before fashion are gone for RIM.”

Overall, the review is very positive. While the person doing the review may be very committed to his BlackBerry, the information is good. The device is expected to be released sometime in the summer, although there are some rumored delays.

[Via CrackBerry]