We have been waiting for the BlackBerry Bold for what feels like forever. I mean, really. This thing has been in the queue for a long time. And now that there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel, we see this. The BlackBerry Bold is currently available for pre-order from Best Buy but before you get excited check out the price tag.
$679.99! Yes, you read that right! This is the unsubsidized price, however. So if you are adamant about going contract-free, this is what you can expect to pony up for it. The estimated arrival time is currently listed at 1-2 weeks. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.
And just to refresh your memory once again, the BlackBerry Bold sports some impressive specs. Check them out below:
Built-in 2.0MP digital camera
Lets you take still photos and short video clips. Picture folders provide easy sorting of your images.
Multimedia messaging and text messaging
Let you communicate by typing.
Internet access and e-mail
Let you access the Web and check your e-mail. Automatically login to AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
Multiple networks
Operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS 850/1900/2100 networks for reliable wireless communication.
480 x 320 color half VGA screen
Makes navigation of features a breeze.
Built-in Bluetooth compatibility
For wireless communication with a Bluetooth-enabled device.
Download and edit documents
Including Word, Powerpoint and Excel formats.
Robust mobile music
Supports AT&T Music, Napster to Go, eMusic, import iTunes playlists and cellular Video capable.
Customizable MP3 ringtones
Allow you to personalize the sound of your phone.
Vibration mode
Notifies you discreetly of incoming phone calls and messages.
Speed dial
Lets you call frequently used numbers with the touch of a button.
Up to 1,000-entry phone book
Keeps your contact numbers where you need them.
Hands-free speakerphone
Allows you to keep your hands on the wheel while driving.
aGPS support
For domestic and international versions of AT&T Navigator and LBS applications, including Corrigo and Antenna, for added convenience.
Downloadable content
Includes graphics, ringtones and games to add creative touches to your phone.
Up to 4 hours talk time and up to 9 days standby
With included lithium-ion battery.
* Phone activation required before use.
[via Best Buy]
I’ve tried the Bold, but it just doesn’t cut it for me. That huge, brilliant screen makes up for a lot, however…video on the Bold can look good enough to watch a full length movie.
Keypad’s not quite as good as the Q9h Global, and the trackball gets stuck too easily. The trackball’s going to be a deal breaker for some people. In extended session, you get tired of using it, and in less than sterile environments little particles get into it and cause jerky movements or no movements in response to the trackball.
When compared to Windows Mobile devices, it seems to me that the excellence of the device depends too much on the proprietary Blackberry Connect options.
The browser, too, quite frankly sucks and it does not render many sites accurately as the sites were designed. People who use the Web quite a bit are going to want to download and use Opera Mini instead of the Blackberry browser.