Verizon Wireless have thrown colour-loving full QWERTY addicts a bone, with the launch on the network of the BlackBerry 8830 Red Edition.  With the same specs as the original silver model - including Global BlackBerry service, the intuitive trackball navigation, EVDO/GPRS data connectivity and Bluetooth including the stereo A2DP profile - the red handset is available from today from Verizon’s online store and from their business sales department.

The 8830 is clever enough to automatically switch between CDMA and GSM modes depending on whichever signal is available; that means it’ll handle both calls and emailing in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and parts of Africa.

Priced at $299.99 after a $100 rebate and with a two-year contract, email plans are available from $49.99 a month for domestic US use and from $64.99 a month for a roaming plan; new signups will receive a further $100 discount on the handset.