Although Verizon has had a non-camera version available since launch, Sprint will now be releasing their non-camera version of the BlackBerry Bold 9930 on September 9th. While many folks can make use of the camera equipped versions, there is still somewhat of a demand in the business sector for devices without cameras. Some employers simply do not allow the use of camera equipped phones. Fewer and fewer device manufacturers are catering to this user base, instead relying on software locks and IT policies to block camera access. RIM could do that as well through the BES infrastructure but it’s still nice to see separate devices being made available.
Personally, if I never used the camera on my device — I think I’d opt for a non-camera version just for the cleaner appearance of it. No price difference is found between the two versions but if you’re in need of a non-camera equipped BlackBerry and Sprint is your carrier; you can get the BlackBerry Bold 9930 for $249 from Sprint starting September 9th.
I guess this is RIM giving the BlackBerry Bold line a blast to the past. They have announced the new BlackBerry Bold 9788 together with China Mobile today. Its the first BlackBerry to support the Chinese TD-SCDMA network though I cannot quite make out what device it is. It looks like it is a rebuild of the 9700 for China Mobile since it has 256MB of RAM instead of the 9780’s 512MB. Its also shipping with BlackBerry OS 6.
It’s been something of a long time coming, this emboldened Bold. We got our first glimpse of the thing in February, spent some quality time with it back in June, and since then have sat around eagerly awaiting its release. Now, here it is. From a distance, or at a quick glance, it looks little changed from 2008’s Bold 9000. But get closer, pick it up, and the difference is astonishing.
T-Mobile reportely sold all their online inventory of the Bold 9900 wihtin 24 hours. This really came to as a surprice to me because the price of $299.00 is the highest price I seen for a smartphone launch in quite a while.
This is really good news for both RIM, and T-Mobile as this is the first OS 7 device to launch through T-Mobile. Let us know if you picked up one the devices. Also if you are looking to get a cheaper price you might want to check out Wal Mart, letstalk, and wirefly. Their pricing is much cheaper for this device.
Hey T-Mobile fans, if you’ve been itching for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 to launch, your wait is over! You can head on over to the website and grab yourself one for $299 (after $50 mail-in-rebate) on a 2-year contract with appropriate data package. Suggested retail is $599 if you’re looking to buy one outright.
Now all of the major US carriers have the BlackBerry Bold 9900 or 9930 available, except for AT&T, of course.
Device tear down videos are as common practice as device boxings however, tear down videos serve a greater good. That of course being, should you ever happen to need to fix your device or replace parts, you can do so with a visual guide for reference. The folks over at Directfix have taken apart a BlackBerry Bold 9900 for us all, though — we hope you never need to make use of it. But either way, good to know it’s there should you ever need it.
Being a consumer these days is already hard enough with all this HSPA+ / 4G nonsense we have to deal with. Having to deal with inaccurate packaging and inaccurate information does nothing to help this situation. We’re sure this is just a slip up, but realistically these days these things shouldn’t happen. How this ever got approved for store shelves we’re not sure — but one thing is for certain, and as much as it hurts to say it, T-Mobile will need to pull these devices or at minimum the boxes off the shelves.
To go along with OS 7.0.0.353 for the BlackBerry Bold 9900, you CDMA Bold 9930 owners get the same OS. Again, not sure what has changed in this update, especially whether or not NFC is present. As always, make sure you back up your data first and heed the warning below.
*OS Disclaimer – Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT a.n official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you’re comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. Do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *
People have been asking for a leaked OS for their fancy new BlackBerry Bold 9900’s just so happens OS 7.0.0.353 has been around for a little while and now — you all can have it. Not sure what, exactly it improves upon since it’s only been available for a short time but we’re sure you’ll all let us know. Be safe, back up your data before load this one up.
*OS Disclaimer – Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you’re comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. Do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *
Now that RIM has made the new BlackBerry Curve lineup official carriers are starting to weigh in. The first in the US is Sprint which has confirmed the BlackBerry Curve 9350 for a September 9th (Friday) launch. The 9350 will be selling for $79.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement, after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card. It will be available from all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Business Sales, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and web sales (www.sprint.com).
There is also a nice discount for Sprint Business customers who may qualify to get the 9350 for $49.99 on a business account with a new line or eligible upgrade and new one- or two-year service agreement, after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.
Night Hawk Computers Blackberry Alliance 