Yesterday we reported about the possibility of a AWS-capable BlackBerry Pearl 9100 heading to networks like T-Mobile and Wind Mobile. At first it was thought to be a separate model of the Pearl 9100 designed only to work on these networks, but Boy Genius has decided to set everyone straight. Apparently all newer 3G BlackBerry smartphones such as the Bold 9700 and the upcoming Pearl 9100 are one single model, and not designed separately for North American or European markets. This means that the Bold 9700 that lets say AT&T or Rogers carries is the exact same as the one that T-Mobile or Wind Mobile carries. RIM has created a single chip for pretty much all 3G bands out there, and when flashed (by RIM) with the carrier branding the device is only good for those bands. This allows RIM to cut back on producing multiple models for every band. Cleaver eh? If you want to read more about this head over to the Boy Genius Report.
Oh, and in case you were wondering… No you can’t buy a Wind Mobile BlackBerry 9700 for $450 (without contract) and use it on another GSM carrier. Once RIM flashes the device with the bands the carrier users, you can not change it.
The day I received my Bold 9700 I knew it needed protection. It was so shiny and had that beautiful chrome bar at the top of the phone. I knew the first time I drop it, I would be crushed. About a week after getting my Bold I received both the Commuter and Impact series cases from OtterBox. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve owned an OtterBox for every smartphone I’ve had, and I’m glad to have it protecting my Bold. Click on over to see the rest of this review…
Its no secret that it was on the way, but today Virgin Mobile Canada officially went live with their HSPA+ network, thanks to Bell. With the launch of their new network comes several HSPA+ devices, including the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and iPhone. Virgin currently has the BlackBerry Bold 9700 listed at $149.99 with three year contract (with voice and data plan), or $549.99 without contract. This pricing is pretty similar around the major three networks here in Canada. Virgin also launched the BlackBerry Curve 8530 for their CDMA lineup at $49.99 with three year contract, or $399.99 without. If you want to grab more details head over to virginmobile.ca and check it out.
Remember the pictures that showed up last week of the un-released, now scrapped BlackBerry Magnum? It’s the touchscreen QWERTY hybrid smartphone, that was actually scrapped by RIM.Here’s a quick video of the device proving that it’s actually real, however there is no OS loaded on the device so its pretty much just a paper weight. We know that this prototype code-named “Magnum” will never actually go into production, and that RIM has canceled this project, in light for some newer, and better. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before we see something else similar…
Both Bell and TELUS have been working on clearing out some of their older CDMA BlackBerry smartphones, however over the weekend Bell decided to drop the price of the popular BlackBerry Bold 9700, which runs on their new HSPA+ network. The Bold 9700 received a $50 price drop over the weekend, bringing it to a whopping $149.95 with three voice and data contract. We don’t imagine it will be too long before both Rogers and TELUS follow suit as well. For more details head on over to Bell’s website.
I know a lot of people really want a White BlackBerry Bold 9700, especially after playing with the White Bold 9000. I was browsing around TrueSupplier.com only to see that they are now offering full white housings for the BlackBerry Bold 9700. If you’re brave enough to take apart your BlackBerry and install this housing it can be yours for roughly $60 USD. If you are curious enough to take apart your Bold, and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on custom painting, this is the way to go. Head on over to TrueSupplier.com for more details.
Oops! Looks like Virgin Mobile accidentally slipped their new HSPA lineup this weekend. The guys over MobileSyrup got wind of Virgin putting up their upcoming devices in the user manuals section of their website. Virign is set to unveil their HSPA network (thanks to Bell) early next month, and from what we’ve seen its going to be sweet. Virgin is set to release the BlackBerry Curve 8530 (yes, CDMA) as well the BlackBerry Bold 9700, plus iPhone and a few other toys. No word on pricing yet, but it looks like Canadians will have one more great choice for the latest BlackBerry smartphones.
Looks like things just got “better” as Bell decided to be on the ball, and release the first official OS 5.0 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000. Starting today any Bold 9000 users (on Bell or not) can download OS 5.0.0.411 from Bell. Just remember if you don’t have a Bell version of the Bold 9000 be sure to remove the vendor.xml file from your computer. With any luck at all we will see RIM and/or Bell release more OS 5.0 releases for devices like the Tour 9630, and others.
If you have been looking for some solid protection for your BlackBerry Bold 9700 then we’ve got good news. OtterBox has just released their popular Defender Series for the 9700. It’s available now to purchase from OtterBox for $49.95. Included with the Defender Series is the three layered case and durable plastic holster. For more details visit OtterBox.com. Also if you haven’t seen the Commuter and Impact Series for the Bold 9700 head over to AccessorizeMobile.com and check them out.
Case-Mate has just added several new cases to their BlackBerry Bold 9700 accessory lineup. Recently they introduced the Signature Leather Case, Carbon Fiber Leather Case, as well the Hybrid Tough Case, and the Horizontal Hipster. These new cases join Case-Mate’s already impressive lineup of Barely There cases, Smooth Cases, and Clear Amour. Each of these cases can be picked up directly from Case-Mate.com.
Yesterday we reported about the possibility of a AWS-capable BlackBerry Pearl 9100 heading to networks like T-Mobile and Wind Mobile. At first it was thought to be a separate model of the Pearl 9100 designed only to work on these networks, but Boy Genius has decided to set everyone straight. Apparently all newer 3G BlackBerry smartphones such as the Bold 9700 and the upcoming Pearl 9100 are one single model, and not designed separately for North American or European markets. This means that the Bold 9700 that lets say AT&T or Rogers carries is the exact same as the one that T-Mobile or Wind Mobile carries. RIM has created a single chip for pretty much all 3G bands out there, and when flashed (by RIM) with the carrier branding the device is only good for those bands. This allows RIM to cut back on producing multiple models for every band. Cleaver eh? If you want to read more about this head over to the Boy Genius Report.
Looks like things just got “better” as Bell decided to be on the ball, and release the first official OS 5.0 for the BlackBerry Bold 9000. Starting today any Bold 9000 users (on Bell or not) can download OS 5.0.0.411 from Bell. Just remember if you don’t have a Bell version of the Bold 9000 be sure to remove the 
If you have been looking for some solid protection for your BlackBerry Bold 9700 then we’ve got good news. OtterBox has just released their popular Defender Series for the 9700. It’s available now to purchase from OtterBox for $49.95. Included with the Defender Series is the three layered case and durable plastic holster. For more details visit 
Case-Mate has just added several new cases to their BlackBerry Bold 9700 accessory lineup. Recently they introduced the Signature Leather Case, Carbon Fiber Leather Case, as well the Hybrid Tough Case, and the Horizontal Hipster. These new cases join Case-Mate’s already impressive lineup of Barely There cases, Smooth Cases, and Clear Amour. Each of these cases can be picked up directly from 
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