RIM has just officially released a new OS for the BlackBerry Curve 8330. The new OS is 4.5.0.160 and has already been released by Telus for their 8330. This update works with all ESN based models from various carriers in North America. You can download this update from the Telus downloads page on RIM’s site here. Be sure to remove the vendor.xml file if your not a Telus client. Once you have installed this update please let us know if you notice any fixes or issues by commenting below…

Editors Note: First off I’m just going to say sorry for the delay in the getting these reviews up, unfortunately they will be a little shorter than normal. We’ve been busy working on some new features for the site. Stay tuned!

I have always been one to swear by OtterBox’s Defender Cases for BlackBerry smartphones. No matter what you use your device for they always seem to come in handy. This time around I’m checking out OtterBox’s new Impact Cases, which are more of a skin like material. Last year OtterBox introduced the “Impact Series” for the Bold and iPhone and just recently for the Curve 8300 series. I decided to grab one for the Bold and Curve to check out and see how they compare to RIM’s OEM skins. First thing you will notice when taking it out of the package is that the Impact Case is much thicker than RIM’s BlackBerry Skins. You defiantly feel like you get more protection from the OtterBox Impact Case. I have written this mini review separated by paragraphs about each model to make it a little easier to follow.

BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series Impact Case

OtterBox offers several different cases for the BlackBerry smartphones, however some people may not like the bulk of their more rugged Defender Series. The Impact Skin may be the way to go! It features a ergonomic design, which feels great in your hands. The case should protect from your average bumps and shocks cause from day to day use. This case keeps your device slim yet still accessible. It works great in your pocket or in most side BlackBerry cases. (See details at OtterBox.com)

BlackBerry Bold 9000 Impact Case

When the Bold Impact Case was introduced I was too stuck on my Defender Case to give it a shot. I was always worried about harming my beautiful Bold, however now that I’m using the Impact Case I love how slim and fitted it is. With the Impact Case you have access to the data ports, speakers and microphone. My only compliant about the case for this model is it seems to fit a little loose around the sides. Although they most likely have to be like that in order to put it on the device. So now the Impact Case is what I use from day to day. (Details in the BBSync Store)

Overall

I’m impressed with the cases from OtterBox overall. They never seem to disappoint me. The real bonus is that they provide a skin protector and cleaning cloth right in the package! You really can’t got wrong for under $20 bucks. If either of these cases interest you check out the links below.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase the OtterBox Impact Case for the BlackBerry Bold only $12.95 >

Purchase the OtterBox Impact Case for the BlackBerry Curve 8300 Series only $19.95 >

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Sprint has just launched the OS 4.5 upgrade for the BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and Curve 8330. They launched OS 4.5.0.131 for both models, however they skipped OS 4.5 for the 8830 World Edition. Keep in mind you don’t need to have a Sprint model to install this OS on your 8130 or 8330 just remember to delete the vendor file. For details on how to install it click here.

Also we should add according to BGR, this OS upgrade for Sprint users enables MMS picture and video messaging!

Download from the Sprint BlackBerry Download Site >

First there was a stock shortage on the BlackBerry Storm, now there seems to be one on the Curve 8330. According to Mobile Syrup, Bell has doubled their three year contract price in order to save a little stock on the BlackBerry Curve 8330. They have told employees to offer the free Pearl 8130 before showing the Curve due to the stock issues. So for now if you really want a Bell Curve you will have to dish out $99.95 for that three year term.

Virgin Mobile Canada has just introduced their second BlackBerry smartphone. The BlackBerry Curve 8330 will join the Pearl in Virgin’s holiday lineup. The Curve will start at $49.99 with three year term or be $429.99 without contract. In order to take part in the special pricing you are required to take one of Virgin’s BlackBerry bundles which start at $15/month extra for Unlimited Personal or Work email and IM. As a bonus Virgin is including an 8GB microSD memory card with your purchase! You should be able to pick them up starting today at most Virgin Mobile stores or online.

[MobileSyrup]

The Holiday Shopping season is now starting in full swing. The competitive pricing on BlackBerry smartphones is here. Both Bell and TELUS both now have their popular BlackBerry Pearl 8130 for $0 with three year term and Rogers is offering their new BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 for only $24.99 with three year term as well.

Let’s take a quick peak into the deals between the big three and see who is winning.

Bell: Currently offering Pearl 8130 for $0 (in four colors) and Curve 8330 for $99 (two colors) with three year terms.

TELUS: Currently offering the same pricing as Bell. Free Pearl 8130 (choice of 5 colors) and $99 Curve 8330 (choice of 3 colors) with three year terms.

Rogers: Currently offering Pearl Flip for $24.99 (choice of two colors), Curve 8320 (one color) for $99, Bold 9000 for $199, Pearl 8110 or 8120 for $49, Curve 8310 (three colors) for $99 all with three year terms.

Virgin Mobile: Currently only offering the Pearl 8130 in one color for $0 with three year term. Should be offering the Curve 8330 sometime this month as well.

Then of course if you wait just a little bit you should be able to pick up a BlackBerry Storm 9530 from either Bell or TELUS for an unknown price..

After you pick up your new BlackBerry smartphone head on over to The BlackBerry Sync Store and get it setup with hot new accessories and software!

It wasn’t too long ago that Virgin Mobile Canada became Canada’s newest BlackBerry dealer. News has arrived today from our friends at IntoMobile that Virgin will be launching the well loved BlackBerry Curve 8330 in November. Apparently pricing is set for $99 with three year contract. It will fit in nice with their Pearl 8130 for Christmas. Stay tuned for the official launch details soon…

Telus has added a red colored BlackBerry Curve 8330 to their BlackBerry lineup. All the same features and price tag – Currently $149.99 with three year contract. This brings a total of six colored BlackBerry smartphones for consumers. Who’s all going to pick up the new red Curve? I almost want one myself…

Also Telus if you wouldn’t mind could you hurry up with some BlackBerry 9530 teasers?!

Visit TelusMobility.com for details >>

US Cellular is the first carrier in the United States to launch OS 4.5 for the CDMA Curve 8330 and Pearl 8130. They have launched OS 4.5.0.66 for both units and its now available for download on USC’s BlackBerry download page. Keep in mind you don’t have to have a USC BlackBerry you can find details on how to install it here.

Here are the download links (they may stop working soon):

- BlackBerry 8830 at MediaFire
- BlackBerry Curve 8330 at MediaFire (2nd link)

* Please note while these OS verisons are not officially supported by RIM. We don’t recommend installing them if you have never installed a beta OS before. Neither Us, Berry Review nor RIM take any responsibility to damage caused to your phone while installing this software.

[Via BerryReview]