RIM launches stylish BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone with AT&T and T-Mobile

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700

Research In Motion has launched the BlackBerry Bold 9700, a new 3G smartphone that builds on the Bold family of handset devices. The phone, announced for both T-Mobile and AT&T, is designed stylistically with black finish, chrome highlights, and a leatherette back.

The 9700 features a full-QWERTY keyboard complimented by a 65k color 480 x 360 pixel display which should elegantly show off BlackBerry OS. It includes a 624MHz processor and 256MB of internal memory so users can run applications like Microsoft Office for editing files on-the-go. Users also have access to BlackBerry App World for downloading additional third-party applications for the device. The new Bold promises 6 hours of talk-time and 19 days standby time from its 1500mAh battery.

Multimedia is not forgotten, either. A 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera can shoot pictures and video and users can save media with an external microSD card slot. aGPS technology and WiFi connectivity are on board too.

With T-Mobile, the 9700 allows customers to make free phone calls while connected to WiFi networks. T-Mobile's version also includes a 2GB microSD memory card. AT&T is offering free access to its 20,000 WiFi hotspots with the device and a qualifying data plan.

The BlackBerry Bold 9700 will be available from T-Mobile in time for the holiday season for $199.99 with a two-year contract. The phone will launch with AT&T in coming weeks for $199.99 after a two-year customer agreement and mail-in rebate.

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