The voice of the BlackBerry community.
When we first posted impressions of the BlackBerry Curve 9700, we asked BlackBerry Cool readers what they would like to know about the device. We have taken some time to post more pictures of this device, and answer some of your questions.
Click through to read more about the BlackBerrry Bold 9700
In a video released by AT&T, we get a look at the BlackBerry Bold 9700. The video goes on to describe a little about the device hardware, as well as basic BlackBerry functionality that we are all very aware of. But what about the most important part of a device: the software?
As RIM continues to release devices, there is relatively little that differentiates them. This year in particular, it is all about changing the form factor and feature set to play with pricing and different target markets. While the Storm 2 is probably the biggest evolution for BlackBerry this year, it’s still only going to be as good of a device as the developers dictate it to be.
So what does AT&T want you to know about the new 9700? Well apparently software isn’t important to them.
Continue reading about the AT&T walkthrough of the Bold 9700
RIM have officially announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700 and it’s one of the best devices in their product line. Of course, everyone is excited about the BlackBerry Storm 2, but they serve very different markets. The Storm 2 is a device for the consumer market, while the 9700 would be better suited for enterprise.
The official press releases for the Bold 9700 from Rogers and AT&T, included pricing for the device and they differ slightly in their promotional offerings. The BlackBerry Bold 9700 will be available from Rogers in the coming weeks for $299.99 on a three-year voice and data activation with a minimum monthly service plan of $45.
The BlackBerry Bold 9700 will also be available from AT&T but for only $199.99 (pay $299.99 and receive $100 mail-in-rebate).
T-Mobile and Bell have not announced what they will be selling the device for but it’s likely to be around the same price as AT&T and Rogers. The question is whether they will force users to mail in their rebate, or offer an entirely different promotion.
Now this is how you handle a launch. Carriers across North America have coordinated and announced the BlackBerry Bold 9700. This is going to be the best BlackBerry of 2009, hands down. The Bold 9700 is the updated version of the Bold 9000 and it is everything you loved about the first Bold, but packaged in a tighter form factor.
The carriers that have announced the device include Rogers, Bell, AT&T and T-Mobile.
Originally known as an Access Point Base Station, Femtocell is a small cellular base station that uses a broadband internet connection to provide 3G connectivity. Ideal for areas with lackluster coverage such as rural, underground, or any area with otherwise bad reception. The system typically support 2 to 4 active devices at a time.
AT&T will be charging around $20 per month for unlimited calls via the 3G Microcell system and has begun a trial in the test market of Charlotte, North Carolina. Users can also buy the unit outright and pay for minutes with their pre-existing plan. Check out AT&T’s 3G MicroCell information page for more details.
If you haven’t already updated your BlackBerry Bold to OS 4.6.0.297, you’re missing out! With the latest OS update, you get a number of enhancements including:
To update your Bold OS, go to Options > Advanced Options > Wireless Update or visit the official AT&T download page and update your OS with the BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
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Rumor has it that the upgraded BlackBerry Bold OS for AT&T subscribers will come with Visual Voicemail tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25th.
Check your AT&T Bold to see if your OS has the Visual Voicemail icon, and if so, give customer service a call and have them add the free Visual Voicemail feature to your account.
With Visual Voicemail for BlackBerry, you will get:
Voicemail is the bane of many BlackBerry users’ existence as it is the slowest possible way to check a message. With email and SMS, you have to wonder why people still insist on leaving voicemails. At least visual voicemail makes the process a little faster.
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Why would anyone want a smartphone without a data plan? That’s like buying a Ferrari with a Ford engine. Sure, the device looks stylish, but you need data to unlock the true power of your BlackBerry. Anyways, preaching to the converted.
As of September 6th, 2009, AT&T will begin requiring that all smartphones sign up for a smartphone data plan. Customers who activated their smartphones prior to September 6th, may continue to carry around a BlackBerry as a status symbol while not taking advantage of their device’s awesome powers. That last part should have been included in the official email.
It seems a few carriers will be getting their hands on the BlackBerry Bold 9700. As you know, the BlackBerry Bold 9700 is the update to the Bold product line, making it in essence, the Bold 2. The device will be a smaller form factor than the original Bold, and will come with a battery casing reminiscent of the Bold 9000.
So far, we have pictures of the 9700 at both AT&T and Bell retail locations in the sales systems. We’re guessing a Fall 2009 launch date for the Bold 9700, and it’s good to see Bell picking it up as they missed out on the Bold 9000.
While it’s not the first time we’ve seen the BlackBerry Curve go on sale for free with a contract, it may be the first time a carrier has partnered with a BlackBerry app to give them away.
Slacker has partnered with all the major carriers to discount the Curve to free with a new contract or a contract extension.
See the Slacker page for more details about a free BlackBerry Curve from Slacker.
[Hat tip @nanpalmero]
The voice of the BlackBerry community.
