BlackBerry Curve 8900, AKA The Javelin, Makes Surprise Appearance

Earlier this week, T-Mobile Germany accidentally leaked details of the BlackBerry Curve 8900, code-named the BlackBerry Javelin, the next device coming to the BlackBerry arsenal amidst a flurry of new smart phones.

The Javelin could be considered the BlackBerry Bold light, similar in style but lacking the 3G network support that has the Bold on many smart phone users' wish lists, despite continued delays between BlackBerry and AT&T to get the Bold in users' hands stateside. The Bold was originally to be released in the summer but was delayed until this month as RIM hashed out software issues. It was delayed again indefinitely to work out some 3G-related hiccups.

According to a document that appeared on T-Mobile Germany's Web site, and was quickly republished by popular gadget blog The Boy Genius Report, the Javelin is an EDGE-only device, though it does tie in GPS, Wi-Fi and a 480 x 360 resolution HVGA+ screen. The Javelin, or Curve 8900, is also expected to feature a 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus.

T-Mobile Germany expects the Javelin to hit in November, likely around the same time the BlackBerry Storm hits the shelves, which BlackBerry has said will be later in the fall.

The Javelin comes at a busy time for RIM. The BlackBerry Bold 9000, one of the most coveted devices in BlackBerry's 10-year history, remains on indefinite hold in the U.S. as RIM ensures the device will operate seamlessly on AT&T's 3G network to avoid the pitfalls encountered when Apple launched the 3G version of its iconic iPhone back in July.

Along with the Bold, which was announced in May, BlackBerry has also recently released other new devices, including its first-ever touch screen in the BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless and its one and only flip form factor smart phone the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 for T-Mobile.

The Javelin, while not 3G, has the potential to satisfy some BlackBerry users eagerly awaiting the Bold to come out of its seemingly never-ending testing phase. While the Storm created a much-needed diversion from the BlackBerry Bold delays, it puts BlackBerry in direct competition with other touch-screen titans like the iPhone 3G and the Google Android-based T-Mobile G1.