BlackBerry Curve 8900 Launches In Canada. Is U.S. Next?

The updated Curve, considered by many to be the kid brother of the high-end BlackBerry Bold 9000, takes a more sophisticated twist on previous Curve models. The quad-band device offers EDGE support with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a 512MHz next-generation processer, a full QWERTY keyboard and a 2.4-inch, 480 x 360 high-resolution display. The Curve 8900 also marks the thinnest smartphone in BlackBerry's 10-year history to offer a full QWERTY keyboard, just a hair over a half-inch thick. While the Curve 8900 lacks 3G support, it wraps in a 3.2-megapixel camera and BlackBerry OS version 4.6.

The new Curve also integrates all of the business e-mail, messaging, calendaring and document viewing and editing features that have made BlackBerry a corporate staple while tying in a host of multimedia functions, such as a media player, that make it an appealing device to consumers as well.

In Canada, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 will operate on Rogers Wireless' network. In the U.S., the new device is expected to be available through T-Mobile.

With the Curve 8900 now available in Canada, and in Germany through T-Mobile, as well, its appearance stateside can't be too far off. The Curve 8900 got a stamp of approval from the FCC last month, meaning it could still hit stores here by the end of the year.

In Canada, the Curve 8900 will run roughly $180 with a three-year contract, indicating it could hit the sub-$200 price point in the U.S. as well.

And to give users a sneak peek at the device, RIM has launched an online interactive user guide for the BlackBerry Curve 8900, offering prospective buyers a hands-on experience before they purchase the device. The Web-based tutorial gives a virtual tour of the device and step-by-step details on everything from surfing the Web to sending e-mails and messages.

The Curve 8900 is the latest in a string of hot releases from RIM. So far this year, the Waterloo, Ontario-based smartphone maker has unveiled several new devices including the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 for T-Mobile, RIM's first flip phone; the high-end BlackBerry Bold 9000 for AT&T; and the coveted BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless, RIM's first touch-screen smartphone, which pits it in direct competition with other touch-screen titans like the T-Mobile G1 and the Apple iPhone 3G.