Blackberry Bold 9650 release date!

[nmchileman]

A few months ago when rumors started sprouting up about the Blackberry "Tour 2" I said the device should be released sometime in May 2010.

Well...I wasn't too far off.

VZW hasn't made it official, but my sources tell me the Bold 9650 will be released on June 3rd to online orders and June 10th to all retail outlets. Various tech blogs are also reporting these dates with screen shots from VZW's internal systems.

Pricing should be in-line with previous and current smartphone releases: $199.99 on a 2-year contract after a $100 rebate.

Keep in mind that while there is nothing spectacular about this Blackberry device (only new additions are: WiFi, Trackpad and 512MB of RAM/ROM) the Bold will support RIM's future release of OS 6.0 and also OpenGL for HD graphics. Both should be released in the second half of 2010, most likely towards the end of the year actually.

So there you have it folks, only 11 months after the release of the original Blackberry Tour 9630. That wasn't too long of a wait, was it?

WAS IT?

[SydneyK]

Oh, the time has just flown by!  

Thanks for the update!

[TheGreatOne]

I got this from phonescoop web site today, just confirm your comment nmchileman. You were right....

BlackBerry Bold 9650 Coming to Verizon Wireless

Today, 5:40 AM   by Philip Berne

After its debut on Sprint, the BlackBerry Bold 9650 will also come to Verizon Wireless. The Network will offer the Bold 9650 on its Web site from June 3, and in stores from June 10. The phone will use Verizon's Push to Talk feature, in addition to standard Verizon Wireless apps like VZ Navigator. The Bold features global roaming with European 3G network radio bands, and Verizon says it will be the first phone to support GlobalAccess Connect, a tethered modem service that will work abroad. The BlackBerry Bold 9650 will be available for $250 with a contract agreement, and Verizon is offering a $100 mail-in rebate. A camera-free version will also be available.

[StreetDocRN]

Hey, all,

If you are interested in the new Bold 9650, check out the Phones and Accessories section under 3G Smartphones.  You have a choice of with or without a camera, same price.  Finally, some closure for when it will be announced. 

Doc

[MorganB]

Forge ahead with the BlackBerry Bold 9650 smartphone and tackle your challenges head-on. With features like Wi-Fi, 3G technology, a 3.2MP camera with video recording, VZ Navigator Global, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Music w/Rhapsody, V CAST Videos, V CAST Song ID, VZW Tones Deluxe, Mobile Broadband Connect and optical trackpad. Plus, enjoy multimedia support for your videos, pictures and music. Whatever drives your life is always within reach chat with friends, email colleagues, share pictures and listen to your favorite tunes. The BlackBerry Bold also works with popular apps like Facebook and Flickr and even lets you talk and surf at the same time with simultaneous voice and data over Wi-Fi. Take chances and embrace your adventurous side with the BlackBerry Bold. IT'S HERE! Check HERE for pricing and additional information.

[StreetDocRN]

Morgan,

Well written.  I can't wait to get one.  I believe this is going to be a hot item, not only for Verizon, but for Blackberry.  Lot's of room for apps...and no trackball.  All it needs is a 42 inch cutting desk and grass catcher and it will be the best thing since sliced bread!!!

Doc

[SuzyQ]

Hmmmmm, time for me to jump into the world of Blackberry?  My annual upgrade is available.....you Blackberry fans think this one would be a good introductory phone to start on?

[kfa1217]

I have been waiting for the Bold 9650 to come to Verizon for about a year now and it couldn't have come at a better time! My BB Pearl Flip 8230 simply died on me today while at work and as I am on the phone w/ tech support I see that it was released TODAY! Whew!

I didn't want the Curve - it was just too small in my hands - and a gf has the Tour 9630 and it felt great! But after reading these blogs and the Tour 9630 being on the EOL list...well, my wait was justified today!

I'll be sure to come back and post a review after using it to let everyone know how it is...can't wait!

[TheGreatOne]

---

SuzyQ wrote:

Hmmmmm, time for me to jump into the world of Blackberry?  My annual upgrade is available.....you Blackberry fans think this one would be a good introductory phone to start on?

---

I don't see you as a blackberry person Suzy.  Maybe an Env3 time of person. I wouldn't get a blackberry ever because I am too drawn to the Android phones. So many endless features on those devices. Have you considered one of the Android phones? Verizon is coming out with 2 Motorola Android phones this August.

[DylanMitchell]

I have a Blackberry tour and want the wi-fi, track pad, additional memory and other features of the 9650. Should I wait for a few weeks to see if the Bold 9650 has problems. Or should I just order it and rely on software updates to solve problems?

Also, does Verizon make any hardware changes to phone in the first few months to fix problems our just fix problems with OTA software updates?

Thanks!

[nmchileman]

---

SuzyQ wrote:

Hmmmmm, time for me to jump into the world of Blackberry?  My annual upgrade is available.....you Blackberry fans think this one would be a good introductory phone to start on?

---

Suzy, you should know how much I love my Blackberry. I think it wins hands down when it comes to handling message and calendar integration. RIM has made big steps forward with threaded messaging and better Gmail sync, and they have plans to improve Gmail sync to be on par with what Android has. Also I think Blackberry is the best keyboard experience on a mobile phone. You can't go wrong with Blackberry, it's a solid and stable (mostly) platform. The new Bold 9650 is a good choice because it's spec'd to be ready for OS 6.0 and OpenGL for enhanced graphics support. 

However, in the last month I've really fallen in love with Android because of the Incredible. The power of the operating system is truly amazing and it's only going to keep getting better. Android is going to branch out into tablets, netbooks, and other crazy things like in-car computers and appliances. 

It's really fun. The Incredible is an awesome phone. Yes it has it's glitches, but what phone doesn't. It should be expected that Android phones are prone to be glitchy because of their openness. But I'm having a lot of fun, and I'm excited to see where this is gonna go. Especially with LTE on the way. 

Either way you go Suzy, I can recommend you some great apps to help improve your life. 

[gabby3]

Re Incredible -

I have read lots of complaints (on line) about bad reception - in places where a BBerry worked fine. Any truth?

Also - can you see the screen in bright sunshine?

[nmchileman]

---

UBS_Sucks wrote:

Re Incredible -

I have read lots of complaints (on line) about bad reception - in places where a BBerry worked fine. Any truth?

Also - can you see the screen in bright sunshine?

---

Yes. Reception is noticebly weaker on this device. It is a known issue. I get 1-2 bars where my Blackberry gets 3-5 bars. However, it hasn't impaired the phone's ability to make and keep a clear call connected. Not in my experience anyway. It's the 3G speed that takes a big drop when you only have 1 bar.

Yes. It can be difficult to view the screen in bright, direct sunshine. In shade you can see it fine. That's the trade off of having a high resolution AMOLED screen. Do you want high resolution, contrast and color clarity -- or a bright ugly screen? I purchased the anti-glare screen protector from Seidio.com and it has helped a great deal.

[SuzyQ]

The Great One:

Have you considered one of the Android phones? Verizon is coming out with 2 Motorola Android phones this August.

nmchileman:

You can't go wrong with Blackberry, it's a solid and stable (mostly) platform...However, in the last month I've really fallen in love with Android because of the Incredible...

StreetDocRN:

I agree with Nmchileman that the Android is only going to get better and might surprise a lot of folks.  But as far as the new Bold, I think that would be a great Blackberry to start with.

So.....maybe I'll just wait till January when I get an NE2 discount and see what they Blackberry/Android terrain looks like, and play with both of them when I get the chance.

Thanks for the feedback!!

[StreetDocRN]

Suzy,

I can tell you only from my experience with Blackberry.  My wife and I both have Tours.  We got ours last August and have never had any problems.  My wife is still running 4.7 OS because she says, "It's working fine now, why fix it if it isn't broken."  I can't argue with her.  However, mine is running the latest Verizon OS just fine.  We both had 8130 Pearls before that and they were great little phones.  Obviously moving up to the Tour was big, just in having a larger screen and more memory.  As far as basic features, email, calendar, etc. all Blackberry devices perfrom the same functions.  The Tour and Bold just has more horsepower to "get 'er dun."  We still have about 8 months until our ability to upgrade occurs.  For now, we will stick with the Tour.  I do have several co-workers who have Android phones and they love them.  I agree with Nmchileman that the Android is only going to get better and might surprise a lot of folks.  But as far as the new Bold, I think that would be a great Blackberry to start with.  I predict right here that if you get one you will fall in love with Blackberry Messenger.  I have a group in BBM with several other nurses and paramedics who all chit chat about one thing after another and it helps to relieve stress.  I also have added a few folks from here in the forums and we chit chat about different things related to the forums or just anything else.  LCromwell and I have become really good friends on BBM.  He has become pretty saavy with his Storm.  Anyways, just my 2 cents worth.  Have a great weekend.

Doc