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!