RIM tempts BlackBerry fans with revamped Bold 9700

by Stevie Smith - Oct 21 2009, 15:45

In a move designed to add a fresh gleam to its flagship smartphone, Canadian handset specialist Research In Motion (RIM) has revamped its existing upper-tier BlackBerry Bold in order to tempt an even bigger contingent of the mobile professional demographic.

Already the long-established first choice for the majority of on-the-go executives, the refreshed BlackBerry Bold 9700 is described as thinner and more lightweight than the original handset and also offers an improved Web browser and the associated navigational advantages of a new optical trackpad.

Other enhancements on the Bold 9700 include 480x360 screen resolution – up from 480x320, a 3.2 mega pixel camera – up from 2.0 mega pixels, and the recently unleashed BlackBerry OS 5.0 mobile operating system.

Expected to arrive during November, the new Bold 9700 will initially be carried by telecommunication heavyweights AT&T and T-Mobile USA.

According to AT&T, it will offer the Bold 9700 for $200 USD when attached to a mandatory service plan and a $100 USD mail-in rebate. T-Mobile is expected to match that pricing structure – although its deal will include the benefits of Wi-Fi calling.

RIM’s unveiling of the new Bold 9700 comes hot on the heels of Apple’s latest boast regarding its iconic iPhone, which has now shipped some 7.4 million units as the Cupertino-based gadget titan continues to increase its coverage in the smartphone sector.

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