The Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 is now available. You can pick the device up for $99.99 after a $100 instant rebate. Something tells me that the Curve 8530 is going to a pretty big hit for Verizon. It is the second BlackBerry to support OpenGL ES (3D graphics), and the price point is very attractive.
The BlackBerry Curve 8530 is also the first Verizon BlackBerry with the optical trackpad. No more trackball issues like its predecessor.
Find a full list of features after the jump…
Features
- Dual–band 800/1900 MHz CDMA/EV–DO Rev 0 networks
- 256MB Flash Memory, 128MB RAM
- BlackBerry® Device Software v5.0 Integrated Email, Phone, SMS, Browser, Calendar, Address Book, and additional organizer applications
- English, French and Spanish language support
- BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) — add up to 11 email addresses to the BIS, including 10 supported email accounts and one BlackBerry email account
- BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) — works to provide functionality such as single mailbox integration, remote address book look–up and more (1 email address)
- Display: Clear, High Resolution, 2.5″ (dia.) color display TFT LCD (320×240 pixel). Supports over 65k colors
- Full Backlit QWERTY Keyboard w/Trackpad Navigation
- microSD™ memory card support: up to 16GB
- 2.0 Megapixel Camera, 5x Digital Zoom and Video Capture
- Integrated speaker and microphone, Hands–free headset capable (3.5mm 4 Pole)
- BlackBerry Media Player
- Bluetooth® Supported profiles: Headset (HSP), Hands–free (HFP), Serial Port (SPP), Dial–up Networking (DUN), Advanced Audio Distribution (A2DP) and Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP). OBEX Profiles: PBAP.
- WiFi Ready (802.11 b/g)
- Ring Tones: 32 Polyphonic + vibrate (MIDI, SP–MIDI, MP3, WAV)
- Text, Picture and Video Messaging (MMS)
- VZ Navigatorsm for spoken turn–by–turn directions
- Stand–alone and Assisted GPS
- Visual Voice Mail capable
- Mobile Broadband Connect capable (Windows only)
- Instant Messaging applications for BlackBerry
- Social Networking for BlackBerry
- V CAST Music with Rhapsody® (subscription, wireless and PC downloads)
- V CAST Video on Demand capable
- BlackBerry App World Support
- Device protection and keyboard lock
- SAR Info – 1.31 w/kg for ear; 0.66 w/kg for body
- Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T4
- Total Equipment Coverage is Available
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.29″ (H) x 2.36″ (W) x 0.55″ (D)
- Weight: Approximately 3.7 oz. including Battery
- Standard Lithium Battery (1150 mAh)
- Usage: Up to 270 minutes of talk time OR
- Standby: Up to 252 hours
[Source]
I don’t see this on the VZW website yet. I am still mad that we are getting the 8520 and not the 8900. What was VZW thinking???? Oh wait, they weren’t.
My guess, Eric, is that you won’t see and 8900 type device on Verizon. The Tour was the last CDMA BlackBerry with a trackball. Less Wi-Fi, the Tour essentially is the 8900ish device from Verizon. Although a bit more powerful, the, price points are about the same when you catch a special, which Verizon seems to always be running these days.
Hi Robb,
It would have been nice to see an updated 8900 type device. I have the Tour, but would prefer the Curve keyboard with the keys spaced apart. Those keyboards are a lot easier to type on. You get a better feel for the keys.
The 8500 series of BB devices look cheap. Makes sense since these devices will be used as a pay-as-you go BB on other carriers.
Disappointing.
Sorry, I actually forgot to post the link to the Verizon website…
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5091
Looks like it is available on the website, just not showing as available for an upgrade (it is showing nine BB devices, but not the 8530… yet).
Do you know if these are in the store yet?
The specs are pretty weak. 320 x 240 resolution and 2MP camera. Why bother? I don’t get Verizon sometimes.
I definitely don’t disagree. I am dumbfounded as to why RIM didn’t include a flash. RIM clearly is going after the low-end of the market with the 85xx line of devices.
That being said, this devices is going to be a big hit. I’ve already seen a couple of spots where you can get it free with 2-year contract…
My girlfriend will be getting one. She recently converted from here AT&T Curve and is using a BB World Phone, but only until something new comes out. She is disappointed that it is not the 8900 as well. This is just a cheap replacement for the current Curve.
I do mean cheap too (and not inexpensive).
I know, I should be happy that it at least has OS 5.0. Something that has not even been officially released for the Tour yet.
RIM why not think quality, not cheap? Why not continue the reputation that when people think of a BB handset they think well made, well designed, well made? Leave the cheap to the 3rd and 4th tier manufactures.
I am very happy that the Verizon is planning on pushing the BlackBerry Curve 8530 out the door on November end. As an entry level device the BlackBerry Curve 8530 is a great introduction to the BlackBerry world and with Verizon offering it with 3G speeds. Thank you so much for sharing more specifications here.