BlackBerry 'Bold' Looks to Be Just That

Navigation is handled by RIM's modern-day trackball interface (like the Pearl, the Curve, etc.) and surrounding buttons (slightly reminiscent of a Treo in the photos, but less so in person).

The screen is capable of amazing quality. Some of the sample videos I watched looked amazingly clear and crisp. It looked especially terrific for a cell phone.

BlackBerry found, through market research, that their core users didn't want a touch screen on the new model. That's why the Bold doesn't have one.

The screen, in combination with the new browser software, makes this the best BlackBerry yet for surfing the Web. I'll tell you more about it when I get to do a full review, but I can tell you that the Internet experience on this Blackberry is now on a much higher plane -- and older units weren't slouches, either.

The new Blackberry Bold is currently awaiting final approval from the U.S. government (all handsets have to get that before they can be sold). That approval is expected "any day now".

We do know that AT&T(T Quote) will be the only carrier in the United States to offer the Blackberry Bold. No exact price has been announced

As soon as I get my test unit, I'll put the Bold through its paces. After my short preview, I have very high hopes. Can't wait.