BlackBerry Tour Worldphone Will Debut on Sprint and Verizon in Two Weeks

Both Verizon and Sprint have revealed their release dates for the BlackBerry Tour, and it's probably not an accident that they are the same day.

Last month, this carrier announced plans to offer this device, but didn't say when. Today, it got specific: this phone will debut July 12 at www.sprint.com.

Verizon Wireless announced yesterday that it will release this model on July 12, and like it's rival's this will be a smartphone will work in the U.S. and in countries around the world.

An Overview of the BlackBerry Tour
Sprint and RIM are positioning this as a crossover device, good for both business and personal communication.

Its personal capabilities are going to include access to social networking sites like Facebook, Flickr, and MySpace. It will also allow users to share pictures and videos via MMS, and instant message on popular services or BlackBerry Messenger.

For business users, the Tour will provide access to emails with attachments, calendar, contacts, business applications, and location-based services.

The Hardware
The BlackBerry Tour will have a tablet shape, with an HVGA (480 x 360) display, trackball, and full-QWERTY keyboard.

It will include a 3.2 MP camera with variable zoom, auto focus, flash and image stabilization, while users will be able to store up to 16 GB of data with a microSD/SDHC card (sold separately).

This BlackBerry will operate on Verizon's or Sprint’s mobile broadband (EV-DO Rev. A) network, and will also roam on other high-speed 3G wireless networks around the globe for voice and email service. When roaming, it will offer 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE as well as support for 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA networks.

The outer casing will be 4.4 in. by 2.4 in. by 0.6 in. (112 mm x 62 mm x 14.2 mm), and its weight will be 4.6 oz. (130 g).

Pricing & Availability
The BlackBerry Tour will be available from Verizon for $200 with a two-year service agreement, $70 mail in rebate, and a two-year contract.

Sprint will charge that same price after a $50 instant rebate, $100 mail-in rebate, and service contract.

For more information on this  smartphone, visit www.blackberry.com/tour

Source: Verizon, Sprint