Verizon Will Launch the BlackBerry Curve 8530 Later this Month

BlackBerry Curve 8530 is going to be available from Verizon Wireless in time for the holiday shopping season. It will aggressively priced -- just under $100.

The latest Curve model is an updated version of one of RIM's most popular consumer-oriented smartphones. It sports the new BlackBerry OS 5.0 and a new design.

This smartphone has a QVGA display above a QWERTY keyboard. Between these two is an optical trackpad in place of a trackball or D-pad.

This device puts an emphasis on multimedia; in addition to the necessary software, on top is a set of hardware keys for controlling music and video playback as well as a 3.5 mm headset jack.

It will have just a 2.0 megapixel camera, rather surprising for a consumer-oriented device like this one.

More about the BlackBerry Curve 8530
Naturally, the latest Curve has RIM's standard suite of software, including support for its push e-mail system. Users will be able to download additional software from the on-device BlackBerry App World.

Verizon's version of this smartphone will support this carrier's mobile broadband service, plus it will include Wi-Fi b/g, stereo Bluetooth.

The Curve 8530 is going to offer a GPS receiver, with support for the VZ Navigator service and the ability to geo-tag pictures.

It will also sport a microSD/SDHC memory card slot.

Pricing & Availability
The BlackBerry Curve 8530 will be released by Verizon on Nov. 20. It will sell for $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Getting this price will require signing up for a voice plan with an Email and Web feature or an Email and Web for BlackBerry plan.

Those who are interested in this model don't have to wait: T-Mobile USA launched the BlackBerry Curve 8520 this summer, a device that's nearly identical.

Source: Verizon Wireless