BlackBerry Bold 9650 Launches from Sprint

Sprint is now taking orders for the BlackBerry Bold 9650, a high-end smartphone that is the successor to the BlackBerry Tour. This device offers Wi-Fi, GPS, and is one of Sprint's few models that can make phone calls in the U.S. and abroad.

It is available now on Sprint's website for $200 with a new or renewed two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate. To purchase, most customers are required to have an Everything Data plan or a Business Advantage Messaging and Data plan. 

Overview of the Blackberry Bold 9650
The 9650 has the typical BlackBerry tablet shape with a 2.4-inch 480 x 360  display above an optical trackpad and a small but complete keyboard.

Naturally, it support Sprint's voice and 3G data network, but is also able to make calls and connect to high-speed data networks outside of the U.S.

This model also offers Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth, and a GPS receiver.

It runs BlackBerry OS 5, and comes with a suite of software for email, Web access, calendar, and contacts, as well as business and entertainment applications and location-based services.

The 9650's 3.2 megapixel camera offers a flash, variable zoom, image stabilization, auto-focus, and video recording.

It includes a microSD slot and is bundled with a 2 GB card, but this can be easily removed and replaced with one that has up to 32 GB of capacity.

Other features include a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack and a 1400 mAh battery. 

Overall, the smartphone is 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches and 4.8 oz.

Verizon is also expected to offer the BlackBerry Bold 9650, but has not yet officially announced this.

Source: Sprint