BlackBerry Curve 3G Headed for T-Mobile

T-Mobile USA has just officially announced plans to offer the BlackBerry Curve 3G. This consumer-oriented smartphone will eventually replace the BlackBerry Curve 8520 in the carrier's lineup.

The Curve 8520 was one of the last models released by T-Mobile without support for its 3G network. It appears the main reason for releasing the Curve 3G is to bring in a device with high-speed cellular-wireless networking, as otherwise these two will be very similar.

Still, the upcoming version will have one more advantage over its predecessor: RIM committed this morning to releasing a BlackBerry OS 6 upgrade to replace the version of OS 5 this device will debut with. This will bring in a greatly improved web browser, better email apps, and other enhancements.

Even before the upgrade, this smartphone will come with an extensive collection of software, letting users update their Facebook and MySpace pages on the go, as well as access to music, games, and other mobile apps.

Hardware Details of the BlackBerry Curve 3G
Like all Curve models, this one will have a tablet shape with a 320 by 240 pixels (QVGA) display and a QWERTY keyboard. It is going to have a touch-sensitive optical trackpad below its screen and a set of dedicated media keys on its top.

As discussed, the Curve 3G will be able to access T-Mobile HSDPA network, plus it will include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a GPS receiver.

It is also going to have a 2 megapixel camera, a microSD/SDHC memory card slot (supports up to 32 GB cards), and 3.5 mm headset jack.

Coming Soon
Although T-Mobile USA has committed to offering the BlackBerry Curve 3G (9300), it hasn't said exactly when it will do so, aside from "in the coming weeks".

The price for the product has also yet to be announced.