AT&T Launches Inexpensive BlackBerry Torch 9810

AT&T is now exclusively offering RIM's BlackBerry Torch 9810, an updated version of the original Torch that debuted from this carrier last year. It has BlackBerry OS 7 and a better screen than its predecessor, but is nevertheless debuting at a low price.

This model uses the same portrait-oriented slider design, but includes a 3.2-inch VGA (640 x 480) capacitive touchscreen -- the same size but twice the resolution of the original.

The Torch 9810 runs the latest version of RIM's smartphone operating system, BlackBerry OS 7, on a 1.2 GHz processor -- twice as fast as the one in its predecessor. Additionally, it includes 8 GB of built-in memory and a microSD memory card slot.

It can connect to AT&T's 4G wireless network, plus it has Bluetooth and GPS. Other features include a 5 megapixel camera and a 1270 mAh battery. Overall, this device is 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches when closed, and weighs in at 5.7 ounces.

Despite its range of improvements over last year's model, the BlackBerry Torch 9810 is available now from AT&T for $50 with a two-year contract. The no-commitment price is $450.

AT&T is going to be the exclusive provider of this model. Later this year, this carrier is going to release two other RIM models with 4G, touchscreens, and BlackBerry OS 7, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 and the BlackBerry Torch 9860. These will not be AT&T exclusives, and both are already available from other carriers.

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