New Details Emerge on the Next BlackBerry with a Keyboard

Some of the specifications for two BlackBerry series have leaked out of RIM, showing that the company is planning to offer models for those who prefer touchscreens as well as for fans of physical keyboards.

Virtually all of the rumors so far about devices to run the upcoming BlackBerry 10 operating system have described touchscreen-based models. According to information that supposedly leaked out of the company today, RIM hasn't forgotten that it built its reputation with smartphones that include hardware keyboards.

The N Series will allegedly use the traditional design for a BlackBerry, with a screen set above a small keyboard. It will have a 720 x 720 display, with a pixel density of 330 ppi.

The L Series will be all touchscreen, designed around a 768 x 1280 display at 356 ppi. The reference device RIM recently started giving out to developers has this resolution.

Availability

The L Series is expected to be the first BlackBerry 10 model to be introduced when it is announced in August. The N Series, on the other hand, allegedly won't debut until early 2013. These will be models capable of running BB10 -- there will be no upgrades.

There is no word yet on pricing, or which wireless carriers will be picking up these handsets.

Source