News & Rumors, Devices

BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 Hands-On Video and First Impressions

by Kevin Michaluk

on 2 May 2011 09:54 AM

179

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

* Update: We've posted more hands-on videos below. Check them out!!! *

OK, so the BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 Experience Room at BlackBerry World is a zoo right now, but I just managed to spend a few minutes of hands-on time with RIM's newest Bold and all I can say is wow wow WOW WOW WOW. For anybody out there who wants a Smartphone with a front-facing full qwerty keyboard, THIS IS THE BLACKBERRY FOR YOU. We'll be reporting back later with a lot more info, but you can check out the video above to get a quick look and comparison to the Bold 9780, and keep reading for some initial impressions!

BlackBerry Bold 9930/9900 Hardware Impressions:

Deceptively light. Looking at the device you'd think it would be sort of heavy, but picking it up the new Bold feels very light in the hand
THIN. Definitely the thinnest BlackBerry to date.
RICH looking. The one piece metal band around the perimeter of the device really ups the look and quality feel of the device.
Awesome keyboard. The device is tied down for security reasons, so haven't been able to really stress test it fully, but even so you the typing I've done on it feels great. The extra width on the keyboard makes a big difference and RIM has re-shaped the keys slightly to maximize the strike area on each key.
Wicked display. At 287ppi and 640x480 resolution on a bigger 2.8" diagonal display (as compared to Bold 9780/9700), the screen on the new Bold is really hawt. I was super impressed when I pulled up the full CrackBerry.com website on the browser and could read the blog post text with no zooming in. The text was tiny, but still legible.
FAST - 1.2GHz in on the BlackBerry Smartphone OS is huge. Really makes the whole OS feel more modern. Definitely helps to keep the Smartphones in alignment with the awesome performance of the QNX OS on the PlayBook.

BlackBerry 7 First Impressions

Obviously very similar to BlackBerry 6, but thanks to the faster processor and GPU the experience definitely feels improved. It's faster and the the UI is much more smooth and fluid (RIM calls this liquid graphics)
New icons throughout the OS update the look and do look nice
Being able to customize the homescreen and changeup the homescreen views is huge
Lots of new features we stlil have to go back and play with! NFC, Magnetometer, etc.

All in all, I'm super stoked for the new BlackBerry Bold. Need it now!! We'll be playing with the new Bold all week, so I'll follow up in next couple of days with a more in-depth review. It's definitelly a BlackBerry Smartphone to be excited about. Start saving your pennies!

179 Comments

Posted by barrist Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

awesome.

Posted by velkcro Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

RIM needs some serious help with marketing

this should be named Blackberry Bold 4G

and with the introduction of the video chat app why not a FFC

i wish they would delay the blackberry touch and put a FFC on it and call it the Blackberry Touch 4G

Posted by mattv888 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

They really don't. Marketing won't make people buy blackberries. People who buy blackberries are either business users who already have one, or teens who see friends' blackberries and realise that they totally want one. In marketing, these don't stand a chance. Word of mouth and actual user experience however, make it the awesomely successful platform it is.

Posted by DaNomadicOne Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Very true with everything now having something social applied to it video or tv and also apps. It comes down to the fan favorites and also word of mouth which is the tired and true method of marketing....

Posted by amp323 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I agree, blackberries are mainly for ppl who are stoked about their amazing functionality, like me!:p Though I gotta admit, I hope the charm slot(if it even has one) is on the bottom like on the 9000 and not on the side! So damn annoying on my 9780, had to remove my charm cuz it was always in the way. >.<

Posted by Timberland7 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I can't wait for this one to come out... I think it's the perfect blackberry yet... they definitely improved with this one... although they are missing a front camera, other than that... it's a great device!

Posted by xterra2 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Thats a lie
Marketing is very important
It can make people buy blackberries

Posted by velkcro Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

True but if you see those apple commercials ..yeah the "if you dont have an iphone" commercials.

They show you a lot about the device and that grabs people, i think RIM dont do that with their commercials, when you ask someone why they are going to buy a blackberry they will say because it have bbm.

They should have more commercials with their devices doing the things they do best (i know they have those few super apps commercials)

I hope they have something that would make people say "wow thats nice i would love that on my phone"

I'm just saying that their commercial should pack more punch and show why someone would buy a blackberry not just for BBM.

As far as word to mouth goes with all the "cool" feature IOS and Android have its had to persuade someone to get a blackberry just for BBM.

Where i live it seems like BB are for teens and the business sector only and they have no appeal to the middle class that's why i want their commercial to pack more punch so those folks would see that blackberry is also for them.

Posted by Kiddo2050 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Ya and those commercials are so bogus. The latest one they show 3 apps: Delta, Starbucks and a third one that I can't recall but I know that I have all 3 of those apps on my blackberry!! And BTW the Delta app is a joke compared to Blackberry Travel.

I think they should do a commercial totally around BB Travel.

Posted by tkwolf Tuesday, May 03, 2011 384 days ago

BBM did NOT attract me to blackberry thought. The goood qwerty keyboard did lol

Posted by OceaniaSH.A Sunday, May 08, 2011 380 days ago

Ya, they definitely need to market their devices. The only reason blackberries are still selling is because they have bbm, organisers and the qwerty keyboard.... apple however has managed to sell just as much devices if not more, by just have a touch screen (which the blackberry torch has), ALOT of applications(which blackberries also have) and face-time (which blackberries can easily get). They made all these features seem better than they actually are by just MARKETING. The Ipad vs the Playbook, the only reason i was going to buy the playbook instead of ipad was because, i wanted something different, and for bbm :), but once i found out it wasn't gonna have bbm i understood why. RIM didn't foresee the whole GROWTH...realistically BBs were not made with teenagers in mind....or even socialites... so when more people started buying blackberries RIM decided to make them more eye-catching with different colours. Then came the touch screen, when the iphone 4 became more popular. And then the playbook, when apple owned the monopoly of tablet computing. If RIM put bbm on the playbook, less people would buy their phones, and seeing as the ipad 2 is still awe-ing the masses, less people would still buy the playbook. So ya they are clever, make more people buy the phone if they want the tablet, that way the are still playing the game. Personally I think its not enough, RIM need something completely new, that will stun us. One of the only countries where Blackberries sell more than anything else is Nigeria.... people will do anything to get their hands or even a finger on a blackberry smart phone.
Oh ya and they should have various aspects for teens, middle-aged and old people, and obviously still have that business feel to them.

Posted by Rwiley52 Sunday, May 15, 2011 372 days ago

Exactly they neeed to understand its not even about how good a company is these days its all about marketing

Posted by lewdvig Sunday, May 15, 2011 372 days ago

Agreed. The naming convention with names and numbers is silly. RIM makes too many devices IMO.

Have a Bold 4G a Touch 4G and maybe a Style 4G if the flips are selling well. Use Pentaband radios like Nokia so that you don't need a special sku just for t-Mob and the AWS crowd.

Posted by barrist Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

is there wifi hotspot, it wasn't listed in the official release/

Posted by greatness10 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

yes there is!

Posted by bighap Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Berrygasim

Posted by forsakenwaste5 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Wtf? Are you alien? What does that mean? Are you speaking English?

Posted by blackcaneaddict Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

^^ troll much?

Posted by arquipimp Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

awesome!!!!! i want it!!

Posted by dalus87 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I smell a contest coming up :D

Posted by jlb21 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I'm in!

Posted by AbuYazeedUK Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

SWEEEEET!!!

Posted by DJLILM Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Ready

Posted by BBprodigy Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

mehhhhhn i really want this...i need a phone right now and wanted to get a Torch but it seems i'll have to hold out for this. Release date and pricing info, please!

Posted by blueyestm Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

you're killing me with all these videos and reports. I want this dang phone NAOW! I'm gonna be waiting at the store for it to open when this comes out.

Posted by pookpooi Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I think it's a perfect time to release a mobile version of Playbook (Dual Core, QNX, ...)
But ok, let's look at what we have now...
Faster processor ... but others brand are moving to dual core
More RAM ... but still less than 1GB
Better screen .... at least in RIM product maybe?
Thin...... even Playbook is thinner
No Adobe Flash (may be it's really laggy product from Adobe like Steve Jobs said)
No front camera (it's really a phone for business, food for thought)

Posted by anastasiophan Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

"Faster processor ... but others brand are moving to dual core"

BB are optimized more than other devices and don't NEED dual core at this point. QNX isn't ready to be put on phones, so why force out dual core devices when it isn't needed at all.

"More RAM ... but still less than 1GB"
More than enough RAM for a phone like this.

"Better screen .... at least in RIM product maybe"
This screen is top notch, for any product.

"Thin...... even Playbook is thinner"
If you go too thin, the thing would fall out of your hands. Plus, the iPad 2 is thinner than the iPhone 4 and will most likely still be thinner than the iPhone 5. Will you still compain then?

"No Adobe Flash (may be it's really laggy product from Adobe like Steve Jobs said)"
Flash works great on my PlayBook, so I don't think Jobs is even close to right.

"No front camera (it's really a phone for business, food for thought)"
FFC is the most overrated feature on any device. My fiance has an iPhone 4 and has NEVER used the FFC. In fact, about 90% of iPhone 4 and iPod Touch owners that I know have NEVER used the Front Facing Camera.

Posted by pookpooi Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I've see that you have Playbook, which is really good in my opinion.
So why you have to buy an inferior product like 9900? like you buy iPad 2 and then buy iPhone 4 when you know iPhone 5 is coming (and probably before 9900 actually release).
But you did prove me something, there will always be customers for RIM, which is the greatest essential thing for any company in this world.

Posted by Kiddo2050 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

If you do own a playbook then you already know that once you have one you don't need your phone to do much. You can basically take your playbook everywhere so the phone will be used much less and this phone has all the specs it needs to do what needs to be done very fast.

I could care less about dual core on a phone. In fact I could care less about QNX on a phone, once you have the playbook you already have QNX in your hand.

Posted by Jenks5150 Monday, May 09, 2011 378 days ago

Because the 9900 is a smartphone and the PlayBook is a tablet. I own a PlayBook (posting from it right now)and a 9700 and anyone who owns both will tell you that while there is overlap in functionality, the two devices are clearly used for different tasks. The 9900 is without ANY doubt the best BlackBerry smartphone to date and addresses basically every request of BB users in the past 3 years. I don't know how you could possibly call it an inferior product. But as per usual with any upcoming RIM product, it doesn't really matter what you think, if the product is a significant upgrade and suits my needs, I'm going to buy it. This is certainly the case with the 9900.

Posted by Skeevecr Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Dual core is still just a checklist feature rather than a clear benefit over a faster single core while we are in this transitional phase of mobile hardware, just like we saw on the desktop.

Since all Ram needs to be powered even when you are not using it, you will see that all manufacturers won't just throw more of it into a product like they can in a normal computer because it has an impact on battery life.

If you look at the pixel density of this device, it basically beats everything this side of an iphone 4, resolution is not the only important thing with mobile screens.

In the real world the playbook and this device are the same thickness, this phone is not the thinnest in the world by any stretch of the imagination, but it closes the gap sufficiently that it isn't a bulky option nor has it sacrificed battery life in a pointless quest for excessive thinness.

The playbook disproves Jobs' comments about flash, but in the case of this device, it probably wasn't considered a big enough selling point to go to all the effort to properly integrate it into something that is an evolution of os6 after all.

No front camera doesn't imply a thing about who the phone is for, it just means that they haven't bothered including something that is rarely used even on phones that offer it compared with alternative options such as computers and now tablets.

Posted by SharpieFiend Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Is the screen cover made of glass or plastic?

Posted by Jenks5150 Monday, May 09, 2011 378 days ago

Glass.

Posted by wayne-g Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I was woundering what phone to go for next I phone or another blackberry and now I know, can't wait to get my hands on one. Now I'm counting down the days.

Posted by aloofkid Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

OMG, Need to save money for this one, Hello Piggy Bank!

Posted by spencerdl Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

LOOKS GOOD......gotta have it.

Posted by zurch Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Osama bin laden is dead then this gets announced all within like a 24 hour time frame...Im playing the lottery tonight! No seriously though i have been away from blackberry for a while and this little gem might bring me back ..The only thing that could make this beauty better is if it came in white on the cdma version :) But it is a very snappy device and its good to see RIM putting out some quality stuff ..If it had a front facing camera no hesitation I'd dump my evo on day one ..But this is still great.

Posted by wolfyberry Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I cant wait for the full review of this fantastic model,and ma` surely next device,with all the Crackhead goods(videos,pictures,comparisons,contests....)
;);););)
Cheers

Posted by experiment626 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

REALLY wish someone would do a side by side comparison between the Bold Touch and the original Bold 9000 instead of the 97xx series Bolds. BTW, how many speakers(for speakerphone & media) does the 99xx series have? Thanks.

Posted by DrLouie Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I would really like to see that comparison (9900 vs 9000) as well.

Looking, the 9900 is definitely thinner and appears to have the same size keyboard.

Posted by caharian14 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Yeah me too!! :D I wish bold 9000 will get another os UI upgrade.. hmmm

Posted by Laserpointer Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I want it!

Posted by dalus87 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Time to upgrade from my Javelin :D:D:D
Can't wait!
i wonder what the pricing is like though.

Posted by xtremesniper Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I love how no one is mentioning that the "wider" form factor is actually more like the original Bold 9000 than any phone that has been released since. The real comparisons should be made against the 9000. Took RIM long enough to bring back the true form factor that everyone seems to have forgotten about the original.

Posted by ifarlow Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Forgotten? Nah... just quietly waiting for this phone to appear.

Posted by tsecor Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

this looks nice!!!

Posted by vx1 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Badass! **** well all my complaining and everyone else to bring back this bad boy finally paid off !!!! heheheh wooo!@

Posted by Trem44 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I'm jacking off to this guys, I'M JACKING OFF TO THIS!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Posted by jlb21 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Really?!?! Did u need to say that?!?!?!

Posted by feldmen01 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I recall a post very similar to this in a different story about an hour ago.... You, sir, need help.

Posted by cvdburgh Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Well, he's jacking off to Crackberry TWICE in one hour then he needs help indeed! And he needs to tell me his diet...

Posted by giamburrasca Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Yeah, the European word is wanker (in every sense, obviously),,,

Posted by theKHMERboy Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

nice looking phone but i am still going for the torch...

Posted by c4rt00nb0y Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

tbqh, steve jobs can shove his doubts on flash on blackberry phones up his ass. Im running 6.4.0.105 on my BB Torch 9800 and Youtube loads on my webpages and I can click play, adjust volume on the YouTube. It doesn't actually play, but it shows the loading sign and that shows promise and potential to me! One time I waited for it to load for a while then it said 'please update to flash 10' or something like that. It didn't even recognize it not having flash until a long while. I think that flash is around the corner imo... Anyone else able to do this on their blackberry torch?

Posted by Paisan3466 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Quit being so narrow minded. We should actually be thanking Jobs for pressuring adobe to finally attempt to make a decent Flash product.

Posted by gabismom77 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

How much dinero will I have to fork out for this bad boy?

Posted by lund Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

No left side convenience key? whats up with that on all the new devices? :(

Posted by edyts Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Yep, i need this, just have to convince the wifey after buying the 64gb playbook, which i can now bbm on!!!

Posted by andbarrone Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

What is a different between 9900 and 9930 ?

Posted by experiment626 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

The 9900 is GSM version while the 9930 is the CDMA version of the Bold Touch.

Posted by sk8trix Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

nice phone i'd get it if i wasnt on android but nice touch screen and keyboard concept i spent a long time waiting for that and it never happened ....well hope you guys have fun with it

Posted by valorian Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Will the new devices be able to store apps on the memory card?

Posted by zensen Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

and apparently it's official that OS 7 won't work with current devices using OS 6.. bleh.

explains why they canned 6.1 hey? But it's hard for me to believe that there won't be a lite version of 7 for these current phones.

In regards to this phone. 9900/9930 - it looks great and seems to run well. Love the form factor but I could certainly do with this phone without the touchscreen. give me a way to turn it off without the chance of accidentally setting off an option and I'll be fine with that too.

Btw Kevin, I hope you're right about how comfortable it is. Thin doesn't always equate to comfort. It looks way to flat to feel nice in the hand.

One last thing, its just a shame that on newer devices from RIM that the trend is to no longer have a second convenience key. taking something away that was useful isn't convenient at all!

Posted by CBMem Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I love how we're still glossing over the fact that this site, and especially the forums, are basically unreadable with 6.0 (and now 7.0 apparently) using the RIM browser (as Kevin mentions above), as are many others. There's no way I'll consider Blackberry OS "good" until I no longer have to use Opera Mini just to read the text on so many websites.

Posted by experiment626 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

You're right. RIM please bring back actual Column View. Face it,the "real web" is not meant to be viewed on a 2.8" screen.

Posted by Shadow Kid Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

is this device going to be 4G?

I read this on another site... "T-Mobile has already committed to bringing the BlackBerry Bold 9900 to market later this year as its first 4G-capable BlackBerry."

Posted by Shadow Kid Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

nevermind, just saw in the official press release that it will be.

http://press.rim.com/release.jsp?id=4999

Posted by JmeBerry Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Thanks. This is a great contest, hope to be the lucky one.

Posted by DannyAves Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Does it have UMA?

Posted by av8ryxx Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Grrrrrrrrr 5.0 MP camera

Posted by Bob G Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

5 MP is more than enough for me. More than about 3 MP surpasses the ability of the optics, so you just end up with a huge file containing a mediocre image.

Posted by Rococo Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Will this turn RIM around?

Posted by salvadorge1984 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Awesome! please count me in :D

Posted by MousePad Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

That would be really sweet! :D

Posted by llcoolls Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I WANT!!! Looks like a great device! I can't wait! TOUCH SCREEN! I Love it!

Posted by mattlamb Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I'd like one - this Torch is taking a beating!

Posted by Deathcommand Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Theres a Backfacing full qwerty keyboard..?

Posted by cb-pada Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

BlackBerry continues to improve with this latest device. I look forward to testing one out.

Posted by Gypsy Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

That is one very fine device!

Posted by mjennings675 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Heck yeah! I'd love one.

Posted by jpassarella Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Was anxiously anticipating more info on this since I heard about the leak on the BB website. This could definitely be my next phone, replacing my Bold 9700.

Posted by mpatchez Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I like it a lot!!!!!

Hmmmmm, no comments from the iFreaks yet about the similar banding on the sides? those are always funny.

Posted by boots796 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Well I just found my next phone. Was going for the Torch but I really like everything about the 9930. I don't think not having a FFC will matter at all. Nice work RIM!

Posted by cdbowman91 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Wow I'm totally in this one. Great job RIM and excellent coverage crackberry. Look forward to using this device.

Posted by grberry Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Beautiful device!!!

Posted by Sevnn Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Great phone psyched about it!

Posted by rlevati Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

this is gold for RIM excelent !!!!!!! hey also don't forget me !!!

Posted by CrackberryTjb Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Good job Rim. Blackberry is back on the map.

Posted by slideaway Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Screen shot on Engadget shows AT&T w/3G, promising. Lets get some dates and dollars now.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/blackberry-bold-9900-hands-on/

Posted by jjbenn1000 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I can't wait untill I get my hands on this device, hopes its gonna be better than an iphone 4

Posted by mack19 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I loved the original Bold ... my only complain was the weight on the original BOLD ... it seems with this new one that issue is resolved.

cant wait to get this ...

Posted by ddhmom Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I am excited by this and hope my company needs me to test one of these!

Posted by DeliriousGA Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Would love t get my hands on one of these!

Posted by cjdye Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

THIS Bold cannot be called a dinosaur, I loved my Bold 9000, but know I have a Torch. It sounds like this is the best of both ...who could ask for more! My fingers are crossed.

Posted by the brother Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Engadget already has a RIM guy walking them through os7 including the browser, Social Feeds 2.0, FB 2.0, etc! Where is the good stuff CB?? He didn't demo Universal Voice Search. Could you, please? Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by mama19 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

It finally here..... I just can't wait until it hits verizon....

Posted by leftypepper716 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I still don't believe this phone won't be out sooner than the "summer"...It's already detailed pretty well on BlackBerry.com ....why the hell would they promo this May 02, and then wait almost 2 months? I still think at&t, Verizon, Sprint will get the Bold 9900/9930 within the 1st couple of weeks of June, and T-Mobile end of June.

Posted by nmaguire001 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

My Bold is getting kind of old an I could really use a new Blackberry. Please let me win please.

Posted by MisterNasty Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Looking good

Posted by salbert274 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Cool!!! Finally a touch screen and keyboard in one!!!

Posted by shintaroshito Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Something

Posted by yellowbaa Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

phone looks really nice. a lot slimmer and the screen is bright and crisp.

quick question though, does anyone know what theme he's using on his 9780?

Posted by ehard24 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Oh YEEEEEEAH!! Man, I want that Bold keyboard back!!!!

Posted by RickOShey Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I have to be the UK's biggest BlackBerry fan. Whats the chances of one of these babies for me over the water?

Posted by crfroggy Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Very impressed. Would really like to see the 9900 side-by-side to the touch. Have the 9000 and will be upgrading soon. Have to give some thought.

Posted by zefoon Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Its about time RIM offered a cool smartphone. As soon as its available I'm getting one!!

Posted by Snowman81 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Blackberry Bold 9000 sized device with a touch screen and great specs.....what's there not to love!!!!

Posted by berto1286 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Now that is what I am talking about, RIM! Finally a BB I can get excited about. I would have to see how it survives the first few rounds of reviews, but it looks awesome. Looks can be deceiving though, as I found out when I got the 9530.

Posted by orlanmc14 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

OMG! its really cool.. im throwing my Torch now... lol

Posted by jope28 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Surprised Kevin didn't go in to check out the size of the OS and free memory like he usually does before he gets caught lol

Posted by arnie27 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

At least 100 more wows than the 9800 Torch, the 9900/9930 looks great. Faster engine, bigger clearer screen - sounds like RIM's got another winner!

Posted by ChazMat5 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Wowwwww it's gorgeous!!...I want one now!

Posted by sklotz2000 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Sounds good... throw my hat in!!

Posted by heveys4 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

good job rim. cant wait

Posted by velkcro Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

honestly im not happy at all

I will not be happy until they confirm the release date for the blackberry touch.

9700 user

Posted by Robert22 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I hope, the new Bold will stay without a need to be charged al least so long, like the Bold 9700/9780.

Posted by danbar Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Let's have it!!!! My Storm1 will be in the toilet!!!

Posted by lolo22 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

the 9900 is very beautifull i like i want

Posted by matkas Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Any word on os6 devices being upgradable to os7?

Posted by valorian Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

No, the current OS6 phones will not be getting OS7. RIM announced this earlier today.

Posted by matkas Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Noooooooooo.. snif snif..
I will have to upgrade then. HO wait there is an IOU contest... :)

Posted by velkcro Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

you will get OS6.1 i think

Posted by bbangelbaby Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Definitely my next Blackberry! :D

Posted by DaNomadicOne Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I am on my 8th death bed...trying to hold out til this is release on Verizon.....Ah man my finger tips are blue paleish and i am seeing dots before my eyes...Hurry up RIM

Posted by slyguy0 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

What a beautiful device! After mostly enjoying, but sometimes enduring my Tour 9630, I can only imagine how awesome it would be to own a 9900. I can't help but be impressed with its specs, the speedy processor,bigger display,larger keypad, and no more trackball! Bring it on!

Posted by dominican2 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I love this phone, i cant wait to get my hands on it. love the touch screen and how clear and slick everything looks. Plse t-mobile carry this phone on ur line up of black berry.

Posted by DX9 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I cant wait for this phone. Excellent job Rim.

Posted by BlackKho Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Holy Cow! I can't get used to my Torch's tiny keyboard and regret my Bold 9000. I'm getting this device as soon as it comes out in France!

Posted by mike22 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Too many things r the best about the new FLAGSHIP touch and 1.2 proceccor ! I guess the main reason is I support rim so I get every new BB that comes out ! So I never win anything at CB cause I tell the truth about device and new os !

Posted by speedyjr Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Nice phone I love it but i thought it was going to be a full touchscreen. Well its close enough.

Posted by SSMiKe06 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

If you are waiting for a full touch device, you just need to wait for the Curve Touch to be announced.

Posted by Blackshirt-1990- Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Looks like a party! Ready 4 this device. This crackberry head wants it!

Posted by helix101 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

just what ive been waiting for!

Posted by jlkeene Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

good or bad, I need one

Posted by mkye86 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

The Engadget hands on is pretty nice the device loaded Engadet's full site beautifully and fairly quickly. My 9700 OS6 browser always crashes. This has been a marvelous day. I've had a really hard time getting any work done :)

Posted by pammydd Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

can't wait

Posted by Falcons2121 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Switched from a 9700 to an Iphone 4 when it was released, and i have to say that the 9900 might convince me to switch back to Blackberry. Not to say the Iphone isn't amazing, i think its a brilliant piece of technology along with all the new android OS phones (esp. Galaxy s2), but this 9900, in my opinion, might be the best overall phone for my needs, i definitely miss a physical keyboard

Posted by bbpandy Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Hmm looking at the previews I had originally thought it was taller….I think slightly taller with a 3” screen would work great….oh well

Posted by bbpandy Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

btw did anyone else see the video of the guy comparing the dimensions of the 9900 with an iPhone 4? Looks to be slightly shorter but wider

Posted by red2wu Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, Bolder.

Posted by WuJen Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Sweet look and cool specs. Looking forward in RIM kicking some butt with new phones coming out this year.

Posted by BOLD9900 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

oh i want this phone so bad! call me the luckiest west indian gal if i win it!! ..thin..sleek and sweet!

Posted by BorgCIO Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Bold Touch 9900 / 9930 - Now that is what I'm talking about!
Blackberry has a hit on its hands with this one with the combination sure to please the BB faithfull and bring new serious people into the fold.

More power, More memory, More Speed, More Screen, More Input Options! Lighter! Faster!

More Real World Satisfaction!

Maybe Crackberry and Blackberry should go on the road this summer with:

"The Boldly More Tour!" Good job RIM! Nice to see a winner, WIN!

Posted by Bold_until_Hybrid_Comes Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Look at my user name on here and when I joined. I've been waiting for u my precious

Posted by LeisThatGirl Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Interesting!.. Will Sprint carry it?

Posted by Talne Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

I hope the 9900 is not too thin, thin feels and looks cheap, my 9000 is perfect.

Posted by jfatjo Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

How much is it

Posted by jfatjo Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

How much is it

Posted by cld1662 Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Come on big red! Been waitng too long.

Posted by jea.nine Monday, May 02, 2011 385 days ago

Loved my 9000. Can't wait for the 9900.

Posted by lsd_tm Tuesday, May 03, 2011 385 days ago

:-oooo

Posted by mavricxx Tuesday, May 03, 2011 384 days ago

Please bring the BB Touch to T-Mo with compatability on all bands for AT&T and T-Mo and make it HSPA+ 42Mbps.

Posted by bintaro_gw Tuesday, May 03, 2011 384 days ago

Just a simple request...bring it to me in Indonesia. Let Indonesia be the first to have it in Asia region

Posted by cyrrusso Tuesday, May 03, 2011 384 days ago

I was hoping they wouldnt have the trackpad anymore. Mine had broken down twice and no one knows why. Its the trackpad useless with the new touch screen?

Posted by goufer Tuesday, May 03, 2011 384 days ago

awesome - it is not so bad...

Posted by goufer Tuesday, May 03, 2011 384 days ago

awesome - it is not so bad...

Posted by Gamesdmc3 Wednesday, May 04, 2011 384 days ago

I like the size/look of it

Posted by indie_user Wednesday, May 04, 2011 384 days ago

this would be a great phone for our daily lives!!! with fast processor, HD vid-capability, 5 MP cam, big memory for apps suited your own wants and needs! simply the best!

Posted by jdmheidi Wednesday, May 04, 2011 383 days ago

PLEASE tell me it's coming out for T-Mobile! Either way I MUST have this phone.

Posted by jdmheidi Wednesday, May 04, 2011 383 days ago

Will the 9900 be coming out in White?

Posted by alexnguyen018 Wednesday, May 04, 2011 383 days ago

With the new hardware upgrades, this new Bold seems to be a pretty good successor to the previous version. Many other mobile platform users may call the specs out of date, but as we see in the videos, the hardware and software work pretty well together to generate a smooth experience. Will the rest of the world besides BlackBerry users consider the 9900 dead on arrival? More here: http://wp.me/p1wchx-5h

Posted by duxxyuk Thursday, May 05, 2011 383 days ago

It was a BB Torch that converted me. Having kept away from blackberry because of their (up until OS6) poor web browser I found the BlackBerry Torch an excellent phone. Personally I think the torch would have been better with a higher resolution display and not being a slider... It appears that this Bold 9900 might be the perfect phone.

Here's my shortlist:

iPhone = I had an iphone 3G.... Easy to use and stylish but iTunes sent me running.
Android = I was very, very impressed... I'll be debating between the 9900 and an android device.
Bada = What I have. I bought it based on paper however Samsung don"t live up to their promises on their 'social hub'. This is the worst for communications and instant mail.
Windows Phone = I have a linux PC at home... enough said.
BlackBerry = I had a Torch for some time and I was impressed. If I can have the same thing without the slider I'll buy one. The blackberry notification system and their communications infrastructure is IMHO the best of the pack.

Posted by JQ_DJ Thursday, May 05, 2011 383 days ago

I want to new 9900 it looks amazing plus thin / lighter then all the bolds. I hoope my wish comes true..... come on Crackberry I need a New Blackberry.

Posted by lojo480 Friday, May 06, 2011 381 days ago

i think it looks very sleek and very cool. i started with the curve and i have the latest bold. i am excited for the new one to come out!!!!

Posted by jeffrs Sunday, May 08, 2011 380 days ago

I love it

Posted by Harvey668 Monday, May 09, 2011 378 days ago

Well I must say it looks very interesting. I have been a blackberry user for a number of years. I was totally looking forward to the Storm but was not happy with it and shied away from the storm 2. Currently I am using a Tour and am very happy with it. Reason for the Tour instead of the Bold was the size of the keys on the keyboard. slightly bigger for us with big fingers. Have been interested in a touch screen and was patiently waiting for a new version of the Storm or something totally new. Well it seems the new Bold 9930 seems to have fit the bill, combining both touch and QWERTY. Looking forward to it.

Posted by crohns Tuesday, May 10, 2011 377 days ago

Please release this bad boy in white right from the start!!!

Posted by dwyt90 Saturday, May 14, 2011 373 days ago

I really want to have this phone..AWESOME..
This is the best.

Posted by Yass85 Monday, May 16, 2011 371 days ago

WANNA 9900 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by everlastinglove Wednesday, May 18, 2011 370 days ago

I love it...I dream it...I'll use it

Posted by blondie37355 Friday, May 20, 2011 367 days ago

Awesome phone!! Love the new design! The touch screen, 5MP camera and full Qwerty keyboard makes it the perfect phone!

Posted by Turtle763 Saturday, May 21, 2011 366 days ago

This is looking great and the slim look is a plus look forward to seeing this phone in my hands and using it to its fullest. Keep up the work RIM

Posted by storm_fan2009 Wednesday, May 25, 2011 363 days ago

Wow. Way to go, RIM! Would make a nice companion to my PlayBook.

Posted by firemrb Friday, May 27, 2011 360 days ago

Can"t wait

Posted by jlb21 Monday, May 30, 2011 357 days ago

I am actually tired of hearing that the 9900/9930 is the thinest BB. Sure, compare any BB to the silver band, yup. But if you compare to the thickness of the band plus the battery compartment, not so much thinner......

Posted by BKKWoof Monday, May 30, 2011 357 days ago

Is the OS 7 based on the QNX? If it is, this whole package looks extremely inviting as an upgrade to the original 9000 that I'm still using.

Posted by baziet Wednesday, Jun 01, 2011 356 days ago

simple design.......is the best

Posted by becvanaly Friday, Jun 17, 2011 339 days ago

Would love to have this phone I'm stuck in the past with a flip phone

Posted by Gwnne Sunday, Jul 24, 2011 303 days ago

okay... I was actually thinking of maybe buying an HTC Android phone.... well..... guess I'm going to wait for this phone haha
does anyone BTW know when this phone will arrive in Belgium?

BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 Hands-On Video and First Impressions

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