News & Rumors

BlackBerry Bold - Features and Specifications!

by Kevin Michaluk

on 10 May 2008 05:02 PM

BlackBerry Bold Features & Specificiations

[ BlackBerry Bold Review Series - Table of Contents ]

What a Week! I brought you the web's first review of the pre-release BlackBerry 9000 (thanks eBay!), then I announced the 9000's new BlackBerry Bold name to world. Now it's time to BE BOLD and finish things off with the final release features & specs of the new BlackBerry Bold Smartphone. Much of following was known, and I'll skip the standard BlackBerry gimmes, but we now have precise answers to some of our lingering questions, including the internal memory the BlackBerry Bold will feature...

BlackBerry Bold Smartphone Features & Specs

Size - Length: 114mm, Width: 66mm, Thickness: 14mm
Weight (with battery) - 133g (same as the 88xx series. I can attest to it!)
Memory - 1GB on-board (storage) and 128 MB Flash (applications)
Battery - 1500mAhr lithium cell
Est. Battery Life - Standby: 13 days, Talk Time: 5 hours
Network Support - UMTS: 2100 / 1900 / 850MHz, GSM: 1900 / 1800 / 900 / 850 MHz, GPRS, EDGE and HDSPA networks
Wi-Fi - 803.11a/b/g enabled
Display - HVGA, 480 x 320 pixels, Transmissive TFT LCD, supports over 65k colors
Media Player, Video Support - DivX 4, Div X 5 & 6 are partially supported, XviD is partially supported, H.263, H.264 and WMV3
Media Player, Audio Support - .3gp, MP3, WMA9 (.wma/.asf), WMA9 Pro/WMA 10, MIDI, AMR-NB, Professional AAC/AAC+/eAAC+
Media Player, Audio - BlackBerry Media Sync allows you to transfer your desktop iTunes music to your BlackBerry!!!
Camera - 2.0MP, 5 x digital zoom (with flash of course)
GPS - internal GPS with extended ephemeris, BB Maps is standard
Bluetooth - Bluetooth v2.0, all the normal stuff and Bluetooth Stereo Audio via A2DP and AVCRP
USB Port - Enables charging and high-speed data synchronizations via USB "A" to mini-USB "B" cable (I can personally say moving files back and forth is now lightning quick!)
Browser - HTML browsing, View Movies/Clips from websites built for mobile streaming, RSS feed support

All good stuff, but you can see in orange what has me excited here. When it comes to memory, the 9000 will be packing a Gig of built-in storage space for media files, etc. You won't be able to install applications on this (that's what the 128MB flash space is for), but it's still a welcome and much needed addition. It also seems all of us frustrated BlackBerry/iTunes users will no longer be frustrated!! And native DivX support? Sweet!

I don't have final confirmation yet on whether the BlackBerry Bold will ship with a holster, skin (that's what was included with my eBay 9000) or pouch, but I'm guessing it could be carrier dependent. Either way I'm hoping a big selection of BlackBerry Bold 9000 Accessories will hit the market soon as I've never been a big fan of what ships standard.

UPDATE: It looks like we were right about the BlackBerry Bold name. Going to www.BlackBerryBold.com now takes you to a page on the BlackBerry website!!

That's it for now, I'm spent. Need to re-energize before flying out to Orlando to Attend WES. Talk to you guys from there!

Filed Under: News & Rumors;

37 Comments

Posted by jretty Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

What happened to the blackberry "niagara"?

Posted by Kevin Michaluk Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

Niagra & Javelin are codenames for future devices built upon this platform.

Can You Can Read About Them Here

The Bold will likely be hitting AT&T first, the Javelin will hit T-Mobile, and the Niagra will be the CDMA version

Posted by Anonymous Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

I am drooling. I can't wait.

Thanks Kevin!

Posted by safri Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

Hah! I was so excited about this BOLD thing that I forgot about the much awaited OS 4.3/4.5 for my Curve but it was worth it. Thanks Kevin for the reviews and coverage.

Posted by Anonymous Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

I think you need to start the CrackKidReport!!!!!!!!

Posted by osupike18 Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

That is great news. You will have to let us know what they say at WES as I am sure you will. I want to get my hands on one cuz it sounds like the ultimate Blackberry. Once again thanks Kevin for all the great review on the pre-release 9000.

Posted by bjsgara Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

Kevin,
Does the OS support Mac.

Posted by Anonymous Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

speaking of.. did you see blackberryniagara.com for sale on eBay?!

Posted by mdlissner Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

Now we need to know when it will be available via carriers for business customers and for commercial customers.

It will be great to upgrade to a new device in the near future.

Looks like RIM has done a good job in putting together a compelling feature set. The real battle will start when Apple comes out with software to connect to Exchange Servers. I still do not see how a virtual keyboard can be as efficient for the power email users in the corporate world. To compete in the corporate world Apple will need a hybird device with both virtual keyboard and a QWERTY.

Now I just have to figure out how to get one through my corporate account.

Posted by Xicano Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

Kevin, you've done an amazing job of keeping us up to date on the latest info about the 9000.

Thanks.

Posted by dansus Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

One thing i didnt see you mention in your reviews is the browser.

Sorry to sound stupid but does it come with a browser and will it include flash lite 3?

If so, is it more S60 like or WM like?

Ive never tried a BB before but this sucker is turning my head from my E61.

thanks.

Posted by nyick Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

if this is RIM's pre-AK then i don't know what to expect from the RIM's real AK...
this will prob give steve job a run for his money...

Posted by JRSCCivic98 Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

128MB Flash + 1GB onboard basically is the same as 128MB Flash and 1GB Media Card. Unless they change something in the OS to allow installation of apps on that 1GB or caching on the 1GB it's useless. It'll still be limited on memory, not as much as the current 64MB models, but still limited.

RIM, pull your heads out of your "you know what" and put some real memory on there.

Now, what's the possibility of the stats info being incorrectly reported? Could it be 128MB RAM and 1GB Flash? That would be a little more belivable especially since Kevin said the performance was really quick on the test 9k. Current models only have 32MB RAM, which is why they tend to be a little sluggish sometimgs.

Posted by Adlen 2.0 Saturday, May 10, 2008 1472 days ago

Jeez the battery! The 8800 is listed as 22 day standby. 13 days? Severe drop.

Posted by IndyRedLXi Sunday, May 11, 2008 1472 days ago

Does the iTunes/MediaSync work with music purchased from iTunes? I hope so!!

Posted by mike22 Sunday, May 11, 2008 1472 days ago

WAY TO BIG THE BRICK IS BACK
SHOULD HAVE NAMED IT "B R I C K"

Posted by dortego Sunday, May 11, 2008 1471 days ago

144mm seems too long, at about 5.7 inches. 114mm maybe? Thats about 4.5 inches. Typo would be understandable though. I'm pretty fired up myself.

Posted by cuban_dudeca Sunday, May 11, 2008 1471 days ago

I cannot wait for this device to come out. All this talk of the BB 9000 being called bold then the specs release I totally forgot that os 4.5 was comming out.

Posted by cvaria Sunday, May 11, 2008 1471 days ago

The features are great but the styling is unimpressive and iphone-copy-ish, just like the motorola 9c. The 8800's styling is far more aesthetically appealing. I'd assume that this phone is a market share grabber (read: reaction) over an actual grass roots advancement from rim.

I love the 88xx style simply because it is original and evokes a classic looking blend of 1940-60's luxury with a new age sleekness. every detail of the phones appearance was considered, the use "silver" was anything but arbitrary. -------A stylish super-clean executive look.

A lot of that style was stripped clean off of the 9xxx, in seemingly attempting, to appeal to the sheepish hordes of consumers that would consider the iphone and favors some ikea-ish minimalist approach. --------An iphone replica with blackberry features.

Don't get me wrong, I would like to get one. --But not because of the style-- I want the upgraded features and functionality. My 8830 suffers from some obvious oversights (no camera [but picture can be assigned to contacts?], no wi-fi but available on other 8800s... yeah yeah radios, etc.)

Posted by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 26, 2008 1425 days ago

what a square

Posted by haroldd Saturday, Aug 02, 2008 1389 days ago

Can't comprehend the excitement re the new themes. Going from full color icons to cave-drawing-realistic monochrome line drawings. Two steps backwards. Black. Schwartz. Booooooooooooring.Give me the pdated horsepower of the new OS, but spare me what now apparnetly passes for eye candy.

Posted by Anonymous Monday, May 12, 2008 1470 days ago

Does anyone know the cost?

Posted by jonp Tuesday, May 13, 2008 1469 days ago

how come no bluetooth 2.1 ?

Posted by Anonymous Friday, May 16, 2008 1466 days ago

Does anyone know if they are going to release a version of this without a camera also? a lot of the other blackberries have a non-camera version but i havent been able to find any info as to whether or not they will have a cameraless version of the Bold. Not allowed to have a Camera phone where i work which is the only reason why i care.

Posted by moodyj Monday, May 19, 2008 1463 days ago

Thank you so much for comfirming these details. I am anxiously awaiting.

oh and should you change the 803.11a/b/g to 802?

Posted by mwrig022 Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1462 days ago

does the bold have IM for yahoo and hotmail?????

Posted by anonymous Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 1446 days ago

Will the Bold function for both phone and email in Japan? My current Blackberry works fine in Europe but I have to rent a different device for Japan.

Posted by rjo72223 Friday, Jun 13, 2008 1438 days ago

When can you get one and how much?

Posted by iitsjessiibabii Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 1421 days ago

is it a GSM phone?

Posted by DonnieB Sunday, Jul 13, 2008 1408 days ago

Just wanted to follow up on some of the posts that came before me (I'm a retailer of mobile devices including RIM). First off my opinion on the Bold... Pure Brilliance. I personally own the 8330 and love it; therefore RIM was going to have to pull out all the stops to make me change my ways, and they did. I forgot who it was in the thread that said the style was bland and iphoneish? (i think it was) but I absolutely disagree. I think the new design is just what the blackberry line was in need of. Beauty in simplicity. The lines are seamless, the screen looks gorgeous, and the dark tone gives it more of a professional, coming of age look. In responce to a few other questions people asked... Actually current blackberry software is compadable with Mac OS you just have to download a freeware app to use your BB with a Mac. Weither the 9000 will be compadible out of box, not sure. It does come with a web browser by Blackberry (it doesnt include flash). The internal memory isnt 1GB its 168 MB of Flash, with 1GB expandability (microSD and microSDHC). of course it has WiFi and is 3G compadable, sorry they are not making a model without a camera. Yes it is a GSM phone and the first release will be for AT&T for an estimated $300 in August. I myself can't wait

Posted by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 20, 2008 1401 days ago

OK, so I've started reading up on what some of the competitors for iPhone will be in the near future (none of the currently available models seem close... maybe I'm wrong?). I'm currently on Verizon (though I'm free to change over, my 2 years is up and I haven't renewed a contract yet... waiting to see what some competitors may offer) and a Mac user. I honestly just don't understand much of the tech language on these devices. Anyone know of an online dictionary/decoder where I can look up some of these terms being tossed about? The iPhone seemed really cool, but what cancelled it out as an option for me was the high-cost monthly contract. I can't see myself paying around $100 a month for only 450 minutes (my plan right now is 900 minutes). Any idea of what they are planning as the monthly on the Bold? I'm dying for my .mac email to be accessible on a phone also! Will it be able to get my email from .mac? Is the Bold supposedly better than the upcoming Thunder (or Storm?)?.

Posted by Anonymous Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 1394 days ago

2MP camera... that's it? Such a power house machine and that's it... Even a Nokia 5610 has a 3.2MP camera, and that's not half the phone!

Posted by Anonymous Thursday, Jul 31, 2008 1390 days ago

May be an IPhone killer but still has a ways to go to match the Samsung I760 with Windows Mobile 6.1. How can people get by with that tiny keyboard when a nice landscape one is available?

Posted by Blackberry Bold Thursday, Aug 07, 2008 1383 days ago

I invite you and your readers to read FULL REVIEW of new Blackberry BOLD, at new blackberry user's blog at http://www.blackberry-report.com/reviews/blackberry-bold/

Posted by Mycado Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008 1378 days ago

Do you know the France release date

Posted by ScubaCA Monday, Aug 25, 2008 1365 days ago

Is this a world phone like the 8830?

Posted by luckyme Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 1183 days ago

where do u download new applications for blackberry 9000? i would be obliged if someone could help me.