BlackBerry Onyx with Trackpad Spotted

By Kevin Michaluk on 10 Jul 2009 10:11 am

When we first reviewed the BlackBerry 9020 (Onyx), we made note of how much we'd love to see that trackball replaced with a trackpad. It was widely believed to be coming and we made note a few weeks back that trackpad 9020's were finally in the wild, so it's almost surprising that it took this long for a photo to pop up that shows the refined device. Hopefully we'll be able to do more than see soon, because adding a trackpad to to a BlackBerry that already has 3G, WiFi, GPS, and a 3.2 megapixel camera seems like just the right move.

[Source: BBU via our forums, New Image Source ]

Topics: News & Rumors

Kevin Michaluk 3676 (articles) 3018 (forum posts)

115 comments

greatcasa Jul 10, 2009 at 10:13 am

Red "X"

GreatSave31 Jul 10, 2009 at 2:30 pm

When will people realize, you can go out and buy the best phone on the market (or, what you think is the best phone). But if the Network does not work (drop calls, slow, sounds like you are talkng in a can), then you really don't have a phone. I was once a customer of the "Network with more bars. Sorry, "I hated it!"

naman919 Jul 10, 2009 at 10:17 am

Just when VZW gets a Bold competitor, they have to one-up us again. This is going to be one Bad@ss Bold replacement.

metsman23 Jul 10, 2009 at 10:18 am

Now that this has been spotted release date should be sooner than later.

big_time2 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:25 am

I hope you're right.

runlcc Jul 10, 2009 at 10:19 am

Very Nice...

Shexo Jul 10, 2009 at 10:19 am

I need this baby in my life!

justinangil Jul 10, 2009 at 10:21 am

Looks very nice with the trackpad. Hoping for a 4Q release?

ezcobar411 Jul 10, 2009 at 10:24 am

It looks like I know what I'll be using my upgrade for.

cenloe Jul 10, 2009 at 10:28 am

This device has the two things that are lacking in the Tour, wi-fi and a trackpad.

Kolbe Jul 10, 2009 at 10:37 am

Sounds like the best BlackBerry yet. And of course Verizon doesnt get it. Sweeeet.

Hand_O_Death Jul 10, 2009 at 10:50 am

Why is it sweet that Verizon doesn't get it? I would love this phone if it came to VZW. I hopw you are not one of those people that need to feel superior to others by having something they don't?

arundc Jul 10, 2009 at 11:21 am

Technology changes so fast...we all know that. Good for them if they have a new phone but I am holding on to mine (Storm...love it) until a BlackBerry LTE version comes out on VZW, hopefully sometime next year?!?!

bp3dots Jul 10, 2009 at 12:39 pm

I think he was being sarcastic...

JarceBerry Jul 10, 2009 at 10:41 am

This will be my next BlackBerry.

mookish Jul 10, 2009 at 10:44 am

I'll take one with or without...

lordfred Jul 10, 2009 at 10:45 am

It's made of bits of real "onyx" so you know it's good. lol (onyx pokemon) XD

codemaker Jul 10, 2009 at 11:21 am

Hilarious!

berryg1 Jul 10, 2009 at 10:46 am

http://skitch.com/wolwol/bagqk/img00068-20090608-1539

maggini1 Jul 10, 2009 at 10:50 am

As much as I love my 8900, I'm already bored with it.
The Skitch.com photo is STUNNING. ONYX here we come!

JMTart07 Jul 10, 2009 at 10:59 am

I WANT NOW

Soco_Jon Jul 10, 2009 at 11:03 am

so was almost sure i was gonna get the tour but...this is the phone i've been looking for...i have a storm but im sooo looking forward to buttons...i miss actual buttons lol and this has wi-fi AND an optical trackpad!! just the phone ive been looking for...i hope its for verizon...does anybody know who will carry it??

codemaker Jul 10, 2009 at 11:23 am

This one is coming to At&t and T-Mobile. VZW will probably get a wifi enabled tour next year some time. No telling if it will have the trackball or the trackpad. That is probably the closet you are going to get to the onyx on VZW.

big_time2 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:28 am

Do you know if it's coming to TMo at the same time as ATT, or will we have to wait longer for TMo?

jdsharpexvii Jul 10, 2009 at 11:04 am

Lets be serious here.
This Blackberry Onyx is just straight amazing.
Innovative. Amazing. Beautiful. Quality.
It has EVERY feature needed. It lacks NONE.
Period.
I'm done.

jlgosse Jul 10, 2009 at 11:05 am

The device on the left appears to have a press screen, much like the Storm

experiment 626 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:07 am

Looks like the Gemini 8520.

big_time2 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:29 am

The one on the right is 8520.

nls Jul 10, 2009 at 11:06 am

I want trackball!!!! :(

amirnabilkamelsaad Jul 10, 2009 at 2:07 pm

I love trackballs too, but when they get stuck and you can't scroll up or down for a couple of minutes...or you become one of those victims with the busted trackball...well, the optical pad will make perfect sense to you then.
Lets keep our fingers crossed the optical pad won't have any problems as well...

Cwhiting07 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:07 am

That phone is a beast. Tooo bad I won't ever see it over here on verizon.

lembowski Jul 10, 2009 at 11:07 am

Beautiful.......thats all I can say. VZW needs to flirt with RIM more to get some ONYX love!

experiment 626 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:08 am

Any chance this could be the Driftwood?

cigardj Jul 10, 2009 at 11:09 am

Is it just me or does the screen press in on the device on the right? Is this the Magnum with a "sure press" screen?

At any rate, the trackpad looks nice.

imitenotbecrazy Jul 10, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Umm the phone on the right is the 85XX series Gemini which is a curve replacement, low cost and small specs. It has a trackpad so Im not even sure why you would think it would ALSO be touchscreen. The phone on the left is the Onyx which is in the Bold family and has many of the same features as the Bold with slightly better specs. This too has a trackpad so that will not get a touchscreen either. Hope that clears things up for you

augiedoggie Jul 10, 2009 at 11:17 am

I got an 8900 & I luv the phone, but if T-mobile came out with this onyx or driftwood Damn,I would buy it quick...come on T-mobile...

jay0heavenly Jul 10, 2009 at 11:20 am

I'll hold on my decision to upgrade from my BOLD after I see the specs, the trackpad in and of itself definitely won't make me upgrade...and the 3.2 megapixel photos are just ok.

C'mon RIM, roll out a 5 Megapixel Camera phone and I'll upgrade that day!

But who knows, I'm a feen for technology so I might upgrade anyway...lol

dwain77 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:22 am

I love the ball on my 8900...and I'm not sure I'd want a trackpad.

I also have a Samsung Omnia with VZW for my work phone. It has a touch area very similar to the one in the pictures. I think it's nice, but I don't really use it that often (of course it's touch screen so it's not needed too much)...I think I'd like the ball better.

djjackm Jul 10, 2009 at 11:24 am

what provider is going to be getting this?

Pre-dawn raid Jul 10, 2009 at 4:41 pm

Already asked and answered...ATT and Tmob.

cbs2669 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:33 am

I bet RIM can't get it released by the end of the year.

pckozub Jul 10, 2009 at 11:35 am

or they'll release it and the software won't be done :-)

Brandon26pdx Jul 10, 2009 at 11:48 am

I agree, the trackball on the 8900 is nice...way nicer than the one on my Bold.

I wonder if this trackpad clicks down when you press it like the trackball does (ie; mouse click/make a selection). I'm guessing it must or it would completely change the user interface...

obentou Jul 10, 2009 at 11:49 am

No tactile feedback = not for me.

I need the trackball.

crysis63 Jul 10, 2009 at 1:21 pm

yeah me too, dont i love rolling my trackball.

magredvet Jul 10, 2009 at 11:50 am

Sweet!!!! I'm like a junky who just the days fix!!!

Chris

hoho Jul 10, 2009 at 11:51 am

Please be coming to T-mobile!

vx1 Jul 10, 2009 at 11:56 am

wonder when a rogers release date will be

joolian Jul 11, 2009 at 12:20 pm

Im happy with my 3G, but the onyx almost looks too tempting to pass. Seriously considering picking this one up.
Hopefully RIM releases it on Rogers first like they did for the Bold.

milner40 Jul 10, 2009 at 12:03 pm

i just read on BG that sprint will be adding wifi to there up and coming phones Q will they b adding it to the new blackberry tour 9630 that coming out on sunday

fadetoblack1985 Jul 10, 2009 at 12:36 pm

no they meant on future devices starting next year

r1ckynutz Jul 10, 2009 at 12:11 pm

up for upgrade next month with ATT. I hope to get a release date by then to know if its worth the wait!

omuzikworld Jul 10, 2009 at 12:17 pm

Nice look! which network will be on?

fadetoblack1985 Jul 10, 2009 at 12:36 pm

that's a good looking device it will be nice when it comes to Rogers.

12RFW34 Jul 10, 2009 at 12:41 pm

Does anyone have any idea when either the Onyx or BB Storm 2 will debut??

Hand_O_Death Jul 10, 2009 at 1:21 pm

The Storm 2 will Debut 31 days after I buy the Tour, I Guarantee it. Just So I can't trade it in.

Jonneh Jul 10, 2009 at 12:55 pm

This is looking to be quite a phone.

GaDgEtMoN Jul 10, 2009 at 1:04 pm

This is the 8900 I want... :)

synwars Jul 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm

Definitely looking forward to this hardware release. Mark me down for one, cash in hand!

KingKida Jul 10, 2009 at 1:55 pm

i dont get it....which one is the onyx? the right or the left?

left looks more like a tour, and the right looks more like a curve...

mookish Jul 10, 2009 at 2:53 pm

That's because all the new bb's look the same and do the same things with incremental improvements.

Xopher Jul 10, 2009 at 3:11 pm

The Onyx is on the left - has a Bold-style keyboard.
The Gemini is on the right - has a Curve-style keyboard.

ntborg Jul 10, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Looks cool

Law2138 Jul 10, 2009 at 2:05 pm

This would be the BB for me on a CMDA carrier. I am slowly losing hype for the Tour 9630 and I am hoping for more solid info on the next bb to hit CMDA besides the tour.

I know this will be on ATT and GSM, but I'm hoping for a similar or comparable device.

vbev84 Jul 10, 2009 at 2:09 pm

Wow, I just became available for upgrade too, i have a bold, 8900 and hopefully sooner rather then later an onyx!

sg01 Jul 10, 2009 at 3:01 pm

It looks so good! :)

mychair Jul 10, 2009 at 3:27 pm

You people fiend over the tiniest changes that RIM makes to these phones...Trackpad!! Gotta have it!! Slightly faster processor!!! Gotta have it!!! Slightly brighter screen!!!! Gotta have it!!! Seriously, consider how little the differences are in these phones people. The Tour is a dud. They will be giving you these things at work, like that boring WorldPhone BB. I swear, you're all like puppets to your RIM master. You'd buy a dog turd with a keyboard from them and claim it was the best phone ever.

experiment 626 Jul 10, 2009 at 7:08 pm

Well,the name of this site "is" Crackberry.LOL

mookish Jul 10, 2009 at 9:17 pm

Then they shell out $500 and then complain that it's the same OS and really isn't any different than any previous model.

ghostshell Jul 10, 2009 at 3:23 pm

this or the magnum is my next BB fix

nothin2seehere Jul 10, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Me want! Maybe my HTC Hero will have to wait if this is available come November :)

joryoung Jul 10, 2009 at 3:52 pm

Call me crazy but is this a touch screen device? looking at it the screen looks very similar to the storm and I can even see a gap in the screen from the frame that looks like surepress.... Flame me if you want I'm not all up to date on the new bb's coming out just something I noticed in the pic...

12MaNy Jul 10, 2009 at 3:52 pm

Onyx looks killer with the optical trackpad!!!

andrewisalive Jul 10, 2009 at 3:55 pm

I swear, I just got so excited under my desk. It is BEAUTIFUL. WHEN?????I want it NOWWW.

bigjman Jul 10, 2009 at 4:04 pm

sexy ass berry. makes the gemini next to it look so chep!

BKWILLIAMS Jul 10, 2009 at 4:08 pm

LOOKS GREAT, CURIOUS AS TO WHERE THIS DEVICE WILL LAND AND HOW SOON. WILL THIS EVENTUALLY GET TO SPRINT, VZ, OR AT&T?

BlackBerryAdict Jul 10, 2009 at 4:18 pm

It's an AT&T device.

Jewelzz Jul 10, 2009 at 5:29 pm

No WiFi so it's definitely not VZW. I desperately need a new BB and am trying to hold out until Nov, when my contract is up and in that time I need to figure out if I want the Tour or Bold but now it looks like there might be another BB device thrown into the decision mix.

KingKida Jul 11, 2009 at 1:16 am

i read and seen a video stating wifi, 3G, and OS 5.0.111

Crunch Jul 10, 2009 at 6:48 pm

I wonder how much Kevin takes you screamers, whiners, apparent mind readers, angry about specs, seriously. It can't be that many.

Crunch Jul 10, 2009 at 5:40 pm

9020, maybe this is one for CDMA'ers...The Magnum will be sick for us GSM'ers. Either way, the Bold successor better have HSPA 7.2...and it will. ;) :D :D

2005CTS Jul 10, 2009 at 6:30 pm

I am on Verizon and plan on staying there. I am waiting to replace my 1st generation Storm with a Storm 2...but if the Onyx were offered by Verizon...it would be a tough decision. I want 3G, Wifi and a fast processor with lots of memory. I would be willing to ditch the Storm for an Onyx if the OS was better.

NeoSign Jul 10, 2009 at 6:32 pm

The trackpad look like it has too little room for navigation on the Onyx, as opposed to the 8520. It looks like it would be difficult swiping downwards, you'd just hit the top row of the keypad. I can't see how this would make for easy navigation. I'm sure it works better on the 8520 where the pad has more space around it. I still think I would prefer the trackBALL on the Onyx.

gwtiff54 Jul 10, 2009 at 6:36 pm

I will be happy with the Tour! I sure hope Big rEd gets it. Sooner or later it probally will.

gwtiff54 Jul 10, 2009 at 6:36 pm

I will be happy with the Tour! I sure hope Big rEd gets it. Sooner or later it probally will.

BlackKho Jul 10, 2009 at 6:55 pm

Gonna get it, but I need to use in all aspects my BB Bold...

Anyway, it is a very nice device, keyboard is great, I'll wait for the test...

wcihlu Jul 10, 2009 at 7:08 pm

9020? Isn't 90xx the bold branding?

wcihlu Jul 10, 2009 at 7:08 pm

9020? Isn't 90xx the bold branding?

experiment 626 Jul 10, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Now the 9020 series number makes sense.The early pics of the Onyx/Driftwood seemed to show a device alot closer looking to the Tour than this one.Kevin's sold on the trackpad and the rest of the 9020 is sooo sleek.Beautiful Device.In all honesty I think every provider in 2009 won:CDMA providers w/the Tour 9630 and GSM providers getting the Onyx/Driftwood 9020.

wcihlu Jul 10, 2009 at 7:45 pm

9020? Isn't 90xx the bold branding?

Zwickliffe Jul 10, 2009 at 8:33 pm

awesome! i can't wait!!!

pmich Jul 10, 2009 at 8:38 pm

is there any word on the magnum? because if that one is another year ago i may get the onyx. Otherwise i'll hold out for the Magnum!

Anyone think that the Magnum might also have a trackpad along with a touchscreen? That would be GOLDEN! and definitely worthy of the "Flagship" device title! (along with WIFI, 3G, GPS, 256MB ..etc)

chairguru22 Jul 10, 2009 at 8:47 pm

how will the trackpad be affected with a sweaty thumb? The track ball sometimes skips around when it gets wet.

stealthfox Jul 10, 2009 at 10:16 pm

wow. I don't know if it's just this shot here, but that picture makes me want to trade the Bold in for the Onyx!!

Plazmic Flame Jul 10, 2009 at 10:23 pm

Damnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! I want the Onyx!!! Looks sweeter than I could have imagined!

alexaa#cb Jul 10, 2009 at 11:11 pm

Well today is the last day to win the Blackberry Tour 9630 and it also happens to be the same day I join as a member too. This would be an awsome upgrade compared to my current 8130 pearl. I have never won at anything before. I hope I do win this it would be a first for me! =)

bewdc Jul 10, 2009 at 11:11 pm

I have had 4 Storms. Tired!! What are pro/cons of switching to Tour? Will apps I have paid for the Storm work on the Tour?

Plazmic Flame Jul 11, 2009 at 12:34 am

Not to be rude but the Tour is fail. Telus tried to offer me it and I said, "Are you serious?!" That Blackberry has nothing to offer in my opinion. Tour talk needs to get out of here anyways, we have the Onyx and Gemini lised above, lets us bathe in their glory, lol.

icycoldice Jul 11, 2009 at 1:13 am

Bring back the trackball please!

CatAlex Jul 11, 2009 at 1:46 am

Oh wow.

That is so killer.

auwebb005 Jul 11, 2009 at 1:51 am

I want one!

redman213 Jul 11, 2009 at 3:34 am

is it just me or does the one on the left look like the screen moves??(look at the buttons)

overall tho the talk/end keys on the right are cool and the keyboard on the left looks a a lot better. also the keyboard on the left has to seemingly white lines..they kinda look like lights...

anyways cant wait for the final product!!!!

c3PreO Jul 11, 2009 at 4:05 am

Hey, I'm no expert or anything, but I do know that some BB's can have their trackball modules replaced. Why can't RIM develop develop a trackpad module "upgrade" for trackball devices? Or is there more to it??? Just wondering;)

c3PreO Jul 11, 2009 at 4:06 am

For BB's with SD slots (either for memory or SIM card) that do not have WiFi, develop a way to "add" WiFi by an external SD card. Like I said, I'm no expert, just wondering if its possible....

ubrdave Jul 11, 2009 at 5:34 am

great to see some proof behind the rumour!! id like to play with the new pad¬!

George Tomas Jul 11, 2009 at 7:38 am

I really want to have a blackberry like this one and hope to get one soon. I hope at least this one won't disappoint me.

guitardudezach10 Jul 11, 2009 at 9:27 pm

I like the trackball, i think it makes blackberries unique

SpaceAgeDroid Jul 11, 2009 at 10:24 pm

I wish they would have kept the silver bezel and the leather back on the onyx like the bold. Anyway, I love the new specs. :)

SleepingSniper Jul 13, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Ppl u dont knw how much i cant this Sphone....crack aint da word ever since i became a Bberry user iv wanted one that had all the bells and whistles and not jus some the have a clone that had the ones that i didn't have but didn't have the ones i had. This seems like my ultimate "fix"...the only thing that could OD me is if this Sphone was touch screen too. So come on RIM make it happen...soon.

abolds4397 Jul 28, 2009 at 3:06 pm

I really hope that the Onyx is comming to T-Mobile. The 3G Blackberry's have made it around except for ATT, T-Mobile. That will definitely be my next Blackberry. My 8320 has served me very well though. Having the trackpad would be great!

gingerbastard Jul 28, 2009 at 3:29 pm

is it just me or does the screen kind of resemble the storms around the edges, it isn't flush like the old bold or the 8520 next to it it looks like theres a gap running around the edge which makes me think it could have some kind of surepress screen which would be kind of weird on a qwerty blackberry?

or is it simply my eyes being crap and my overactive imagination taking effect on this one?

timeXway Jul 29, 2009 at 3:32 am

this is the best looking blackberry ever made, real black real BOLD :-P

jthoang Aug 7, 2009 at 3:44 am

This is great!!

savage.a Aug 9, 2009 at 7:44 am

i am seriously so excited about this phone. i haven't got a blackberry yet (i know, it took me a while) but hopefully the onyx will be my nex... if i can keep myself calm till november. but i'm not sure if i can!

Jude526 Sep 15, 2009 at 9:07 pm

This is my first BB I have no issues with the trackball.
I love the Tour........

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