Our pal Al Sacco scored a bank error in his favor this morning when T-Mobile sent him a marketing image of the upcoming BlackBerry Bold 9700 which was not accompanied by any embargo terms. I brought you live images of the T-Mobile branded Bold 9700 previously, but this marketing shot sure looks sweet. T-Mobile also sent along the following blurb, which still makes use of the "onyx" codename:
"The BlackBerry 'Onyx' sports a premium experience and design with a high-gloss black finish and leather grain detail on the back. Boasting features such as high-speed 3G Web browsing, Wi-Fi calling, visual voicemail and support for corporate and personal e-mail options, the 'Onyx' will satisfy all your on-the-go needs. Also the phone comes preloaded with mobile applications from BlackBerry App World, including Amazon MP3 store for quick and easy music downloads and TeleNav GPS Navigator for turn-by-turn directions."
Regarding release dates, Al says T-Mobile says it'll be here before the end of 2009, and with the later-heard embargoed date being early November that sounds more than reasonable. As far the use of the word "onyx" goes, it could be that their sticking with that for now until they officially decide on the model number for the device. It should be a Bold 97xx (the word Bold is on the backside of the device), but rumor has it that the T-Mobile version of the Bold is actually a bit different spec'd than the version AT&T and other GSM carriers around the world will ultimately get. While the AT&T/other version makes use of the Bold 9000's processor and battery, the T-Mobile version is slightly different, featuring a different processor and making use of the battery found in the Curve 8900/Storm/Tour. Why? So the T-Mobile version will be the same worldwide, working with 3G both on T-Mo USA and T-Mo in Europe, while the everybody else version of the new Bold (AT&T, Rogers, Vodafone, etc.) will not need T-Mo USA's HSPA frequencies. Maybe T-Mo's will be the Bold 9700t while elsewhere it'll just be the 9700. Or maybe their just waiting until RIM actually announces the exsistence of the device and are sticking to the onyx codename until that happens. As always, all will be revealed in time. Sure looks pretty though.
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Spiral_ouT Sep 8, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Exciting! can't wait till its released.
devGOD Sep 9, 2009 at 9:36 am
I'm excited too but I think i'm going to sit this one out. And wait for the next BB tmobile will release around Feb 2010.
bmwmpower Sep 8, 2009 at 4:17 pm
This is what everyone's been waiting for. I'll be there on day one
quailalstar Sep 8, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Sweet! I'm getting one when it comes out! Now lets see how much the price is without contract.
six4seven Sep 8, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I switch blackberry's way to often. this problem is killing my wallet.
big_time2 Sep 8, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Same problem here, but I may still get it though.
nyc_rock Sep 8, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Maybe its the pics I have seen (video too) but it seems like the keyboard goes out further to the edges making it wider.
mkurz12 Sep 9, 2009 at 8:36 am
I haven't been keeping tabs on the Onyx since I'm on Verizon but I thought I remembered seeing early pics with the keyboard having the same beveled look as the sides of the device, witch in turn made the keyboard look a bit smaller.
I could be wrong though. As I said, I haven;t been paying too much attention to the Onyx hype.
Looks great though!
I thihk I like the less conservative look it has compared to the Tour. I also like that it is it's own device as far as style. it may have the Bold's leather back but other than that it pretty much is it's own style with keeping with RIM's curent over all style.
That was one of the things I didn't like about the Tour when I first saw pics. The fact that the casing is a combo of the Storm and 8900.
donald.aleshire Sep 8, 2009 at 4:21 pm
This is indeed what everyone has been waiting for! It has it all, I hope Sprint gets a version like this, or their Tour version next year at least has the trackpad, Wi-Fi and 5.0 in it!!!
gbsn Sep 8, 2009 at 4:32 pm
so the 9700 will have the same processor speed as the 9000... that totally burst my bubble =[
missymd48 Sep 8, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I cannot wait. I already know what I want for Xmas.
pkcable Sep 8, 2009 at 4:37 pm
SHAWEET!
tfrankson Sep 8, 2009 at 4:39 pm
a 3g Berry for a chance on Tmo. I guess the Storm 2 is not coming to TMO?
Mpowerf1 Sep 8, 2009 at 4:43 pm
So wait the T-Mobile curve will have AWS & regular 3g banding so it'll work on other networks?? If so sweet!
davidnyc Sep 8, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Awesome that they confirmed it will have UMA!
Zenzalez Sep 8, 2009 at 4:55 pm
cool!!!!!!!!!!!! awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't WAIT!!!!!!!!!!
FOR IT! THE PHONE LOOKS GOOD COME ON T-MOBILE BRING IT OUT....
lcw9006 Sep 8, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I can't wait for this device!!!! My 8320 is ready to retire.
What do you think will tmobile include in the Box??
CNYSmartphoneAddict#WN Sep 8, 2009 at 4:59 pm
I'm not normally one to salivate over new devices, but I like the looks of this one...I've been hemming and hawing over whether to jump over to T-Mobile, and this might just make my decision for me in a few months. :)
melodeezee Sep 8, 2009 at 5:03 pm
I agree with six4seven....this is killing me! LOL But I am gonna buy it anyway! LOL Can't wait!
augiedoggie Sep 8, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I knew T-Mobile would get the 9700!!! Yeaahhh!!! This is my next phone, we just have to get it B4 at&t...
drew4flt72 Sep 8, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Very excited about this... Two things though. No mention of UMA and I thought the codename for the T-Mobile branded 9700 was the "Driftwood". I love the "Onyx" codename. Can't get excited though, RIM will change that at the last minute... Yay, my name is on the phone!!! :-)
wcihlu Sep 8, 2009 at 5:37 pm
if you read the original article by Sacco he mentions it will have UMA
drew4flt72 Sep 8, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Sweeeet!!! Haven't read that article yet but thanks for clearing that up for me.
wcihlu Sep 8, 2009 at 5:36 pm
so is this a tmo exclusive? all we've seen so far r tmo branded onyx...
Se7en.Ate.Nine Sep 8, 2009 at 5:43 pm
oo btw Kevin.. We all know you already have the StormII. Do you have the Onyx/Driftwood too?? You were excited when you saw someone carrying the 9700 in the wild so I'm assuming you don't?
roninksb Sep 8, 2009 at 5:44 pm
"including Amazon MP3 store for quick and easy music downloads"
Hmmm . . . fascinating. I wonder if this will be available for other BB devices.
confucius Sep 8, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Now BlackBerry might be able to compete with other phones.
AP1618 Sep 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm
anyone noticed both the white numbers and letters?
just like the at&t version...
pwrwgn05 Sep 8, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Wow! That is nice!! With all the new models coming out, I'm losing track of which phone will have which rumored feature. Is this the one that's rumored to have a touch screen and keyboard, or am I get this one mixed up with an other rumored model?
Se7en.Ate.Nine Sep 8, 2009 at 9:20 pm
The Magnum has touchscreen and full qwerty. The onyx is the bold with a trackpad.
pwrwgn05 Sep 9, 2009 at 8:29 am
Thanks Se7en!! I know someone would know :)
devGOD Sep 9, 2009 at 9:42 am
They've been talking about the Magnum since 2008 so i'm betting CES 2010 in January they'll have a working copy and you'll probably see it on carries Feb-Mar 2010. Tmo usually release a new BB around that time. So if you can wait i'd skip over the Onyx cause you know there will be a new BB in 5months.
Artsan713 Sep 8, 2009 at 6:12 pm
cheap on tmobile
vx1 Sep 8, 2009 at 6:25 pm
well now lets all run !!! and grab a 9700
if I could afford it I would but 2 haha gimme
I would even promote RIM to get one :)!!! rofl
lexreis Sep 8, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I hope this one have a better batery performance and a non heat celular.
Cause my bold is hot as hell!! but i do love it!!
tnewton3 Sep 8, 2009 at 7:05 pm
No thanks, you couldn't pay me to get tmo service. I'm waiting for a new one over the Bold on at&t.
drew4flt72 Sep 8, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Dropped calls and no UMA.... Yeah, enjoy that.
Enraged Medic Sep 9, 2009 at 2:17 am
UMA is the only thing T-Mo has over AT&T...who's to say T-Mo's 3G service will even be worth a DAMN! Guess you'll be dropping 'em too!
czaplin Sep 9, 2009 at 8:45 pm
you forgot about cheaper service from tmo
donniejett Sep 8, 2009 at 7:09 pm
After this contract im going to tmo anyway so this may be the one
jamiegroh Sep 8, 2009 at 7:11 pm
i will definitly be getting this device!
speedyjr Sep 8, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I am ready for this new phone. I love my curve but i want another blackberry.
vx1 Sep 8, 2009 at 7:19 pm
hurry up, !@!@# haha I need a few of these puppies :)
jeffreii Sep 8, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I didn't see anything in this article or the one on CIO that made me think they will actually called this the "Bold 9700" other than a reference to a production model with "Bold" stamped on the back.
I'd have to think the Bold's successor will come as an exclusive to AT&T first and hopefully be the same size as the Bold, not smaller like this one.
konic Sep 8, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Don't see the reasons for such excitements.
Bold 9000, Tour, and this one look pretty much alike.
Yes, there are some minor barely visible cosmetic diffs,
but not that many to jump and attack nearest store.
This ad doesn't even say if the device has better than 9000 screen!
Vicious_Cid Sep 8, 2009 at 7:58 pm
I just read CX mentioning that the Driftwood will be using a different battery. This could be T-Mobile's.
D_March Sep 8, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I will be buying this phone, but I might try to wait a few extra months and get it at the lower price with a new contract.
DisplayError Sep 8, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Is it confirmed that the T-mo version of the Bold 9700 will have UMA? The last I heard, T-mo was having complications with UMA + their 3G network together.
Se7en.Ate.Nine Sep 8, 2009 at 9:23 pm
oo yea! i remember hearing that too.. apparently none of the techs has been able to successfully use uma and 3g together... but the original article does say it will support uma...
i guess all we can do is wait and see!
Tricks Sep 8, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Nice phone, but I'm still waiting for the Magnum on T-mo. Will it happen? Also, what's with the lesser processor and battery? Unfortunately I don't travel abroad, so making it work on both networks doesn't help me, better battery and faster processing would though.
confucius Sep 8, 2009 at 9:58 pm
If only T-Mobile offers to pay for my early termination fee. The phone looks great!
brodcaster Sep 8, 2009 at 10:05 pm
to onyx! of course :0
make that, to "own-it", the onyx
312 Sep 8, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Man, that's pretty fricken hot!
howl078 Sep 8, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Storm II & Onyx? I want them both
mb00 Sep 8, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Is it bad that I just squealed like a teenage girl at a Jonas Brothers sighting.
grreyes24 Sep 8, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I cant wait for this. I still have a pearl 8100 so you can imagine how huge of an upgrade that would be.
claykin Sep 8, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Not the bloody touchpad. I tried thr 85xx at the TMo store and was ready to throw the phone out the window!
Kershon Sep 8, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I just upgraded to a 8900 in May cause my 8320 was on its last legs. But this is exciting and I can't help drooling. When we get a release date the 8900 is going on eBay and I will be first in line at the T-Mo store. Come on T-Mo!
Detective M Downs Sep 8, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Amazon MP3 Store??? Where is this??
jrodjrxbox Sep 9, 2009 at 12:29 am
dumb question but will it have better service since it has 3g probably yes cuz edge here in ct suxz and my girlfriend wants a new blackberry
Pruthisith Sep 9, 2009 at 3:00 am
Does this means it also supports SIP protocol?
codemaker Sep 9, 2009 at 10:02 am
No sip support. The wifi calling referenced here is UMA based.
jv2fashion Sep 9, 2009 at 3:09 am
OK T-mobile is stepping it up!!
icycoldice Sep 9, 2009 at 4:19 am
I cannot wait for this phone! I just it would come out now, without that trackpad, I want the trackball!
CarBob Sep 9, 2009 at 5:09 am
All these new BlackBerrys - it's almost too much for a CrackBerry addict to stand - but I think I can handle it!!
Looks like it's going to be a 'Berry' Christmas for one and all. Which one to get? Will it be an Onyx or a Storm II? Or maybe wait till Q1 0f 2010 and get the BB Essex.
Speaking of 2010, what other BBs will RIM be announcing? Should be very interesting. Am looking forward with great anticipation and excitement. Bring it on.
- CB
johntkong Sep 9, 2009 at 8:24 am
OMFG! That phone is tight! C'mon with a CDMA baby!
codemaker Sep 9, 2009 at 10:04 am
Expect the Essex to be a CDMA version of this phone (maybe even something better).
Kaminsky Sep 9, 2009 at 9:04 am
i am patiently waiting...
whozethere Sep 9, 2009 at 9:22 am
Is this through skype or can you boldly get the phone calls that should have come in through your carrier . . . I know, probably wishfulness on my part.
codemaker Sep 9, 2009 at 10:05 am
This is not via skype, although I think that is possible too. The wifi calling is done via UMA, and yes, you can get call that came in via your carrier.
whozethere Sep 9, 2009 at 9:24 am
Is this through skype or can you boldly get the phone calls that should have come in through your carrier . . . I know, probably wishfulness on my part.
keyfin Sep 9, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Even with 3 g the service is still poor. I can even make a call from work...
crownr0yal Sep 9, 2009 at 2:03 pm
boo hiss @ this T-Mobile version. this does nothing for me? AT&T? where aaarreeee you?
Touch Pro Sep 9, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Pick me I never win
msliggins Sep 9, 2009 at 5:31 pm
OHHHHH, I can not wait! This will definately be my next device.....I have had my current bb for over 6 mos....TOOOO LOOOOOONG :)
clitrenta Oct 5, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Wow and I thought I was the only crazy addict out there. 6 months? I'm lucky to go that long. HA!
Sajan Parikh Sep 9, 2009 at 6:26 pm
ATT...please leak some info! It's driving me crazy.
loma25 Sep 9, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Maybe if this actually comes out in November I might remain as a loyal t-mobile customer, personally I would rather have the the Storm 2.
Mikethaler Sep 9, 2009 at 10:45 pm
What are the camera and video specs? Hope they equal the 8900.
jvallen3#cb Sep 10, 2009 at 1:12 am
What's the deal verizon? Can we at least see the 9700 let's go we have the network but att and tmobile get the best blackberries. We are asking please get this phone. Thanks
jvallen3#cb Sep 10, 2009 at 1:16 am
What's the deal verizon? Can we at least see the 9700 let's go we have the network but att and tmobile gets the best blackberries. We are asking please get this phone. Thanks
Divat81 Sep 16, 2009 at 2:08 pm
OOH!!!! I may get this one instead of the 8520.
clitrenta Oct 5, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Looks a lot like my 8900 except for the trackpad and white numbers. Is this thing wide like the original Bold?