Happy Friday Bold 9700 users. Here we have a fresh leak in the form of OS 6.0.0.600. It's hot off the presses, so if you're big on leaks then fire this one up and report back. You can drop a comment here and let us know whats new and good or if we should steer clear. As always, use caution when installing any leaked os.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *

Download leaked OS 6.0.0.600 for the Bold 9700
Discuss more in the forums

Source: N4BB

Today from Telus we have OS 6.0.0.461 available for download for both the Curve 9300 and Bold 9780. If you're still using the Crack Team favorite Bold 9700 or a hot Curve 9300, then head over to Telus and download this one. After you install drop a comment or hit the forums with your findings. Even though this is an official OS, be sure to use caution when installing.

Download OS 6.0.0.461 for the Bold 9700 and Curve 9300
Discuss more in the forums (Bold 9700)
Discuss more in the forums (Curve 9300)

[This post comes from our forums courtesy of Alex K. The original thread can be seen here]

Of course this being a leak and especially with no official releases for the 9700 yet, it's to be expected there to be some bugs. In my opinion however, they definitely outweigh all of the functionality that comes with BlackBerry 6.

As a heads up, some of the things I mention will likely overlap with Kevin's review of BlackBerry 6. His guide is very extensive, however I'm writing here more-so about my experience with the leak on the 9700 and what's impressed me the most in comparison to OS 5.

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Since the announcement of the BlackBerry Torch 9800 with BlackBerry 6, we've all been waiting to see how older devices such as the BlackBerry Bold 9700 were going to fair with it running. As it turns out, it looks to be in great shape judging from the above video. With a noted boot time of about 1 minute and overall snappy response from the device, BlackBerry 6 on the BlackBerry Bold 9700 looks like it will be worth the wait. Also noted was the fact it appears to be a full implementation of BlackBerry 6 as well. Not a "watered down" release as previously rumored. WebKit browser, universal search and more are all found on the device. What do you all think now that we get a chance to see it running? Looking good or would ya rather a Torch still?

Source: Boy Genius

I'm always on the lookout to try and find a BlackBerry when I watch TV. Last night I was excited to find a Bold 9700 at the end of In Plain Sight. Sure we could just post a screencap, say how cool it was since most shows use an old Curve 83xx or maybe a Bold 9000 at best, but this time we're throwing in a little fun. If you watch the video above, you can see there is a semi-fake call screen and then a shot of the homescreen. If you have a keen eye you'll notice quite a few inconsistencies between the two. We can assume the "call screen" is really just a Photoshop that was tweaked a bit, but its still not accurate. Watch the video and see what you can spot. Hit the jump to see if you found everything I did (and if I missed anything be sure to leave a comment and let us know).

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The white Bold 9700 has been all the buzz lately, and it looks like some more of you may be able to get your hands on one. We saw it pop up the other day for the Netherlands, and the device is now available for pre-order from Vodafone UK as well. From the looks of things you can order it now, and it is "expected" to be available for delivery on April 20th. The interesting thing is that it is listed as free with select pay-by-month plans. If you're a UK user and ready to rock out in white, head over to Vodafone for more info. Be sure to drop a comment and let us know if you'll be picking one up. Thanks Dave!

• More information on the white Bold 9700 from Vodafone UK >>

Lots of rumors floating around on the arrival of the white Bold 9700 lately. We saw some good stuff turn up in the last few weeks, and now it looks like the device is actually ready for order from T-Mobile in the Netherlands. If you live in the Netherlands you can order the device through the carrier's site, however it appears as if the units won't be delivered until early May. Already a good sign however that the white Bold 9700 will soon be floating to other carriers sites as well. We're pretty sure the device is headed to Rogers at some point, and BlackBerry UK & Ireland posted a tease on their Facebook page that the device will be coming sometime this spring. We hope to have more details on this in the near future.

• View the white Bold 9700 on T-Mobile.nl >>
• BlackBerry UK & Ireland Facebook Page >>
  

We just got word that Rogers customers with a Bold 9700 with have a first in Canada today. Rogers will be rolling out an OTA update to OS version 5.0.0.351 for the 9700. Anyone on an official Rogers OS will be able to upgrade via the wireless update option to the new device software. We're not sure exactly what time the update will be available (if its not already) so be sure to leave a comment if you see something pop up. To check for the software availability, go to Options > Advanced Options > Wireless Update on your device (keep in mind you'll have to be running an official OS to see the update). If you've never used the feature before, check out our BlackBerry 101 on using the wireless update from your device. Unfortunately the OS is pretty old, so if you're looking for something a little newer you can download the latest leaked 9700 OS. You can read the official announcement after the jump.

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Here is yet another leak for some Friday fun. Bold 9700 users can download OS 5.0.0.593 thanks again to BBLeaks. If you're like me you may be getting tired of installing these on your 9700 (I'm still sticking with .545) but some of you may be ready to check it out. Hit the link below to download and drop a comment with your findings.

*OS Disclaimer - Please Read: Keep in mind this is NOT an official release and as such is not supported by RIM or your Carrier. If you choose to install, do so at your own risk and only if you're comfortable in the process of upgrading and downgrading your device software. It is quite normal during operating system development for certain features to be crippled or disabled while others are tested, and these beta builds often reflect that. They are not always better. Depending on your BlackBerry comfort level, it may be best for you to wait for community feedback on a build before deciding to download and install for yourself or simply wait for the next official release. If you require support, you will find it in our CrackBerry forums via our extremely knowledgeable community base - do not contact your carrier or RIM for Beta OS technical support (their first course of action will be to advise you to downgrade to a supported OS). *

• Download OS 5.0.0.593 for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 >>

Source: BBLeaks

 

As was the case with the Bold 9000, it looks like our good friend the Bold 9700 will be made available in white as well. MobileSyrup has landed some Rogers intel that shows a white Bold 9700 may be on the way. The system is now showing the device listed as RIM 9700B/WR which hopefully means RIM 9700 Black/White Rogers. Still just some early specualting, but a Bold 9700 in white would look pretty spiffy. We'll try to do some more digging and see what we can find out. Would you buy a white Bold 9700? Leave a comment and let us know.

Source: MobileSyrup

BlackBerry Bold 9700 FTW! Vote Now!!

* Update: It's coming down to the wire and it looks like Palm owners can be just as crazy as BlackBerry owners. The 9700 needs all the help it can get on this one. Vote now! *

It's no secret that among the CrackBerry Podcast team our favorite device is the Bold 9700, so it saddens us to see it get beat by any other smartphone - especially the Palm Pre Plus. So we're rallying the troops and asking you to cast your vote in Laptopmag.com's March Smart Phone Madness. We can't stand to see the 9700 lose, and if the Tour can beat out the iPhone, there is no way we'll let our hero go down without a fight. Cast your vote above or hit the link below to jump over to Laptopmag to read the reviews and vote, and be sure to show the power of the CrackBerry Nation!

• Vote for the Bold 9700 in the March Smart Phone Madness >>

If you're not sure who Kenneth Tong is, his credits include the UK Channel 4 Big Brother, as well as the upcoming Millionaire Matchmaker. Well, it turns out Kenneth is a huge CrackBerry fan (and BlackBerry fan in general) and took some time to send in these photos of his new 24 carat gold plated Bold 9700. Its done up from top to bottom, and although not everyone's taste, it does look great. Really the only things left untouched were the trackpad and screen. No word on just how much this cost (I'm not sure I want to know) but I'd be willing to bet it's a bit more pricey than ColorWare. Hit the jump for another shot of the device. Thanks Kenneth for sending these in!

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Not crazy big news on this one, but something that had bugged me for quite a while. If you remember a few months back, I dropped a rant on the "Show Recent Contacts When Composing Email" option in a leaked Tour OS. Well it turns out that in the latest leaked Bold OS this option is yet again making an appearance. I think its an awesome feature of any OS and should definitely be included in an official build down the road. The option essentially gives you "Gmail style" recent contacts, and displays addresses that aren't necessarily in your contact list. Very cool if you know the name or partial address of someone, as you can just start typing and it pops right up. The option can be enabled under Options > General Options in the Messages application. It looks like the Keyboard Lock that got kicked to the curb in the last leak has found its way back as well. Always interesting to see what comes and goes in different OS versions. Thanks Isaac!

The unique case leaves my ultimate decision on it at 50/50. I like the case itself - the fact that it has a screen protector and keyboard cover built in, but I'm not sure its really worth having those "bonus features" at the end of the day. The Seidio Innocase 360 two-part case snaps right on and holds tight. Its overall very sturdy and can certaintly stand up to a drop. While it covers more of the device than most cases, the side keys and ports are still left exposed. I think the biggest issue I had was trying to adjust to using the trackpad with the case on. I think on previous devices it wasn't an issue since the trackball had enough height to clear the line of the case, but I found using the trackpad difficult at times, although there is a decent amount of space to work with. Depending on your needs the case may be a good fit for you, but I think for the extra cost, the keyboard and screen protection may be a bit much to justify the price.

More Bold 9700 Cases:

Crazy day so far. We had planned to run our final birthday contests like mad and we have a bunch of news rolling in on top of it all. Hot from the forums we have a leaked OS 5.0.0.536 for the Bold 9700. We've heard some good things about this one, so if you want to brighten up your Friday a bit you may want to give this one a go. As usual, use caution when installing a leaked OS. Hit up the link below to download, or jump into the forums for more discussion.

• Download OS 5.0.0.536 for the Bold 9700 >>
  
• Discuss more in the CrackBerry forums >>