A short review of the BlackBerry Essex, courtesy of Salomondrin.

Yes, I covered the Simple Mobile launch on PhoneDog, but I find it particularly relevant in the fact that the MVNO is offering BlackBerry devices as part of the deal.  Not only are they offering a BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 for purchase, but the company is supporting a B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Phone) policy.  BlackBerry devices from the 5810 to the Bold 9000 are supported, and at $50, it’s certainly worth a look.  I’m curious as to how the data works – does it route through RIM’s servers, or is there a workaround?

Via: PhoneDog

Yep, despite it not being commercially available as of yet (in the US, that is), OS leaks are already beginning to pop up for the BlackBerry Bold 9700.

• Download 5.0.0.321 here
• Download 5.0.0.344 here

Note: Links to beta OS builds have a tendency to disappear pretty quickly due to their unofficial nature.  That being said, I’ll try to keep the links updated.  As always, installing beta OS builds is done at your own risk.

Via: Crackberry

I’ve had a few days to play with the Bold 9700, and I’m quite impressed.  Check out my BlackBerry Bold 9700 unboxing video for more information on what comes in the box!

Not to be left in the dark, shortly after the official Verizon Wireless announcement regarding the BlackBerry Curve 8530, Sprint came out with an announcement of its own.  Though no firm date or price point have been established, the nation’s third largest wireless carrier confirmed that it will launch in the future.  My guess is that the price point will be somewhere in the $99.99 range after a $100 mail-in rebate, however with the Tour available at Best Buy for $99 out the door, I’m hoping that the carrier offers it at an enticing price point.

The full press release is below.  Sprint BlackBerry users, is it worth the upgrade?

Read the full story

After appearing on the website, complete with specs and a stock picture, US Cellular has gotten all official and launched the BlackBerry Tour 9630.  With a 2.4-inch display, EVDO Rev. A, and a 3.2-megapixel camera, it can be had for $199.95 after a $70 mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement.  Because the Tour is a data device, US Cellular requires it to be on a $39.99 or higher monthly rate plan, as well as a $24.95 monthly data plan.

Several had asked me (via the tip line and Twitter) when the nation’s sixth largest carrier was going to pick up the popular BlackBerry device.  Now that we have an official launch, who’s planning on getting one?

Via: IntoMobile, US Cellular

Though it’s not available in the States quite yet (it’s coming, I promise), the BlackBerry Bold 9700 has arrived on Rogers in Canada.  As you can see in the picture above, pricing is as follows:

3 year contract: $299.99
2 year contract: $499.99
1 year contract: $549.99
No contract: $599.99

As of now, it appears to be available online only.  Anyone planning to pick one up?