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?

BLACKBERRY CURVE 8530 SMARTPHONE COMING TO SPRINT FEATURING AMERICA’S MOST DEPENDABLE 3G NETWORK AND AFFORDABLE PRICE PLANS

Next generation of popular BlackBerry smartphone adds Wi-Fi, external multimedia buttons and BlackBerry App World; visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.sprint.com/blackberrycurve8530 to pre-register for BlackBerry Curve 8530 from Sprint

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Nov. 5, 2009 – Sprint (NYSE: S) announced today it will add the new BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone to the wireless industry’s best lineup of devices. Beginning today, customers can visit http://www.sprint.com/blackberrycurve8530 to pre-register for this next generation of the popular BlackBerry wireless device on America’s most dependable 3G network1 with the affordability of Sprint’s Everything Data plans featuring Any Mobile, AnytimeSM. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone makes it even easier to enjoy music on-the-go with dedicated keys to skip to the next song on a playlist, pause or play. It comes preloaded with several multimedia applications including BlackBerry Media Sync, Sprint Music Store™, Sprint TV™ and Pandora™. It also boasts dedicated applications for a smoothly integrated social networking experience with Facebook®, MySpace™ and Flicker™. BlackBerry Curve 8530 will be available in three color options – Black, Royal Purple and Red.

“BlackBerry Curve 8330 has been a tremendous success for Sprint. BlackBerry Curve 8530 continues that legacy with the addition of several important features that make it a winner for both entertainment and productivity,” said Kevin Packingham, Sprint Senior Vice President of Product Development. “This is one device that can really do it all with the email, calendar and contact synchronization BlackBerry is known for as well as the latest multimedia and social media features. We are anxious to bring it to our customers who also appreciate the strength of our network, the affordability of our rate plans and our Ready Now customer service experience.”

Sprint’s BlackBerry Curve 8530 will offer BlackBerry App World™ for instant access to thousands of applications. Sprint has employed an open Internet approach, and the Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers, since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.

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?