This isn’t exactly shocking news, but we thought we would share anyway. BBLeaks is reporting that Verizon Wireless will give the BlackBerry Storm 2 9550 and the BlackBerry Curve 8530 their end-of-life papers on August 15th and August 1st respectively. The move comes as Verizon makes room in its inventory for newer BlackBerry devices; BBLeaks reports that replacements for the 9550 and 8530 are due out in Q3/Q4 (which is a pretty large 6-month window). The 8530 is likely going to be replaced by the 9300 series, and we’ve heard grumblings from sources that an updated Storm, the Storm 3, will follow the Storm 2 (although we haven’t been able to pin this one down).

PocketBerry is reporting that T-Mobile has ceased shipments of the BlackBerry Curve 8500 series to retail stores and should be rolling out the new Curve 9300 series to its customer base within the next few months.

And finally, driphter.com got a few snap shots of the BlackBerry 9780; which will purportedly fal into the “Bold” family. The device is very Bold 9700 looking with 512 Mb of RAM and BlackBerry 6. We’ve got a few images of the leaked handset after the jump.

There you have it!

Read [BBLeaks] Read [PocketBerry] Read [Driphter]

We said we’d be back with a follow up to our hands on post, but to be completely honest, and based on the comments and response you guys gave, there’s not too much to write about. A lot of you wrote in and wanted more photos, so we’ve taken some great high resolution photos of the device like we promised.

In terms of the phone itself, RIM isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel. In fact, they aren’t even reinventing the Curve. With the same features as the original Curve 8520 (plus the addition of 3G), we’d be shocked to see this device launch with great fanfare. Knowing RIM, however, they’ll try and milk this for all it’s worth and so will T-Mobile, but it will be hard to justify anything more than a model refresh.

We like the BlackBerry Curve 9300 a lot, but it’s beginning to feel extremely outdated even for a lower-end low cost handset. Yeah, even with 3G. Plus, it hasn’t even launched yet.

Click on over to our BlackBerry Curve 9300 gallery!

Yesterday, the folks over at Crackberry got their hands on images of the BlackBerry Curve 9300; the heir apparent to the 8500 series. The divulged specs look like this: 320 x 240 display, 256 MB of RAM, Wi-Fi (b/g/n), optical trackpad and BlackBerry OS 5. The unit pictured is a GSM joint, although Crackberry assures its readers that a CDMA variant will emerge at some point. The phone has a rubberized back and side convenience keys — much like the current 8500 series — a full chrome bezel that wraps around the front, and the same keyboard as the 8900/85xx. A pretty obvious and evolutionary update to the best-selling Curve line. No word on the availability of this unit, although…one of our Verizon connects promised us a new Curve on Big Red by the end of summer. Any takers?

Read

T-Mobile just officially announced what we’ve all heard for a pretty long while — they’re going to be adding some summer colors to their BlackBerry lineup starting today. First up is the BlackBerry Curve 8520 in Fuchsia Red. It hits T-Mobile’s retail stores and online today and will retail for $49.99 with a two year service agreement. In terms of the big boy toys, T-Mobile is rolling that luxurious-looking BlackBerry Bold 9700 in “Flash White”. That device will start to become available on May 26th for the same price as the current 9700, $129.99 with a two year agreement. Lastly, T-Mobile’s BlackBerry 9700 OS upgrade that just became available will be pre-loaded on the new Casper Bolds out of the box. We’re not complaining.

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• Kyocera/Sanyo ZIO (M6000)
  • Target July 2010
  • MSRP $299.99
  • Android-powered touchscreen handset with 3.5 inch WVGA TFT display, Wi-Fi, 3.2 MP camera with video
• RIM BlackBerry Curve (8530)
  • Target August 2010
  • MSRP $349.99
  • BlackBerry handset with WiFi, 2MP camera with video, QWERTY keyboard, EV-DO, A2DP
• Samsung r710
  • Target Q4 2010
  • MSRP $249.99
  • Touchscreen feature phone with EV-DO, 3 inch 400×240 display, 3MP camera with video, full HTML browser, A2DP
• Huawei MiFi (EC5808)
  • Target September 2010
  • MSRP TBD
  • EV-DO connectivity

Hit the jump for all the pretty pictures, prices, and phones headed to Cricket this year. It’s an impressive lineup for the small, but growing wireless carrier.

Thanks, Blitzz!

Samsung Stunt (R100)
March 2010
MSRP $99.99
basic candybar with 1xRTT, 128×160 display, SMS/MMS, Bluetooth

Kyocera Domino (S1310)
June 2010
MSRP $99.99
basic candybar with 1xRTT, 128×160 display, SMS/MMS, Bluetooth

Cricket CAPTR II
Target July 2010
MSRP $129.99
Basic flip phone with 1xRTT, VGA Camera, 128×160 display, SMS/MMS, Bluetooth

Cricket MSGM8 II
Target July 2010
Candybar with ful QWERTY keyboard, 1.3MP camera, 220×176 display, SMS/MMS, and Bluetooth

Cricket TXTM8 3G
Target September 2010
MSRP $159.99
Candybar with QWERTY keyboard, EV-DO, 2MP camera, QVGA display, microSD expansion, full HTML browser, SMS/MMS, Cricket email, A2DP

Kyocera RIO (E3100)
Target November 2010
MSRP $159.99
Touchscreen handset with 1xRTT, 1.3MP camera, 2.8 inch QVGA display, microSD expansion, SMS/MMS, A2DP

Samsung r631
Target Q3 2010
MSRP $199.99
Side slider with touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard, 2MP camera/camcorder, microSD expansion, full HTML browser, A2DP

Samsung r710
Target Q4 2101
MSRP $249.99
Touchscreen with EV-DO, 3 inch 400×240 display, 3MP camera with video, full HTML browser, A2DP

Kyocera/Sanyo ZIO (M6000)
Target July 2010
MSRP $299.99
Android-powered touchscreen handset with 3.5 inch WVGA TFT display, Wi-Fi, 3.2 MP camera with video

RIM BlackBerry Curve (8530)
Target August 2010
MSRP $349.99
BlackBerry handset with WiFi, 2MP camera with video, QWERTY keyboard, EV-DO, A2DP

Huawei USB Stick
Target August 2010
MSRP $119
USB Sitck with EV-DO, compatible with Windows and Mac OS X

Cricket A605
Target August 2010
MSRP $119
2xSwivel USB stick with EV-DO, external microSD expansion and compatible with Windows and Mac OS X

Huawei MiFi (EC5808)
Target September 2010
MSRP TBD
EV-DO connectivity

ZTE Modem
Target August 2010
MSRP $119
2xSwivel USB with external microSD and EV-DO connectivity, compatible with Windows and Mac OS X

Hear that noise? That’s Fido saying goodbye to 2006 and hello to… 2009? Fido has finally caved in and introduced a modern-ish BlackBerry with today’s release of the Curve 8520. Attractively priced at $50 with a 3-year voice and data contract, the 8520 is also available to pre-paid customers for the one-time cost of $400. Throw in a CityFido plan and data add-on and you really can’t argue against this device if you’re in the market for an affordable smartphone. You know, unless you care about 3G.

Read

AT&T isn’t the only one enjoying lower prices on BlackBerry’s latest handsets. T-Mobile is now offering the Bold 9700 for $129.99 and the Curve 8520 for $79.99, like we reported in a Whisper a little whle back. If you’re a hardcore BlackBerry user and you haven’t upgraded to a trackpad-equipped device yet, now is the best time to jump on the bandwagon. Of course, T-Mobile’s pricing is still slightly higher than AT&T’s at $30 a piece, but if you’re tied to T-Mobile either for coverage, loyalty or love, it sure beats the original pricing. Keep in mind that new contracts and all the bells and whistles apply, but you already know that. Enjoy!

[Via PhoneArena]

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AT&T sure doesn’t miss out on too many BlackBerry offerings, does it? In addition to the original Bold, 9700, and 8900, the Curve 8520 is going to start sharing some of that shelf space pretty soon. It doesn’t have an official release date just yet, only an announcement, but we can only imagine that it’s going to be up for retail pretty soon. After all, the 8520 is already appearing in full AT&T regalia and posing for pictures. If you’ve been wanting a trackpad-equipped BlackBerry for AT&T but the 9700 is on the pricey side, all you need now is a little patience.

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Every year countless gifts are given during the holidays. Some of them are great, and some of them… well, you can’t win ‘em all. We’ve never done a Gift Guide before but with countless new products popping up almost weekly, we’re surprised those of you who aren’t glued to BGR are able to pick out a gift at all. Sorting everything by price point didn’t make much sense as the average price of what’s listed is around $199 after rebate, so we sorted it by lust-factor. We’re working on a couple other Gift Guides but in the meantime, here’s our cell phone one.

It’s fine, you don’t have to gift wrap it

LG enV TOUCH

If your loved one drops your smartphone like a hot potato because it’s “too complicated”, the LG enV TOUCH may be the perfect gift. Featuring an external 3 inch touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, drop dead easy menu controls and an HTML browser that runs over an EV-DO Rev. A connection (read: fast), the enV Touch has made our most worthy list for moderately geeky folk this holiday season.

Available exclusively at Verizon Wireless for $99.99 with two year agreement after mail in rebate.

BlackBerry Curve 8520

The latest BlackBerry in the Curve-series from Research In Motion is the BlackBerry Curve 8520, and it packs a punch for a pretty small price. Is it top of the line? No, but it can most definitely get the job done if you’re considering it as a gift for a young professional, recent college-bound individual, or even a mother or father. Everything is neatly packed into this QWERTY keyboard BlackBerry. Things like a 2 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, extra memory for installing applications and games, and a super long lasting battery round the feature-set

Available from T-Mobile and AT&T in the U.S. starting at $129.99 with two year agreement after mail in rebate.

Sprint HTC Hero

The second best Android handset in the U.S. definitely deserves some love, too, and whomever ultimately ends up receiving the Hero will probably be a happy camper. Featuring a great display, 5 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, and an intuitive user interface (read: it’s simple to use), there’s not a whole lot bad to say about Sprint’s Hero. The price is even attractive.

Available exclusively from Sprint for $179.99 with two year agreement after mail in rebate.

HTC Touch Pro2

HTC’s update to their original Touch Pro is practically available on all major carriers in the U.S., and for good reason. If you’re the business type that demands a Windows Mobile handset and are big on conference calling while on the move, there isn’t anything better. It’s one of the most enjoyable phones we’ve ever used to talk on, and its call quality / conference calling / speakerphone is more or less unmatched. It’s a little pricey, though.

Available from T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon Wireless for $299-$349.99 with two year agreement after mail in rebate.

Nokia E71x

It’s not brand new, but it’s still one of the finest devices that handset-leader Nokia manufactures. What do you get in such a small package? 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi, GPS, a 3 megapixel autofocus camera, a decent QWERTY keyboard and an all black finish. The operating system that powers the E71x is getting a little dated, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a host of applications and games available for it. Plus, you can’t really beat the price.

Available exclusively from AT&T for $49.99 with two year agreement after mail in rebates.

Aww, I love it!

Motorola DROID

There are no ifs, ands, or buts. Motorola’s DROID handset is simply the greatest Android phone to date, and from what we’re hearing, it’s a hot seller. If you’re looking for a gift for your anarchist, anti-establishment son, or maybe a husband that gets caught trying to jailbreak his iPod touch, then maybe they might enjoy an Android phone by Motorola. If you’re looking for a gift for a daughter, sister, or wife, the DROID might not be the best choice, however.

Available exclusively on Verizon Wireless for $199 with two year agreement after mail in rebate.

Dude, fetch me a paper bag, I can’t breathe

BlackBerry 9700

There isn’t much to it: if your loved one is a BlackBerry-addicted individual and demands the best, there really isn’t anything better. From the pocketable design to the always functional keyboard, global roaming and multimedia features, the BlackBerry 9700 has our vote for the best BlackBerry of all time. (Beyonce music video available for download separately).

Available from AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S. for $199 with two year agreement after mail in rebate.

iPhone 3GS

Look, they’ve begged you each and every year, you might as well just give in this time. The iPhone 3GS is Apple’s latest smartphone straight out of Cupertino and it’s a beauty. With an unmatched user interface and practically limitless applications and games (just watch out for those iTunes email receipts), this is one iPod that will be sure to keep the kids, nephews, parents, and even grandparents quiet. And happy, too. Just make sure they’re wearing headphones because we’re heard enough Andrea Bocelli out off Grandma’s iPhone.

Available exclusively on AT&T in the U.S. in both 16GB and 32GB sizes for $199 or $299 respectively with two year agreement.

Andrew Munchbach and Kelly Kodgkins also contributed to this article.

Happy holidays, y’all!

For those of you who were completely underwhelmed by the realities of Project Dark and have a fear of post-paid contract rate plans, T-Mobile has something new for you. Say hello to “T-Mobile Complete.” T-Mobile Complete, and the accompanying “Complete Kits”, will come with the phone of your choice and, uh, well…that’s about it. No contracts, commitments, or legalities involved. Now, we know what you are thinking, why is this news? Well, T-Mobile has stated that the BlackBerry 8520 will be included in these plans as well, and for the first time in the States you can get yourself a BlackBerry device and not be locked into a contract. Sounds good to us. Details are still scarce on the exact pricing of the 8520 and the accompanying pre-paid plan, but we’ve heard that the kits will start at $59 with unlimited talk plans starting around $50/month. What do you guys think? Good idea? No details on the T-Mobile website just yet, but you can hit the jump to read about the release.

T-Mobile announces the availability of T-Mobile Complete, a pre-packaged no-annual contract solution that offers the value of a monthly plan and the first pay-in-advance BlackBerry smartphone from a national U.S. carrier.  With T-Mobile Complete, customers can choose from four handsets starting at $59.99, which includes first month free. Customers can also choose from a range of unlimited plans starting at $50 per month. T-Mobile Complete is currently available nationwide at Best Buy and at select Walmart locations.

T-Mobile Complete kits are the easiest way to give phones this holiday season. Just buy the kit, wrap it, give it as a gift, and the recipient can activate service from anywhere, anytime – and they get the first month free! One of the four devices available through T-Mobile Complete is the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone, the first pay-in-advance BlackBerry smartphone available from a national carrier.  Smartphones will be a hot gift option this holiday season – in fact, T-Mobile expects smartphones to account for 40 percent of its sales in the fourth quarter of 2009.

T-Mobile Complete is just one great holiday gift option from T-Mobile.  With a wide array of devices this holiday season – including the broadest lineup of Android smartphones of any carrier in the U.S. – there’s something for every type of customer.

Please let me know if you have questions about this new offering from T-Mobile. For more information on holiday giving, we’re happy provide our guide on how to give smartphones as holiday gifts.

Looks like AT&T is adding a few new handsets to its lineup for the holiday buying season as today, Ma’ Bell announced it will be carrying the BlackBerry 8520 and the new LG Shine II, all now added to its “best in the world smartphone lineup.” The Shine II is a 3G slider phone with a 2.2″ screen, stereo Bluetooth, Java 2.0, and a November 22nd release date. The Shine Part Deux will also set you back $119 with a 2-year commitment. Switching gears, the more familiar BlackBerry 8520 will boast the now-standard specs of: WiFi, a 320×240 display, 512 MHz processor, 256 MB of memory, and a 2 megapixel camera capable of video recording. The exact release date of the updated Curve was not specified but rather listed as within “the next few weeks.” Any takers?

Read 8520

Read Shine II

For Verizon fans, the biggest and most anticipated device coming from Big Red is the Droid, and many of you have come to rely on your pals at BGR as your one-stop-shop for Droid news, info and pics. Now we’re bringing a little more to the plate with Verizon’s holiday lineup. Most of this stuff is old news, so we won’t bore you with what you already know, but it is interesting to see how Verizon is gearing up its employees to handle the busiest time of year. In one slide, Verizon says, “No matter what customers want. They can find it here.” Unless they want the iPhone, we guess, right?

Of course, perhaps the juiciest tidbits on all these slides is the one featured above with the new 85xx series Curve with Wi-Fi, which is called the Curve2 for Verizon, and the time line below with the private sale. What could that possibly be? Unfortunately there is no release date for the Curve2, but at least Verizon customers can rest assured that it is indeed coming. You guys didn’t think that was going to stay at T-Mobile for long, did you? Hit the jump for the additional slides and images of the Curve2!

• 512MHz CPU
• 2 megapixel camera, fixed focus, no flash
• 320×240 display
• 256MB of RAM
• 3.5mm headset jack
• QWERTY keyboard
• Trackpad
• Wi-Fi with UMA
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE

In terms of pricing and availability, the BlackBerry 8520 is available starting tomorrow, October 8th, for $99 on a three-year agreement with minimum combined service fees of $45/mo or more.

We’ve known for the longest time that Rogers will soon be releasing the wallet friendly BlackBerry Curve 8520, but up until now we’ve (or anyone, for that matter) been unable to figure out the exact release date and pricing of one of the worst kept phone secrets in recent memory. The release date, as tipped off by Best Buy, is apparently October 9th, while the same source also indicates that the 8520 will be unreasonably expensive. We’ve no major qualms with the $499.99 non-contract price (other than it’s a rip-off and $200 more expensive than the $299 USD T-Mobile customers pay) but $99.99 on contract when the Pearl Flip 8220 is $9.99? That’s just not right, now is it. Anyway, hit the jump for some screenies.

Thanks, ILLIONAIRE!

Read – Contract

Read – Off Contract

In case anyone had doubts that Rogers is on the cusp of releasing the BlackBerry Curve 8520, Rogers dealerships across the country have just begun receiving literature for RIM’s latest low-cost QWERTY smartphone. No surprises were included with the official documentation, but the appearance of the literature so early indicates that Rogers might be planning to push out the 8520 ahead of schedule. If this is the case, it’s likely because Rogers doesn’t want to draw attention away from the Bold 9700, which still seems to be on track for a release before November.