BlackBerry Bold comes to Canada

Research in Motion's answer to Apple's latest iPhone arrived in Canada on Thursday, the first new model of the popular BlackBerry handheld device in more than a year.

Rogers Wireless announced on Thursday that Waterloo, Ont.-based RIM's BlackBerry Bold, or 9000, would be available through the wireless company's 3G high-speed network.

The Bold has twice the screen resolution of the current Curve model, more internal memory and a glossy metallic look. It adds stronger Wi-Fi capabilities and access to third-generation cellular networks.

The high-end model won't come cheap, however. Rogers said the phone will sell from $399.99 with any combination of three-year voice plan and three-year BlackBerry data plan totalling more than $45 per month from Rogers.

The device, like the iPhone, only works on networks using GSM technology and is not compatible with rival CDMA networks like those used by Bell and Telus.

The Bold is seen as RIM's first step towards more consumer-friendly devices designed to appeal to people outside its core business market.

While analysts view the Bold as RIM's answer to the iPhone, it — like previous models — uses a standard QWERTY keypad instead of the touch screen the iPhone has helped popularize.

Other analysts have suggested the iPhone's real competition will come from RIM's BlackBerry Thunder, which will add a touch screen. The Thunder is expected to be released in the fall of 2008.

RIM had already launched the Bold in a host of countries, including Germany, Austria, Turkey, Chile and Ecuador, but had yet to introduce it in North America. A U.S. launch of the device is expected in September.

RIM shares were trading Thursday at $135.57 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, down $2.73 from Wednesday's close.