BlackBerry Curve 8310 with GPS arrives at AT&T

AT&T this morning became the first US carrier to pick up the BlackBerry Curve 8310, upgrading the home-oriented smartphone with real GPS mapping. Using either BlackBerry Maps or AT&T's optional TeleNav subscription, users can plot automatic driving directions or find their way on foot while still having access to 'push' e-mail. Like the Rogers version, it also upgrades the 2-megapixel phone with a full headphone jack, an improved media suite on the phone and for PCs, and an easily accessible microSD slot. AT&T's version is unique in supporting both the provider's Mobile Music access and offering a push-to-talk function for immediate conversations.

The color scheme is also unique in the country, AT&T says, with the phone coming exclusively in red as well as in titanium gray. The new BlackBerry sells today for $450 contract-free but drops to $200 with a two-year agreement in place; using BlackBerry messaging starts from $30 on top of any existing calling plan.