Verizon BlackBerry Curve 8530 surfaces ahead of launch
updated 07:45 pm EDT, Mon October 26, 2009
RIM's CDMA counterpart to the 8520
The BlackBerry Curve 8530 has surfaced in a hands-on look ahead of its launch on Verizon. The smartphone represents RIM's CDMA counterpart to the Curve 8520, although the latest model offers a few extras. The pre-release device, obtained by CrackBerry, was contained in a box labeled Curve 2, although it remains unknown if the company will use the moniker with official marketing.
Both the 8520 and 8530 share the same basic specs such as a 320x240 display, 2 megapixel camera and 256MB of flash memory. Following the Storm2, the 8530 is one of the first few BlackBerrys available through Verizon with Wi-Fi. The CDMA variant bests the GSM 8520, however, by adding integrated GPS and 3G data connectivity.
CrackBerry noted much faster performance with the 8530 compared to the 8330, although it is unclear if the processor is the 512MHz component from the 8520 or the 528MHz version from the Tour. Externally, the latest design diverges from the 8520 by using a checkered back-cover with a unique texture.
Pricing and a launch date for Verizon's Curve 8530 have yet to be announced.
