First look: BlackBerry Bold - iPhone killer?

Research in Motion (RIM) came into the VNUnet.com offices today to show off its latest model, the BlackBerry Bold. It's being marketed as an "aspirational" device, so this is definitely one for the senior executives - you won't be rolling this out across your mobile workforce. As far as look and feel goes, the aluminium casing and leatherette finish on the back are designed to give it a bit of an upmarket feel and the latter makes it a lot easier to handle than other models.

It's slightly lighter than other BlackBerrys, and the picture quality of the 480x320 screen is one of the best we've seen - this is apparently achieved due to the close proximity of lens to LCD. The user interface has been simplified a great deal from the traditional BlackBerry model, giving it an appearance similar to the Apple iPhone, with easy-to-understand icons represented in neatly boxed sections. Combined with the high-quality screen, this immediately made us try to use the device as a touchscreen model ...possibly something for RIM to consider for future versions.

HSDPA capabilities are a welcome inclusion, and web browsing is speedy. Navigation is made quite simple via the central trackball that doubles as a mouse, allowing the user to pan and zoom across regular web pages, as well as those optimised for mobile devices.

The keypad has raised, slightly curved keys that make it easier to use than previous versions and miminise the risk of mistyping. Those wanting to get their hands on a Bold face a short wait - T Mobile has announced it will be offering the device to its customers from September, although pricing details are yet to be revealed.