Be BOLD: Announcing RIM’s BlackBerry Bold

Research In Motion (RIM) is launching a new high-end version of the BlackBerry cell phone this summer. The BlackBerry Bold is expected to launch in mid-summer on the AT&T Network 3G (probably late summer on Wirefly; we expect it to cost between $300 and $400. It is aimed at BlackBerry’s core base of business and power users.

From sources all around the web, plus the official press release, here are the key features differentiating the BOLD:

• Superior Performance. Supports tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks around the world and comes with integrated GPS and Wi-Fi. The BlackBerry Bold will come preloaded with 1 GB of memory and will support up to 16 GB in capacity.

• Stunning Display. The screen resolution is twice as vivid as the current Curve 8310 model, making for a very sharp display.

• Rich Multimedia. 2-Megapixel camera with video recording capability media player for watching movies and managing music collections.

• Powerful WiFi & GPS. Integrated GPS, WiFi and a host of multimedia features. Improved rendering capabilities, faster download speeds and ability to support simultaneous voice and data. The BlackBerry Bold smartphone even allows users to navigate while on a call.

• Talk time of 5 hours, with standby of 13 days.

• Black leather back panel that can be swapped for other color leather plates.

Like the Curve and the Pearl, BlackBerry’s consumer-oriented phones, the Bold will likely expand RIM’s user base of 14 million consumers. It’s a beautiful and BOLD cell phone.