The 8900 is a stark improvement on the old 8300 series which dominates much of the market share Blackberry holds here and globally.

But what is it - where does it sit in the Blackberry landscape.

The original Curve was launched at the same time as the 8800.  Looking back to that time, I can recall clearly telling a RIM representative I was meeting with that it was strange that the 8800 series (very Corporate Device could launch with GPS but no Camera built in, while this new Curve could launch as the then first full keyboard blackberry to have a camera.  The reason I understood was that the top end corporate market, in particular legal firms didn’t want Camera's on their staff phones etc etc etc. But also it was about Battery life, and general device space...

So back then I could foresee the 'dream' device which had this smaller form of the Curve, but with a Camera AND GPS - WOW!

Today we have a similar interesting quandary.

The Bold is without doubt the premier Blackberry handset on the market.  Rave reviews, and for good reason.  Extremely high resolution screen - TICK, GPS - TICK, 3G Network capability - TICK, MicroSD Slot - TICK, I can go on.

Then there is the Storm, which I've said before I simply don't like.  I cannot foresee a time where 100% touch screen devices are as productive as tactile keyboards.  But, what it does have is Touch screen technology - and not just any, a new - point and click style.

Then there is the Curve 8900.  Available NOW for Vodafone Business customers, at around $929.

This is quite simply the best looking Blackberry to date.  It is as small to hold as the last Curve, something a BOLD user who misses their old Curve will relish.  It has some of the design styling’s of the Storm, the rounded top, and swooping fake chrome around it.  Plus two integrated buttons on top for LOCK and MUTE.

The keyboard seems to me more tactile than the bold, perhaps more responsive.  It is certainly a tad smaller, but you quickly adjust to that.  The CAMERA on this is 3.2megapixel Autofocus, with a sheer glass screen over the lens and flash, something the Bold so desperately needs.

The Operating System is as per the Bold, and while the MicroSD is under the back cover, it is NOT under the battery so can be hot swapped.

So, why is this not the dream device yet?

3G.  Ouch.  To launch a device in Australia with these capabilities but lacking 3G speed is a huge issue.  At least that is how it will be reported.

But let’s not kid ourselves.  The absolute BULK of people are NOT on 3G just like there are still a HUGE percentage of people on DIAL UP INTERNET. But so much more so when it comes to GSM vs. GPRS vs. 3G.

So is it a deal breaker. No.

I've installed some great applications today on this device.  If they are over 100k, forget about it; wait till you are home on your Wi-Fi network.  Useless waiting hours for the download over GPRS.

Where is it a problem - Photos.  In this day, emailing pics, let alone Facebooking or Twittering them is becoming more and more second nature - so imagine the time this will take with this improved 3.2 mp camera, but over a slower mobile connection.  That's its biggest let down.

Upside: 

Downside:

You be the judge - how often do you sit and WAIT for emails to send? Never.  But if you are using this online a lot to surf and download.  Be aware, it’s slow. Simple as that.

That would be great. Please RIM?