T-Mobile today announced the availability of the BlackBerry Bold 9900. This phone is the first 4G compatible BlackBerry and runs on RIM’s latest OS, BlackBerry 7. The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is arguably the best BlackBerry available right now with a 1.2 GHz processor and a beautiful display.

The phone is available today for pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers. It will be available in stores beginning on August 31. Of course, you have to be willing to shell out $299.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate while signing a two-year contract.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

T-Mobile Launches the BlackBerry Bold 9900,
Its First 4G BlackBerry Smartphone

Featuring the new BlackBerry 7 operating system, the smartphone will be T-Mobile’s fastest BlackBerry to date, leveraging a 1.2 GHz processor and America’s Largest 4G Network

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Aug. 17, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the upcoming nationwide availability of the first 4G BlackBerry® smartphone to run on America’s Largest 4G Network™ — the BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900.Available today in an exclusive pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers and launching nationwide on Aug. 31, the 4G-capable BlackBerry Bold 9900 is the thinnest BlackBerry smartphone ever (at only 10.5mm) and the first to offer the perfect union of a high-performance keyboard and brilliant touch display integrated within the iconic BlackBerry Bold design. Featuring a range of powerful hardware enhancements including a 1.2 GHz processor, Liquid Graphics™ technology 24-bit high-resolution graphics and advanced sensors, the new smartphone is designed to deliver the ultimate in communications, multimedia and productivity.

“T-Mobile is excited to add a BlackBerry smartphone to T-Mobile’s best 4G product lineup ever,” said Andrew Morrison, vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA.“With the new BlackBerry Bold 9900, we are offering our socially-active and business-minded customers a powerful device with a unique proposition — the pairing of a nationwide 4G network with the mobile communications efficiency that has become synonymous with BlackBerry smartphones.”

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is powered by the new BlackBerry 7 operating system, which introduces a next-generation BlackBerry browser with a significantly faster, more fluid Web browsing experience that is among the best in the industry. Additional enhancements to this next-generation BlackBerry browser have also optimized zooming and panning for smoother Web navigation and optimized HTML5 performance for incredible gaming and video experiences.

“We continue to deliver innovative products for our customers, and we’re excited to offer our first 4G BlackBerry smartphone,” said Femi Lakeru, vice president of business sales, T-Mobile USA. “Since T-Mobile offers 4G speeds in more places than any other wireless broadband network in the U.S., CIOs can trust that the BlackBerry Bold 9900 will give their employees the ultimate combination of speed, productivity and security.”

T-Mobile’s high-speed 4G network continues to expand and is now available in more than 190 markets, reaching more than 200 million people nationwide*. With the addition of the BlackBerry Bold 9900, T-Mobile now offers a wide variety of 4G devices including smartphones, tablets, laptop sticks, a netbook and a mobile hotspot. Running on America’s Largest 4G Network, the BlackBerry Bold 9900 helps make life truly mobile — all at 4G speeds. Whether accessing email, sending an invoice, getting directions or uploading photos, T-Mobile customers stay connected and informed virtually anywhere life takes them.

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 smartphone continues the tradition of delivering a leading mobile communications experience with a highly refined and integrated suite of phone, email, messaging and social apps to keep users connected and productive throughout the day. Recent enhancements include the newest release of BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), and an updated Social Feeds (2.0) app. The new Facebook® for BlackBerry smartphones (2.0) app introduces features like Facebook chat and BBM integration that make it easier for users to connect with their Facebook friends in real time.

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is also the first device to come preloaded with T-Mobile’s new MobileLife® Family Organizer application. Powered by Cozi, MobileLife Family Organizer makes managing families’ busy schedules easier with centralized calendars, shopping lists, to-do lists, and family journals that allow family members to share updates with each other on the go. Calendar reminders can be sent by text or email allowing customers to avoid missing their kids’ soccer practice or an important shared appointment. More information about MobileLife Family Organizer can be found athttp://www.t-mobile.com/calendar.

Availability

The BlackBerry Bold 9900 is expected to be available in an exclusive pre-sale for T-Mobile business customers beginning today, Aug. 17. The smartphone is expected to be available at T-Mobile retail stores and at select dealers and national retailers nationwide starting Aug. 31. For more information about T-Mobile products and services, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

T-Mobile’s 4G network has expanded to additional markets, including Atlantic City, N.J., and  Florence, Ala. A complete list of all the markets where T-Mobile’s 4G network is live can be found at http://newsroom.t-mobile.com/articles/4g-fact-sheet.

For more information about T-Mobile’s 4G products, please visit http://www.t-mobile.com.

*T-Mobile’s HSPA+ 4G network not available everywhere

About T-Mobile USA

Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG. By the end of the second quarter of 2011, approximately 128 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group — 33.6 million by T-Mobile USA — all via a common technology platform based on GSM and UMTS and additionally HSPA+ 21/HSPA+ 42. T-Mobile USA’s innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile USA among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com. T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. For further information on Deutsche Telekom, please visit www.telekom.de/investor-relations.

We know that the BlackBerry PlayBook will eventually be coming to Sprint. There will be a 4G-compatible PlayBook coming out this summer, but if you dont need the connectivity you can go for the Wi-Fi version beginning on June 5. This information comes thanks for Sprint’s Market Director, Gerald Evans. Evans posted this on his person blog:

The much anticipated BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet with Wi-Fi® connectivity and 16 GB of storage will go on sale in all Sprint direct ship sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Business Sales, www.sprint.com and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) on Sunday, June 5, for $499.99 (plus tax).

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A Vietnam-based blog, Tinhte, has posted in in-depth video walkthrough of the BlackBerry Apollo (AKA the 2011 BlackBerry Curve). The BlackBerry Apollo has a 800MHz processor and runs on Blackberry OS 7, the latest announced OS. It features a 5-megapixel camera but doesn’t shoot HD video for some reason.

The release date of this device is still unknown but we are hearing later on this summer if everything goes well. Check out the video after the jump.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIiZU8H_G2E

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Otterbox has a reputation for making high-quality protective cases for mobile phones and tablets. The manufacturer recently released its Defender series case for the BlackBerry PlayBook. We have been testing the Defender Series for the BlackBerry PlayBook for about a month now and we are finally ready to give our impressions.

The Otterbox Defender Series for the BlackBerry PlayBook is definitely made for those who are looking to protect their device against heavy drops, bumps, shocks, scratches, and dust. It offers three layers of protection to protect every aspect of your device.

The first layer is a high-quality polycarbonate shell that snaps on the PlayBook. This shell also includes a clear protective membrane that will protect the display. We noticed that this protective membrane requires you to press the display just a little bit harder to get things to register, but it isn’t an annoyance.

The second layer is a durable silicone skin that will help against heavy drops, bumps, shocks, etc. This is not your average silicon skin you find on normal cases, this one seems to be much thicker and heavier, which is a good thing on a protective case.

The final protective layer is a clip on, multi-directional shield with a built-in stand. This shield snaps on at the end and can be placed on either the front of back. Placing it on the front will protect the screen from any damage it may get in your bag or holder. Placing it on the back is a way to hold it and keep the device even more secure. Perhaps one of the most interesting uses of this piece is using it as a stand for the PlayBook. Take off the snap on shield and it is easy to make it a stand for the PlayBook which is useful for many things.

The Oterrbox Defender Series for the Blackberry PlayBook costs $69.95 and can be purchased from the Otterbox website.

T-Mobile hasn’t done the best job of keeping its upcoming phones confidential. Thisismynext has discovered the company’s 2011 roadmap which includes devices and dates of what T-Mobile plans to release in the coming in the future. Hit the jump for the full low down.

June:

June 8

• HTC Sensation 4G
• Samsung t589 Gravity Touch 2
• Samsung t759 (Named the Exhibit 4G)
• Huawei E587 – 42Mbps HSPA+ mobile hotspot

June 15

• Samsung t499

June 29

• Samsung t379 Triumph (Probably named Gravity 4)

July

July 6

• HTC Doubleshot (Probably launching as the myTouch 4G Slide)

July 15

• HTC Marvel (T-Mobile-branded Wildfire S

July 27

• BlackBerry “Monza”

August

August 17

• BlackBerry Bold Touch

August 31

• BlackBerry Apollo (Next-gen Curve with traditional QWERTY keyboard)

September

September 14

• LG Flip II

September 21

• Nokia “Panda” (Launching as the Nuron 4G)

September 26

• Samsung Hercules

Beyond…

November 22

• LG Maxx
• LG Maxx Q (Maxx with a QWERTY keyboard)

No launch dates:

• Huawei U2805
• Samsung “Jamong”
• Samsung “Dumont”
• LG “Gelato” Optimus II
• HTC Bresson
• HTC G-Infinity

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RIM is recalling about 900 BlackBerry PlayBook devices that have been determined to be faulty. The news comes from a leaked Staples document, which claims all chain stores are participating in the recall. While RIM did not specify what the problem is, the company did provide a list of serial numbers of 16GB PlayBooks that were recalled. Staples was given a process to recall the units and was told “not following the process below may result in a customer purchasing a unit that will not operate.”

Head over to Engadget to see the fill list of serial numbers recalled.

EDITED:

CrackBerry got an official statement from RIM:

RIM determined that approximately one thousand BlackBerry PlayBook tablets (16 GB) were shipped with an OS build that may result in the devices being unable to properly load software upon initial set-up.

The majority of the affected devices are still in the distribution channel and haven’t reached customers. RIM is working to replace the affected devices.

In the small number of cases where a customer received a PlayBook that is unable to properly load software upon initial set-up, they can contact RIM for assistance.

Borrowing from the familiarity of a book, the DODOcase Classic offers functionality, style, and sophistication to your new BlackBerry Tablet. DODOcase will keep your tablet protected and you looking sharp.

DODOcase is one of our favorite case companies for tablet devices. We got our hands on the DODOcase Classic for the BlackBerry PlayBook. This case is one of the most unique PlayBook cases we have seen yet. Made from Moroccan cloth and constructed using traditional book binding techniques, this case makes your PlayBook fit in with the rest of your books in the bookcase. The PlayBook fits perfectly in the bamboo core with a four-piece tray design.

Earlier today, I went into Starbucks with a book, Onward by Howard Schultz, and my BlackBerry PlayBook in the DODOcase. It looked as if I was carrying two books, but when I opened up the DODOcase, I got some surprising looks from other patrons. “What an cool design,” the guy on the couch next to me said. I had to agree.

The DODOcase seconds as a stand for your PlayBook with full access to the side buttons. You are still able to click the buttons, use the headphone jack, and use the ports on the bottom of the device.

The DODOcase is available in red, sky blue, green, and charcoal. We have been using the red one with black Moroccan cloth on the front. The part that really makes this case stand out is the vintage DODOcase sticker inside the case.

The DODOcase is available for the BlackBerry PlayBook for $59.95.

We’ve talked a lot about the BlackBerry PlayBook the past few days at BlackBerry World. Today during the keynote, RIM’s Co-CEO, Mike Lazaridis, announced that Angry Birds would be making its way to the BlackBerry PlayBook. The ridiculously popular and addicting game is already available on most platforms and tablets, so it should be no surprise that the BlackBerry PlayBook will be getting it.

Unfortunately, Rovio was not in attendance to give more details or a date, but we are hoping it comes soon. Lazaridis boasted that there are 3,000+ apps currently optimized for the PlayBook so lets hope we get some more useful ones in the near future.

RIM announced this morning at BlackBerry World that native email, contacts, and calendar would be coming to the BlackBerry PlayBook. These features are available now with BlackBerry Bridge, but this will disconnect that and allow you to access this all via the BIS or BES. This update is coming this Summer but has no specific date. You can expect a OTA update in the near future. Hit the jump for more screenshots.

RIM officially announced the BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 earlier today. While playing with the phone at BlackBerry World today, we found a 9900 running on AT&T (pictured above) and a 9930 running on Verizon (pictured at end of article). Thus far, the phone has only been officially announced by T-Mobile so it is unexpected to see the phone running on Verizon and AT&T. We are led to believe that this means the BlackBerry Bold will be coming to both Verizon and AT&T. We talked to a Sprint rep today who said that they expect the phone to come to the Sprint network by the end of this year or early next year.

The BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 is the first BlackBerry with 4G HSPA+ capability. It is also the first phone with both a touch-screen display and a physical QWERTY keyboard. It runs on the new BlackBerry 7 OS that was also announced today at BlackBerry World. Hit the jump for the picture of the BlackBerry Bold on the Verizon network.