The Telus Mike-branded BlackBerry 8350i Curve is a monstrous step in device technology for the Canadian giant as the only other BlackBerry in the lineup is the BlackBerry 7100i *cough*. So we'll start this off by saying goodbye to the year 2006, welcome Mike to the year 2009, and share a few thoughts about this new Direct Connect set.

The 8350i's body is as glossy -- and as a consequence slippery -- as BlackBerry sets get, with the edges thankfully getting soft touch plastic for some traction in-hand. Like its CDMA and GSM cousins, this iDEN Curve is a smallish set, though it is a bit thicker than the other two. On the left side and outlined in bright yellow plastic is the Direct Connect key for all your push-to-talk work, the mini USB port for sync and charging, and a 2.5mm headset jack which is a hassle unless you use the included headset. On the right, the volume up and down keys and a convenience key that acts as the camera button out of the box. The display is a rather nice 2.4-inch QVGA number, and of course the keyboard area features the very useful trackball, and a 35 key keyboard.

The handset is packaged is a bright orange box in typical RIM-style with the odd purple insert used to present the handset. Packed in the box is a stereo headset, a USB charging / sync cable, 1GB memory card, charger, and the usual belt clip thing that could never hope to get anywhere near our person. Sure, it's a useful and utilitarian clip, but if you absolutely have to wear this on your hip, there are much nicer ways to get the job done.

Via: engadget.