Sure, most Tour owners are anxiously awaiting an official OS 5.0 launch, but for now, OS 4.7 is where it's at.  As of today, OS 4.7.1.61 is available for Verizon's BlackBerry Tour 9630 through their website and Desktop Manager (PC and Mac).  Despite the relatively short amount of time online, reports are already streaming in about the build being faster overall. 

For those of you with a Verizon-branded Tour, download it and report your findings in the forums at BBerryDog!

Via: CrackBerry

After appearing on the website, complete with specs and a stock picture, US Cellular has gotten all official and launched the BlackBerry Tour 9630.  With a 2.4-inch display, EVDO Rev. A, and a 3.2-megapixel camera, it can be had for $199.95 after a $70 mail-in rebate and a new two-year agreement.  Because the Tour is a data device, US Cellular requires it to be on a $39.99 or higher monthly rate plan, as well as a $24.95 monthly data plan.

Several had asked me (via the tip line and Twitter) when the nation's sixth largest carrier was going to pick up the popular BlackBerry device.  Now that we have an official launch, who's planning on getting one?

Via: IntoMobile, US Cellular

What's Good: Feels great in the hand and while talking; good build quality; doesn't hinder typing.

What's Bad: Somewhat challenging to charge/sync while the case is installed.

There's no doubt about it - OtterBox makes a great case, and thanks to the good folks at the company, I've had the privilege of spending the last week with the Commuter Case for the BlackBerry Tour.  To be frank, I have never been a huge fan of cases.  Typically, I'll either carry the phone around by itself, or use a BlackBerry holster.  What's more, many cases have a history of build quality concerns.  Over the past few weeks, I've spoken with several Tour owners that have purchased various cases, only to have them break shortly thereafter.  The build quality and overall durability of the OtterBox case is noticeable.  Honestly, I'm so impressed after testing the Commuter Case that I plan to purchase one for my personal use.

The case itself is actually comprised of two pieces: a rubber skin and a hard plastic back.  To install the case, slip the skin onto the device, and clip the plastic on the back of the unit. OtterBox also includes a complimentary screen protector and microfiber cleaning cloth.  To remove the case, pull off the plastic backing, followed by the rubber skin.

I love how it feels both in the hand and while you're using the phone.  It's not too thick, but by the same token, you can see that it's durable.  With this thing installed, you won't have to worry about scuffs and scratches.  It's also tapered off enough where it doesn't affect typing, which case manufacturers are notorious for doing.  There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to type a "Q," "P," or any other border key due to the case overlapping the keyboard.  Not so with the Commuter Case.  As you can tell from the picture above, it ends right at the chrome border.  I was also pleased with the built in flaps to protect the headphone jack and microUSB port from dust and the occasional drop of rain.

The only (small) challenge I've encountered with the Commuter Case is charging and syncing the device.  The built-in hole for the charging port is just a bit too small, and while you can still fit the USB cable and charger in the slot, it collides with the rubber housing instead of clicking into the microUSB port.  If you're leaving the device alone, it's fine, but it's near impossible to charge while texting.  During my testing, I was constantly knocking the charger out due to it not being securely fastened in the port.  That being said, it's not a huge hindrance, and the case can be installed and uninstalled with ease if it becomes an issue.

All in all, I am incredibly pleased with the Commuter Case, and would recommend it to anyone that needs a durable solution for their Tour.  The OtterBox Commuter Case for the BlackBerry Tour 9630 costs $34.95, and can be purchased here.  Check out the pictures below!

Various message boards and posts have acknowledged that the training is set to start this week, with a general consensus of launch by the end of October or early November.  Who's going to pick one up?

Source: PhoneArena, Howard Forums

BlackBerry Tour suffering from extensive trackball issues?
When I purchased my first BlackBerry Tour on launch day, it was plagued with the now-infamous trackball issue.  After exchanging it for a new one, I was ready to go.  Despite seeing problems pop up all over the internet, my thought was that it was an issue affecting the first batch, and after a few weeks, the problem would be resolved.  Not the case, according to Gerard Hallaren, Director of Research at TownHall Investment Research.  According to Hallaren, the trackball must be cleaned on a regular basis in order for it to function properly - something that we're pretty sure most aren't doing. 

As a result, return rates are climbing with both Verizon and Sprint, with the latter reporting upwards of a 50 percent return rate.  Gerard notes that a 2-3 percent increase in quality control would dramatically reduce that number.  Furthermore, Verizon relies on RIM for about 80 percent of its smartphone lineup, but with models such as the Motorola Sholes and Palm Pre rumored to be on their way, their reliance will go down.  “Verizon is angry about this recurring trackball problem and is telling its retailers to expect strong support for the new Motorola phone,” Hallaren said.

[Update] Both Verizon and Sprint have issued official statements in regards to the allegations of trackball issues in the BlackBerry Tour:

Verizon: "BlackBerry Tour has the lowest return rate of any smartphone Verizon Wireless is selling. In fact, its return rate is one of the lowest among all the products our company sells."

Sprint: "We experienced a small percentage of early production Blackberry Tour smartphones with trackball issues," a Sprint representative said in a phone interview Wednesday night. "As soon as the issue was identified, we worked closely with our partners at RIM to resolve the problem quickly. Any customer experiencing issues with the Tour should visit a Sprint service and repair center."

Via Engadget Mobile

BlackBerry Tour to receive OS 4.7.1.53 in the next maintenance release?
Maintenance releases (typically shortened to "MR" online) are common for BlackBerry devices, and despite the fact that OS 4.7.1.42 didn't quite make it to the Tour, it looks like an official maintenance release will land sometime around October 1st.  According to BGR, the update doesn't provide much in the enhancements department beyond speed improvements, but is a new release nonetheless.  Via BGR (image courtesy of Crackberry)

Buy a BlackBerry Curve (8900, 8520, or 8320) at T-Mobile and get $50 back
Granted, you have to send in your old (working) phone, but if you don't want to sell your old device through eBay or Craiglist, it may be the best option for you.  Upgrade to a BlackBerry Curve of some sort (8900, 8520, or 8320) at T-Mobile, and receive $50 back by mail when you send in your old device.  With free shipping, it's not a bad deal for most - but if it was me, I'd want to sell my old device through eBay.  I'm sure I could fetch more than $50.

The full promotion details, stipulations, and eligibility dates can be found at http://www.fliptoablackberry.com.  Via IntoMobile

BlackBerry Bold (Onyx) 9700 set to receive AT&T "technical acceptance" on October 12th
According to a tipster on Crackberry, all signs are a go for the BlackBerry Bold (Onyx) 9700 to launch in November.  Crucial_Xtreme, a well known voice in the community and someone rumored to work for Research In Motion, has validated earlier claims that the device will receive AT&T technical acceptance on October 12th.  In layman's terms, "technical acceptance" refers to the device leaving official field testing, in preparation for a launch.

With a release date so close, you would think an AT&T-branded Bold 9700 picture could be found somewhere, but alas, none are available as of yet.  Two more months!  Via Crackberry (image courtesy of PocketBerry)

1. Palm Pre
As the flagship webOS device, the Palm Pre is my top pick for the nation's third largest wireless carrier.  Offering revolutionary features such as "cards" for multitasking purposes, Synergy, and the Palm Profile, Palm's QWERTY touchscreen slider marks an entirely new direction for Palm.  Granted, battery life is absolutely terrible on the device, and the App Catalog is a bit small at the moment, but the device is a great entry into the smartphone arena.

2. BlackBerry Tour
Yep, it’s on the Sprint side too, and despite a few minor design modifications, is exactly the same as its Verizon counterpart.  Fast processor, gorgeous screen, 3.2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, BlackBerry OS 4.7, and a Bold-esque QWERTY keyboard - yep, it's all there.  It's a bit pricey (prior to rebate), but well worth the cash.

3. HTC Touch Pro
As with many of the wireless carriers, the Touch Pro is the top dog when it comes to Windows Mobile devices on Sprint (until September 8th, that is).  Perfect for the traveling executive or the wireless journalist, the Touch Pro includes TouchFLO 3D, Wi-Fi, a 3-megapixel camera, Windows Mobile 6.1, and a sliding QWERTY keyboard.

4. LG Rumor 2
A great QWERTY dumbphone option, the Rumor 2 offers a better display and other features over the older version.  Other features include stereo Bluetooth, 1.3-megapixel camera, microSD card slot, and a rainbow of available colors.  The sliding keyboard makes it perfect for secret texting between class periods.  Just don't get caught - as Adriana said, high schools around the nation are cracking down on wireless use!

5. BlackBerry Curve 8550i (Nextel)
At this point, you may be looking at me and thinking "uh, what?"  But the latest Nextel BlackBerry is worth being on the list, for a number of reasons.  As the first smartphone to hit the aging iDEN network since the BlackBerry 7100i, it offers a full QWERTY keyboard, BlackBerry OS 4.6, a 2-megapixel camera, and Direct Connect, all in a sleek black housing.  In other words, it's up to date, and it's on Nextel - two phrases that aren't heard very often.

Honorable Mention: Samsung Reclaim, Samsung Rant, HTC Snap, LG LX370.

1. BlackBerry Tour
Given all of the phones in Verizon's lineup at present, the Tour is the first device I would choose to carry.  If this was going to press after the Touch Pro2 landed, it would be a tough call, but as of now, the Tour's 3.2-megapixel camera, gorgeous screen, BlackBerry OS 4.7, and good keyboard make it the best choice for now.  Throw in Wi-Fi, and it would be next to perfect.

2. HTC Touch Pro
Though the upgrade is right around the corner, the Touch Pro is a feature-rich Windows Mobile smartphone, worthy of consideration by anyone desiring a good PDA.  The Touch Pro offers a 2.8-inch display, QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi (b/g), 3.2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and a microSD card slot capable of supporting a 16 GB card.  With the recent price drop (most likely to make way for the Touch Pro2), it's earned a spot on the list.

3. BlackBerry Storm
Though I'm a die-hard BlackBerry fan, the Storm is not anywhere near my personal list of favorite devices.  That being said, I recognize the importance of this device in BlackBerry's lineup, and due to the popularity surrounding the media-centric 'Berry (or criticism, depending on who you talk to), I feel that it needs to be included.  Love it or hate it, with a large touchscreen, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an emphasis on all things media, the Storm is Verizon's answer to the iPhone.

4. LG enV3
The LG enV3 is quite possibly the best dumbphone out there, in my opinion.  The device offers a full QWERTY keyboard, 3-megapixel camera, and a full HTML web browser.  Great for all customer demographics (hey, I recommended the device to my Grandmother and Mother, and they both purchased it), the enV3 packs a lot of features into a small device.  As long as you don't need a smartphone browsing experience or near-instant e-mail, it's a great companion.

5. Samsung Alias 2
Featuring "E-ink technology" which customizes the keyboard depending on what you're doing on the device, the Alias 2 is a great phone, and represents a huge improvement over its predecessor.  It sports a 2.6-inch QVGA screen, 2-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, Visual Voicemail, microSD card slot with support for up to 16 GB.  It's a great device, and as of now, can be had for under $100.

HTC Hero Theme for the Tour 9630:

• Calendar, Messages (combined messaging) Version: Download
  
• Calendar, Messages, SMS/MMS Version: Download
  

• Calendar, Messages (combined messaging) Version (set inbox to combined): Download
• Calendar, Messages, SMS/MMS Version (set inbox to separate): Download
  

• Calendar, Messages (combined messaging) Version: Download
• Calendar, Messages, SMS/MMS Version: Download
  

1. Palm Pre (Sprint)

5. Nokia E71 (unlocked version, NOT E71x)



If you read my work, you know that I'm not a fan of Symbian (and have criticized it frequently), which is Nokia's OS of choice.  That being said, I do think the E71 offers two primary things that put it on the list: form factor and battery life.  Judging by form factor alone, the E71 deserves an award for its gorgeous, slim, metal design.  In my opinion, based on looks alone, the E71 is the best device on the market, bar none.  And the battery life is nothing short of phenomenal.  When I was using the device, I was able to make it 4 days without a charge (moderate use), and 10 days when leaving it on my desk.  In today's world of smartphones that require charging several times a day, the E71 is a shining star in the battery department.  Of course, S60 is slow, old, cumbersome, and lacks features that competing operating systems offer, thus moving it down to the fifth place slot.


Honorable Mention: HTC myTouch 3G, Nokia E75, HTC Hero, BlackBerry Bold, BlackBerry Curve 8900, LG enV Touch, LG enV3.

"We have experienced strong demand for the Blackberry Tour which has placed your order, or a portion of your order, in backorder status. While every attempt is made to fulfill orders first in and first out, a system issue earlier in the week resulted in some orders being shipped out of sequence. Our shipping commitment for the Tour remains 5 to 8 business days based on date of order..."

• BlackBerry Tour
• HTC Touch Pro2
• HTC Snap
• Motorola W845
• Motorola Crush
• LG UX310
• LG UX700

• In terms of length, width, and weight, Bold is the biggest, Tour's in the middle, and the 8900 is smallest
• Tour is thicker than both Bold and 8900, which is expected since it's a CDMA device
• Tour's display is the same resolution (480 x 360) as the 8900's, which is higher-res than Bold (480 x 320)
• Tour's keyboard is similar in design to Bold's, and roomier than the 8900's but smaller than Bold's
• Bold ships with a 1500 mAh battery while Tour and the 8900 both ship with 1400 mAh batteries
• All three devices are black with silver-ish trim.  Tour may be the sexiest looking, though, as it sports a pearly dark grey shade of chrome trim and a matte black back panel cooler that's looking than Bold's fake leather AND a carbon fiber-esque battery door that's both easier to use and cooler looking that the 8900's back door.
• I'm not sure if I'm digging Tour's black trackball.  It's kind of stealthy, yeah, but I like the way the white trackballs glow when they're backlit.  Also, is it me or is Tour's trackball smaller than those on Bold and 8900?

• OS 4.7 is OS 4.7.  To all but the most discerning eyes, Tour looks and acts like Bold and 8900.  Especially if you ditch the stock wallpaper with the giant Verizon V logo.
• Tour lacks WiFi, which is a joke. C'mon, Verizon (and Sprint, for that matter): Smartphones should pack WiFi.  It's a no-brainer.  It's not like WiFi lets your customers skip out on that $30+ monthly BlackBerry data plan, so what's the problem?  WiFI makes smartphones better, period.
• Tour's keyboard is excellent. 8900's keyboard is more of an isolated key, chiclet-style affair, while Bold's is like Tour's but bigger and a little softer-feeling. I may prefer Bold to Tour by a hair, but that's ... well ... splitting hairs, at least so far. New users may initially balk at the sculpted, angled feel of the keys, but once you stop thinking about it and just start typing, you'll quickly give into the Force.
• The battery cover on my review loaner wiggles around way too much. If I'd just bought this phone I'd be taking it back to the store for a replacement - or at least a new battery cover. If they told me, "Sorry, that's how they ALL are," would I exchange for a different phone? Likely not - it's not a deal breaker. But it's annoyingly sloppy.
• Voice quality thus far has been good, if not the best I've ever heard. Data speeds have generally been very good, and Email has been BlackBerry solid.
• I haven't really had a chance to test out the aGPS chip yet. I gotta get out more.
• BlackBerry App World has some stuff in it, but nothing I'm super excited to test out. But I will pick a few apps and download and install and test them because that's my job. Feel free to suggest some winners, and DON'T say "Facebook" or "mySpace."

But enough out of me, what say you? Have you used a Tour? Or a Bold or 8900? Or even all three? Which is the Best Berry?