This new Dual-Mode Smartphone has gained much attention when RIM announced the BlackBerry 8830 that combines CDMA technology with GSM for global roaming. Dual-mode phones deliver a smart solution for business people in need of roaming in different networks. We are going to see more of these dual-mode phones also on the African market in soon future.

The 8830 is also RIM’s first CDMA device with the company’s new generation of hardware, featuring a thin design (0.55 inches), four-way trackball navigation, and a microSD memory card slot.

Targeting mainly the US market, both Verizon Wireless and Sprint will offer the phone. The 8830 provides EVDO high-speed data on CDMA networks and GPRS data on GSM 900 / 1800 networks overseas. Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, media player, and a large QVGA display round out the feature set.

The new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone packs the latest features into a stylish global device and offers the following capabilities and features:

• EV-DO/GPRS network connection for high-speed data transfer in more than 60 countries
• GSM/GPRS (900/1800 MHz) for continued voice and e-mail while traveling internationally
• Auto-selection of CDMA/GSM Mode
• Thin form factor of just 14mm for both style and easy handling
• New Trackball navigation system
• Media player
• Expandable memory option with microSD card (sold separately)
• Speakerphone
• Bluetooth capabilities for certain profiles inclusive of hands-free, dial-up networking and serial port
• Speaker Independent Voice Recognition (SIVR) for Voice Activated Dialing (VAD)
• Instant Messaging capabilities for quick and easy communication

The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone will be available in May for around 300 USD.