Research in Motion (RIM) has followed up the BlackBerry Pearl 3G and Torch launches with the latest addition in its Curve line: the BlackBerry Curve 3G 9300, which is also the company's second model to operate on the new 6.0 OS.

As the name implies, the new Curve operates on the 3G network of its partner carriers, which currently includes Rogers Wireless in Canada ($79.99 on a three-year term), but is likely to extend to many others in the near future.

Like previous-generation Curves, this model has a full QWERTY keyboard, optical trackpad (versus the old trackball design), built-in GPS and WiFi, and dedicated media keys. The camera, like the Curve 8530, is just a paltry 2 MP, fixed focus, with flash and video recording capability. Like other BlackBerries, the phone has a microSD/SDHC slot that supports optional memory cards up to 32 GB in capacity.

Most of the phone's basic specifications appear to mirror the previous-generation Curve, including the exterior design, size, weight, and screen resolution (320 x 240), except for the fact that this version operates on the Quad-band 3G network. There's also a difference in rated standby time: up to 19 days for this model versus 10 days for the 8530 (talk time remains the same at up to 4.5 hours.) The dedicated media keys were also not included in the previous-generation Curve.

While the phone ships loaded with the BlackBerry 5 operating system, it is BlackBerry 6 ready, and can accept the softwar upgrade. Some carriers, of course, may preload the device with the OS going forward.

Where the Curve fits in RIM's lineup is up for debate. Many argue that the Pearl is the ideal option for the youth, entry-level market, the Bold for more business-focused users, and the Torch for those who prefer a touch-screen device. Who's the target market for the Curve? Especially since the latest edition of the Bold boasts a small, sleek Curve-like design? According to RIM President and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis, the Curve 3G will appeal to those who have yet to buy their first smartphone.

"The BlackBerry Curve 3G," he says, "is designed to provide an extremely attractive and accessible choice that will help convince many of them to make the leap."

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