Verizon Scores Exclusive on BlackBerry Thunder Touchscreen

Verizon Wireless has reportedly received an exclusive on the upcoming BlackBerry Thunder (BlackBerry 9500), the first BlackBerry not to have a QWERTY keyboard.

An artist rendering of what the BlackBerry 9500 "might" look like

Click to enlarge.

The BlackBerry Thunder will feature only 4 physical buttons and no QWERTY. Beyond the Call, End Call, BlackBerry menu and back button, RIM will have to deliver an iPhone-like virtual keyboard. This will be a tough sell among staunch QWERTY users. RIM is hoping the touchscreen BlackBerry will have crossover appeal to customers considering an iPhone. Plus one for the BlackBerry Thunder, as Verizon's service is generally thought of as superior to AT&T Wireless. The exclusivity is reportedly tied to sales, so expect a big marketing push by Verizon.

Source: The Boy Genius Report