First flip-phone BlackBerry announced

First flip-phone BlackBerry announced
WATERLOO, Ontario, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. Wednesday announced a flip version of its wireless handheld device.

The BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220, a 3.6-ounce clamshell adaptation of the compact Pearl "smart" phone, will be available from several global carriers this fall, Co-chief Executive Officer Jim Balsillie said.

A smart phone offers advanced capabilities beyond those of a typical mobile phone, often with PC-like functionality.

No price was given for the new quad-band BlackBerry, but is believed to be priced in the $150 to $200 range, infoSync World Inc. reported.

The phone will be available in the United States through T-Mobile USA Inc., at least through the end of the year, the Waterloo, Ontario, company said.