Verizon announces BlackBerry 8830 world phone details & availability

We already knew it was coming but today, Verizon Wireless makes it official. As early as May 14th, the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone becomes available. The 8830 is one of the very few VZW smartphones that is a CDMA / GSM hybrid for use in various countries. Providing this dual-network support, you'll get EVDO or GPRS for data and CDMA or GSM (900 and 1800 MHz) for voice. Look for the 8830 at $299 price-tag after a $100 rebate for a two-year plan commitment; sign up for a data service and VZW will drop another $100, making this a very attractive option for the jet-setters out there. Additional details & features:

• 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

Update: Sprint is getting the 8830 as well, albeit in black.