The latest in the Blackberry range of cell phones has made its debut in Bermuda, courtesy of Digicel, which held a golf day to thank its corporate customers and presented each player with a Blackberry Curve to trial for a month and keep if they liked what it has to offer.

Bermuda is the first of the 22 countries covered by Digicel to take possession of the new member of the Blackberry family.

The smartphone is smaller than the current Blackberry business models, but is larger than the Blackberry Pearl and features a full Qwerty keyboard.

It can handle multi-media, including video, internet browsing, email, MP3 player and has a built in 2meg camera.

Other features include an ability to update itself with new content from a user's computer and to syncronise with contact lists, diary appointments and such like.

Paul Lucier, vice president of Global Carriers at Research in Motion, said: "It has the Qwerty keyboard like the business models but it appeals to the general consumer audience. It's really aimed at everyone —it is a lifestyle device."

When the Blackberry Curve goes on sale in Bermuda in the next few days it is expected to retail at a similar price to the Blackberry Pearl.

Corporate guests who took part in a golf day launch of the Curve in Bermuda all received one free to trial for a month and keep if they liked what it offers.

David Hunter, general manager of Digicel in Bermuda, said: "Research in Motion came out to Bermuda and their visit coincided with the launch of Curve here. Having the golf day was a way for us to thank our customers."

He added: "The Blackberry Curve, with its powerful blend of communications, multi-media and web features in a small and lightweight design, will be a compelling mobile offer for both businesses and consumers."