There were two things missing from RIM’s lineup: HSDPA support for 3g GSM networks and a touchscreen device. Today we are happy to say that the BlackBerry Bold 9000 Series has satisfied the first of two missing portions to RIM’s lineup and the BlackBerry Thunder will satisfy the latter.

The BlackBerry Thunder is the codename for RIM’s current project which lacks a physical keyboard and becomes a direct competitor with the iPhone. This will be the first touchscreen device launched by RIM, but what makes the BlackBerry Thunder different than the iPhone? First, the device has 4 physical keys which beats out the two physical keys of the iPhone (including power button). Second, it will be a worldwide lifetime exclusive device on both Vodafone and Verizon Wireless. While this is an unheard of routine, RIM realizes that an assault on the two biggest BlackBerry carriers across the globe should be the focus of their sales.

The technology supported in the BlackBerry Thunder will start with a hybrid CDMA EVDO Rev C, GSM HSPA for international traveling and LTE support depending on the time frame of launch.  If the BlackBerry Thunder launches before the LTE rollout here in the US and Europe, we can expect CDMA EVDO Rev C support to stay, but otherwise it will most likely be dropped and LTE support will be exclusive.

What about other carriers?  Well for the US, Verizon Wireless and At&t will be the two major carriers moving over to LTE 4g technology while T-mobile has not announced their plans and Sprint is using WiMAX.  At&t subscribers will undoubtedly be able to purchase an unlocked version of the BlackBerry Thunder (9500 Series) and use it on their network, regardless of the lifetime exclusive agreements between RIM and Verizon Wireless.  There is also the possibility that Verizon and Vodafone will not hit their sales quotas and the exclusive lifetime agreement will be void, making the device available to all carriers interested in some touchscreen Blackberry action.

Update (August 29th): It looks like RIM has decided to change their minds about the exclusive worldwide launches on Verizon and Vodafone.  While it is still unconfirmed (100%), details have been leaked suggesting that Rogers will also have the BlackBerry Thunder.

Update 2 (August 30th): Verizon Wireless will launch the device as the BlackBerry Storm while Vodafone and Rogers will launch the device as the BlackBerry Thunder.

Update 3 (August 31st): Confirmed specs reveal that there will be a 8GB microSD card pre-installed, a 3.5mm headphone jack, pre-installed SIM card and NO WI-FI.  The device will still include CDMA/GSM support for a full worldwide device, but we are still in the dark on all the radios (CDMA/GSM/LTE…).  Official Verizon Wireless BlackBerry Storm retail packaging was leaked to Engadget today as well (below)

[Source(s): BGR, Business Week, the unwired, Engadget]