The BlackBerry Bold 9700 Sync Pod is only the second BlackBerry charging pod from RIM that both powers up your smartphone and syncs data between it and a PC--the Storm 95xx Sync Pod was the first. The gadget is the only such "pod" for non-touch-screen BlackBerrys. UPDATED: Shortly after posting this story, I received the BlackBerry Bold Sync Pod I ordered from Amazon.com. Much to my disappointment, the pod I received is not a “Sync Pod” as described on RIM’s ShopBlackBerry.com and the Amazon website. Rather, it’s a regular Charge Pod like all the others RIM has released over the past couple of years. The BlackBerry Bold 9700 Charge Pod does NOT sync data, and the description on RIM’s website is either inaccurate or for another product altogether. I’ve reached out to RIM for clarification and will update this post again as soon as possible. AS The BlackBerry Bold 9700 smartphone was just announced by Research In Motion (RIM) last month, and the device was released in the United States by T-Mobile this morning. But that doesn’t mean RIM’s wasting time pumping out accessories for its new flagship BlackBerry.BlackBerry Bold 9700 Sync Pod on ShopBlackBerry.com Among the goodies listed on RIM’s online shop, ShopBlackBerry.com, is the brand new BlackBerry Bold 9700 Sync Pod, a small cradle which holds the new Bold up horizontally and connects to the device via small “panels” on the 9700’s sides. The BlackBerry Charge/Sync Pod’s not new; RIM’s made Charge Pods for nearly every track-ball device since the original BlackBerry Pearl 8100. But the 9700 Sync Pod is different in that it employs the two metal panels found on the bottoms of both its left and right sides to not only transfer power, but data, according to ShopBlackBerry. It’s also notable, because even though the original Storm 9500/9530 Sync Pod could both charge and sync data between a BlackBerry and a PC, that product employed the Storm’s microUSB port to connect to the device. The Bold 9700 Sync Pod is the first BlackBerry pod to both charge and sync a non-touch-screen BlackBerry via side-panels, according to RIM. RIM’s pinned a $39.99 price tag on the Bold 9700 Sync Pod, but it’s still not shipping from ShopBlackBerry.com. The product is apparently in stock and shipping from the CrackBerry Shop, where you can pick up the Bold 9700 Sync Pod for just $24.95 plus shipping. I also found the 9700 Sync Pod listed as in stock on Amazon.com’s online marketplace for $13.63, and I ordered one myself…but I’m still waiting for it to arrive. (I’m looking at you, DBROTH.) The technology used in the side panels is new–to RIM at least–and I’m anxious to see how it works. I’m a huge fan of the original BlackBerry Charge Pods, and this new enhancement should go a long way to making a good product even better. Note: BlackBerry Charge/Sync Pods don’t come with any power cords, USB, AC, car charger, or otherwise. So make sure you’ve got an extra charger or power cord handy before scooping one up. Keep checking my CIO.com author page for a review of the Bold 9700 Sync Pod shortly after it arrives on my desk. AS FREE CIO BlackBerry NewsletterGet better use out of your BlackBerry and keep up-to-date on the latest developments. Sign-up » Related content brandpost Sponsored by SAP What goes well with Viña Concha y Toro wines? Meat, fish, poultry, and SAP Viña Concha y Toro, a wine producer that distributes to more than 140 countries worldwide, paired its operation with the SAP Business Technology Platform to enhance its operation and product. By Tom Caldecott, SAP Contributor Dec 04, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by Azul How to maximize ROI by choosing the right Java partner for your organization Choosing the right Java provider is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your organization’s success. By asking the right questions and considering the total cost of ownership, you can ensure that you choose the best Java p By Scott Sellers Dec 04, 2023 5 mins Application Management brandpost Sponsored by DataStax Ask yourself: How can genAI put your content to work? Generative AI applications can readily be built against the documents, emails, meeting transcripts, and other content that knowledge workers produce as a matter of course. By Bryan Kirschner Dec 04, 2023 5 mins Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence feature The CIO’s new role: Orchestrator-in-chief CIOs have unique insight into everything that happens in a company. Some are using that insight to take on a more strategic role. By Minda Zetlin Dec 04, 2023 12 mins CIO C-Suite Business IT Alignment Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe