Like AT&T's BlackBerry Curve, Verizon's version (see top image) integrates GPS to support location-based services, such as the operator's own VZ Navigator mapping service. It also sports a QWERTY thumb-keyboard, a 2 megapixel camera, QVGA screen, and Bluetooth 2.0. High-capacity SDHC memory cards and Verizon's 3G cellular-wireless data network are also supported.

Verizon plans to sell the BlackBerry for $270 with a two-year agreement and after a $50 mail-in rebate. When you sign up for a qualifying voice and data plan the price drops $100 further.

The Motorola Q9c is essentially the same as the Q9m Verizon launched last summer, QWERTY keyboard and all. It integrates GPS, supports EV-DO and runs on Windows Mobile 6 Standard, which means the new Q, like all other Qs, doesn't have a touch screen.

The Q9c’s software bundle directs it more toward the business user than the earlier Q model, which placed more of a premium on multimedia. It is colored a bright cheery lime-green, however.

Expect it to go for $250 with a two-year agreement and after a rebate. In addition to Verizon, Alltel and U.S. Cellular have picked up the Q9c as well.

Rumor has it, Verizon may deliver the Samsung Glyde on Friday as well. The Glyde is a cell phone with a pressure-sensitive touch display and sliding no-you-see-it-now-you-don't QWERTY thumb-keyboard.

The $420 Glyde is expected to go for $200 price with a two-year agreement. Sign up for one year and the price jumps to $370.