Visions of iPhones and Pres have been dancing in the heads of most smart phone shoppers recently, and it's easy to forget that Research In Motion keeps churning out new BlackBerry devices, as well.

But with the recent arrival of the BlackBerry Curve 8900 to Dallas-based AT&T Inc.'s network, you should at least take a look at what the device has to offer.

Unlike the touch-screen Storm (and upcoming Storm 2), the Curve is a return to the traditional BlackBerry form factor, with a smallish screen and a full physical keyboard.

Indeed, the Curve 8900 – while technically a successor to the Curve 8300 – is sort of a mini-version of the popular BlackBerry Bold.

If you dig the awesomely sharp screen on the Bold but want something a little thinner that fits comfortably in your pocket rather than requiring a nerd-alert belt holster, the Curve 8900 will not disappoint.

Well, OK, it will disappoint you a little bit.

That's because as thin and light and pocket-friendly as the 8900 is, it lacks a high-speed 3G data connection.

In an age in which carriers are already talking about their plans to start rolling out 4G next year and the iPhone 3G sells for just $99, it's hard to justify paying $249 with two-year contract for the 3G-less Curve (although AT&T is offering an additional $100 mail-in rebate on the 8900).

Yes, the 8900 does have Wi-Fi, but the 3G is still sorely missed.

But many business warriors still won't trust their high-powered mobile correspondence to a touch screen and want the feel of a physical keyboard beneath their fingertips.

And if you are willing to pay a premium for that sensation, then the Curve 8900 delivers.

While the keyboard is smaller than that on the expansive Bold, it's still perfectly serviceable for tapping out e-mails, text messages, short blog posts and so forth.

I'm not a regular BlackBerry user, but once I got my e-mail synced up with the device, I was tapping and scrolling with ease in a few minutes like any other self-important power dork.

The display, also, while measuring just 2.44 inches compared with 2.8 inches on the Bold, more than survives the shrinking process.

Indeed, text is so sharp on the 8900's screen that it almost looks written in ink.

Some applications, though, are so small on the 8900's display, it renders them tough to use.

Pac-Man, for instance, barely takes up the middle third of the display.

You're controlling a tiny dot eating nano-sized dots. No thanks.

Of course, this isn't a game console, and even other multimedia apps (GPS, video recording, etc.) that are available on the 8900 will be a secondary consideration for many buyers.

You'll get the best use out of the 8900 if all you really care about is mobile e-mail that can fit in your pocket. BlackBerry Curve 8900

Pros: The Curve 8900 is a very slim, comfortable handset that isn't nearly as conspicuous as the similar Bold.

Cons: The lack of 3G kind of rankles in such an expensive phone.

Bottom line: If you can overlook the 3G deficit, the Curve is a sexy little machine that aims to please and generally hits the mark.