The BlackBerry 9000 Shows Its Face, Touchscreen Not IncludedThe BlackBerry 9000 Shows Its Face, Touchscreen Not Included

Debunking one of the favorite Internet rumors of late, purported spy shots of the BlackBerry 9000 have emerged. Contrary to what has been reported in the past, it does not have a touchscreen. It does have a redesigned keyboard, but otherwise it isn't all that different from the BlackBerry Curve.The image of the BlackBerry 9000 is available if you go here. Rather than be the revolutionary re-design that's been talked up for months by rumor sites, the picture shows what appears to be a refreshed BlackBerry Curve. Previous images have shown an iPhone-like device with no keyboard and a large display. Those hoping for a New Year's gift from RIM are out of luck.

This BlackBerry has what looks to be a standard-sized BlackBerry screen and the obvious keyboard. But there are some interesting design changes. The keyboard looks to be a new style from RIM, with smoother keys. Also, the function buttons have a different shape and size. It still has the trackball, RIM's de facto D-pad design, for navigation. Rather than plastic, the sides of the phone look as though they have been wrapped in a nice metal finish.

The legitimacy of this photo is being called into question, of course. Whether it is the real BlackBerry 9000 or not, the lack of a touchscreen is what is most disappointing about this device. With CES and Mobile World Congress both just around the corner, it's possible we'll learn more as the mobile industry shows us its newest gadgets in the coming weeks.