The official unveiling of RIM's second-generation BlackBerry Bold might be just two weeks away. This business-oriented smartphone is expected to be offered by AT&T -- who carries the original -- and also T-Mobile USA.

The code-name for the Bold 2 is the Onyx, and information that has leaked out about this model shows that it will have a great deal in common with its predecessor. The basic design will be the same, including the leather-covered backplate.

One of the more significant external changes will be a different screen resolution: 480 by 360. The current version has a 480 by 320 screen.

In addition, it will apparently have an optical trackpad in place of the trackball, a move RIM has made with other models.

Naturally, this BlackBerry will offer mobile broadband, and it will also have Wi-Fi. T-Mobile's version of it will support this carrier's Wi-Fi calling service.

A GPS receiver and 3.2 MPx camera are also supposedly going to be included, but many of the other specifications remain unknown.

Coming Soon
According to an unconfirmed report, the BlackBerry Bold 2 (AKA BlackBerry 9700) will be formally announced on October 21.Whether it will be released by AT&T and T-Mobile on that day is not yet known.

Also unknown is any pricing information.