We're all sweating little green beans for OS 4.3, and today RIM sends a press release talking about 2008 plans, including integration with Documents to Go (FINALLY) that requires an upgrade to OS 4.5:

Research In Motion

"1) Requires BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.1.5 and BlackBerry device software v4.5 or above.
2) Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint files will be supported in conjunction with BlackBerry device software v4.5 and Microsoft Excel files will be supported in conjunction with a subsequent software release expected later in the year."

Don't know. Hadn't heard anything about anything between 4.3.2 and 5.0. It's not surprising that there are OS's in between, though.

It will support the 8100, 8300, 8700 and 8800 device familes. Still on Platform 2.7 (same as OS 4.3). I had never heard of it prior to today. Beta versions of OS 4.3 continue to be released. Honestly, it seems that they were unable to get some features in OS 4.3 prior to finalizing the 'core feature set' of the OS and put them off until the release of a figurative OS 4.5. Carriers supposedly 'own' the OS release. Needless to say, putting some of these features off until OS 4.5, especially with partial implementation in OS 4.3.1 (from the betas I've had), it is VERY disappointing. *hrmph*

And here... although this article does not reference that OS 4.5, the article is based on the RIM announcement.
New BlackBerry Software: Now With 20% More 'Easy' - Mobile Blog - InformationWeek

Are the beta OS 4.3 close to being finalized, I have my 8gb card I wanna use

seriously!
I had to format my 6 gig card as a 2 gig card just to be able to use it =(

I am way too excited about the Documents to Go integration. It's something that I have been craving forever!

Ouch I know the feeling

In addition to OS 4.5.0, there is apparently an OS 4.6.0, which includes support for the BlackBerry 9000 (although it excludes the 8700 series). Go figure.

Everyone is waiting for thie new OS and when it comes out...they will be complaining about it and saying what to so long, it's not even that great.

Wirelessly posted (BB 8860: BlackBerry8320/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Yup. And we'll all probably downgrade back to 4.2 because 4.2 is so much more stable.

FYI, OS 4.5.0 = OS 4.3.1

http://www.blackberryforums.com/rumo...-releases.html

who know's .... We'll just have to see. Usually companies hardly get it right the first time, but apple did. Maybe RIM will get it right the first time on releasing. Who knows, maybe they wont! But at least they have that auto-update feature to install some small patches & such, maybe they're planning on just patching everyone up as we go along via BIS/BES. Sounds like fun.

Apple did? Uh huh....

Was gonna say the same thing. Maybe form factor and internet browsing.

No doubt the screen/web browser experience is great for Apple's first effort, but the rest is sadly lacking. I know, I know; it wasn't meant as a business device, but when you throw pictures u on the wall of a Treo and BB in comparison, then expect to get kicked in the shins. Now, if they bring on BES or Exchange Activesync support, then look out RIM and WinMob.

That's exactly what I ment. I Mean, from what i've seen they've also got the mp3 player pretty much integrated REALLY well. The music doesn't just STOP, it fades out and then back in. That's really nice. I don't know the hardware specs but it's UI is awesome! It lacks a lot of functionality in my opinion, but it's a gorgeous device.

...and their stock only dipped up to $25+ today

maybe in 4.5 they will put gapless playback in the music section. I doubt it though.

The better question is not what is but when is

You resurrect a five week old thread for that, yet again?