BlackBerry announced the latest model in the BlackBerry 10 range today, and despite it being mere hours since the new Z30 model smartphone was unveiled to the world, we're already seeing pre-orders go up online. With the likes of the iPhone 5S also launching in a similar timeframe, can Blackberry compete?

The upmarket retailer Selfridges has begun to take advance orders of stock for the new handset, with availability beginning in eight days on 26th September. The Z30 is the latest version of the Blackberry 10 range and represents the most cutting edge hardware and features available, but the price reflects it. Currently a Selfridges pre-order will set you back a whopping £600. [yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQVKISYQ31s']

The official reveal trailer will give you an idea of what the smartphone is capable of

If you're interested in picking up a Z30, then it's worth noting that you can't yet get it on any pay monthly tariffs, limiting access to those who can afford the high asking price all at once. It is thought that more options will be made available not long after the official launch next week however.

Inside the device you'll find a dual-core 1.7GHz CPU, which isn't anything to write home about. The 1280×720 display on the 5in screen is pretty good for anyone who wants a decent resolution for video playback. There's also 2GB of RAM which is quite handy. Dual cameras, one 2MP and the other 8MP, mean that you'll be able to take some high quality pictures, but it only seems to be keeping pace with other devices on the market.

Some of these specs make it seem like the Z30 is going to struggle to contend with a number of other smartphones entering the market in the coming months.

KitGuru Says: This seems to be a big investment for something that's going to get outpaced quickly by other mobile hardware. Hopefully there'll be a price cut, or a decent monthly tariff, coming in the next few months.

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