The BlackBerry Onyx 9700 is shaping up to be the next generation BlackBerry Bold. The specifications as well as some form factor features are confirming that this is the BlackBerry Bold sequel.

While Onyx is the codename that we’re hearing right now, it could very well be changed once it hits a carrier, which will likely be AT&T first. It’s likely that AT&T will drop the Onyx codename once it hits the market, and may simply go with BlackBerry Bold 9700 or the BlackBerry Bold 2.

PhoneGeek, a field tester for AT&T who has been using the Bold 2, has confirmed some of the following details about the device:

• The Bold 9700 is now known to have both the trackpad and the Bold-style casing.
• The device will be approximately the same size as the 8900 with a keyboard that resembles the Bold.
• The battery cover has changed yet again and apparently it is also an improvement.
• Memory card is behind the battery cover and not on the side a la Bold 9000.
• The mute and lock buttons are on the top.
• 256mb of flash memory.
• The device came to the field with SW 5.0.0.169 on Platform 5.1.0.30.
• Battery life seems greatly improved from the Bold 9000.

The Bold 9700 is going to be one of the most powerful devices yet on the RIM product line and I’m really looking forward to the launch.