New BlackBerry Torch with keyboard and touch screen hits AT&T Aug. 12

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RIM announces new BlackBerry for AT&T

NEW YORK — The first BlackBerry that combines a touch screen with the device’s signature full-alphabet keyboard is coming to AT&T stores next week.

Research In Motion Ltd., the Canadian company that makes the BlackBerry, says the BlackBerry Torch will cost $199.

The keyboard slides out from underneath the screen. RIM’s first touch-screen model, the Storm, lacked a keyboard and hasn’t proved popular.

Available Aug. 12, the Torch will be the first phone with an updated BlackBerry operating system that adds several features, most of which are already found on competing phones.