BlackBerry has started taking pre-orders for the new BlackBerry Classic in the US, which brings back the design, QWERTY keyboard and trackpad from older handsets, together with the latest BlackBerry OS and support for Android apps.

The company is initially only launching a 2G GSM version, which means it’s not compatible with Verizon, Sprint or US Cellular networks. Although the announcement of the device was made back in March the company it has not revealed a great deal of detail on the device specs. It will cost $449 (£288).

At its BES 12 conference yesterday, BlackBerry also gave more detail about its BBM Meetings collaboration software, an app which is based on classic BBM. It will offer cross-platform voice and video chat for up to 25 people, screensharing and the ability to schedule meetings via address book, BBM or email. Users wont need a PIN to join a meeting, instead just answering like a normal phone call. BlackBerry is offering a 30-day free trial but pricing in the US will be $12.50 per host per month.

In another bid to corner the enterprise market, BlackBerry is joining forces with Samsung, Salesfore.com, Orange SA, Verizon and Vodafone Group to drive sales of its new mobile-security software — BlackBerry Enterprise Service 12 — a key component of the company’s strategy to return to profitability.