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A Clamshell BlackBerry by the End of This Year
Research In Motion (RIM) is reported to be preparing to launch a clamshell version of its Blackberry handsets towards the end of this year. A research note from RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky said that the new phone could become a "Motorola Killer,".
Abramsky wrote that he expects the handset - which comes with two screens and a camera - to retail for around US$150 when it is launched in the USA. The blogosphere has also been reporting sighting of prototypes of the handsets.
RIM is said to be targeting the consumer market which is dominated by clamshell phones - although there is a thought that the wide flat design of the current handset offers a level of exclusivity in its design which corporate users find appealing.
"RIM is targeting share gains against-mass market phone vendors, especially Motorola," wrote Abramsky, who recommends buying Research In Motion shares. The company is seeking " significantly larger market opportunities beyond its traditional base."
Abramsky also noted that the company is - as rumoured - working on a touchscreen style handset which could be pitched at corporate users who are being tempted away by Apple's iPhone.
Mike Abramsky has form, having previously predicted that Rogers would get the iPhone in Canada - which was a fairly easy call, although he got the date wrong.
On the web: BoyGeniusReport
Posted to the site on 5th May 2008