Blackberry

When the first Blackberry was released back in 1999, I thought it was the most ridiculous idea around. Releasing a phone which makes it easier to text more? How ridiculous are these guys? And was I wrong!

If I have a look at friends, family, kids on the street and in the malls, you just see them everywhere… and people are texting like crazy!

Let’s take a closer look at these amazing phones. Research In Motion (RIM) started developing these amazing smartphones back in 1999. Their main drawing card is that they have the ability to send and receive internet mail where ever there is either Wi-Fi connectivity or mobile network coverage.

A very popular feature on the phone is the instant messaging feature Blackberry Messenger. It allows you to communicate with other Blackberry users at no cost. Their unique abilities make them a very useful communication tool and can act as a very effective digital assistant.

Currently they hold around 14.8% global market share in terms of smartphone sales after Nokia, Samsung, LG and Apple.

Another option that makes it such a popular phone is the Blackberry Internet Service, which allows you to go online at a minimal monthly cost. It is supported globally in 91 countries and by over 500 mobile service operators.

The more modern Blackberry handhelds run on ARM 7, 9 and 11 processors. The latest GSM models (9100, 9300 and 9700) models run on the following:
- Intel PXA930 624MHz process
- 256MB flash memory (the Torch 9800 has 4GB)
- 256MB SDRAM

The CDMA smartphones are based on the MSM6x00 chipsets which include the ARM 9 processer, GSM 900/1800 roaming and up to 256MB flash memory.

In the CDMA Bold 9650 is the first one to feature 512MB flash memory for use with applications.

All of the Blackberrys, after OS 5, also supporty microSD cards up to 32GB.

With the PlayBook also coming on strong there is no arguing that their popularity would continue growing. That has put them in the same league as the offerings from Samsung and Apple. It would be VERY interesting to see what the next couple of months delivers.