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RIM Doesn't See Apple iPhone As Threat to BlackBerry Pearl

by , 2:35 PM EST, February 12th, 2007

The co-CEO of Research in Motion Ltd, Jim Balsillie, said in an interview that the Apple iPhone doesn't pose a threat to the consumer-geared BlackBerry Pearl. Reuters of Canada carried the story on Monday.

The remarks were made as RIM launched its new BlackBerry 8800 aimed at mobile professionals. However, while the BlackBerry is very popular with business professionals, it hasn't caught on with retail customers. That was the motivation behind the consumer oriented BlackBerry Pearl. Looking at Apple's entry: "It's kind of one more entrant into an already very busy space with lots of choice for consumers," Jim Balsillie said of Apple. "But in terms of a sort of a sea-change for BlackBerry, I would think that's overstating it."

While the Pearl received rave reviews when it was introduced in September, and now sells for US$149.99, some analysts have questioned Apple's decision to price the iPhone for US$499 for the low-end model. Cost was cited as the biggest obstacle in getting regular mobile phone users to upgrade to smart phones.

Given the requirement that customers switch to AT&T and pay a considerable sum for the Apple iPhone, analysts are still unsure how Apple will do in the overcrowed smart phone market. Those with healthy expendable income will certainly spring for an iPhone. The ultimate question is how many people who are on the fence financially will make the leap.

For now, RIM isn't worried.

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Observer Comments

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View Name:Guest
Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:39 pm Subject: that's too bad
Close Name:Bosco Posts: 999 Joined: 03 Jun 2002
Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:03 pm Subject: Perfect last name for a CEO

"Hi, my name is Jim Balsillie, and that's how I run things around here. If you have the testicular fortitude, you too can have a job with RIM."

OK, you guys wanna see something funny? Google for "rim job" and note that the fifth result is RIM's career page.


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View Name:Guest
Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:08 pm Subject: Class action
Close Name:Clyde_Turkey Posts: 14 Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Mon Feb 12, 2007 7:12 pm Subject: and they shouldn't be....

With a well established corporate user base, that includes a large majority of Federal agencies, and a push based email system that no one is closed to duplicating, I can't see them worrying about the iPhone, yet.
People easily forget that market cap held by RIM and the fact that most of their money is made in the corporate market. I'm not sure that RIM will ever manufacture a handheld as cool as the iPhone, but they will always have their loyal corporate customers to fill their coffers.

I wish Apple would join the BlackBerry Connect program so that they can get in on the corporate push email too.


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Close Name:Rainy Day Posts: 607 Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Tue Feb 13, 2007 1:22 am Subject: Delusional

Well, what can he say? “Yeah, we’re scared sh*tless?” I don’t think so.


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