RIM to sell 22 million BlackBerry 7 OS devices next year says RBC

The recent introduction by RIM of the three new handsets powered by the new BlackBerry 7 OS brought forth a warm response from BlackBerry fans and some users of other platforms. The new models offer something for everyone. The BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 offers 'Berry fans a traditional (and wider) physical QWERTY keyboard that has been considered among the best ever to grace a handset. The model is the thinnest BlackBerry ever made and besides the physical QWERTY, also offers a 2.8 inch touchscreen.

The BlackBerry Torch 9850/60 is for those 'Berry fans who want a full touchscreen experience that competes with the Apple iPhone and Android models. Think of what RIM was trying to accomplish (and failed to do so) with the BlackBerry Storm. However, there is no SurePress clicking QWERTY here, just some the largest screen on a BlackBerry (3.7 inches) with the highest resolution (480 x 800) seen on a RIM manufactured handset. The BlackBerry Torch 2 9810 has a portrait sliding QWERTY that is great for those who want a generously sized screen (3.2 inches) while at the same time offers the option of using a nice sized QWERTY keyboard for typing long emails or texts.

RBC analyst Mike Abramsky tells clients that the new devices have processors that are fast enough to compete with other phones in the market and some of the models will be 4G enabled with HSPA+ connectivity and, as the analyst says, "may stimulate an upgrade cycle". Still, the three new models could be considered as placeholders until the Canadian based firm is ready to launch its QNX flavored Superphones. As we reported yesterday, speculation centers on a Q1 2012 release of the BlackBerry Colt expected to be the first of these QNX powered BlackBerry models. Abramsky says it will look like a mini-version of the BlackBerry PlayBook with a dual-core processor, dual cameras and a 4 inch display. But before that comes the trio of new BlackBerry 7 OS phones. Anyone planning on picking up one of the three?

source: Barron's via BGR