Cassidy Lackey

Recently analysts have been forecasting the demise of RIM and their Blackberry in this ultra-competitive smartphone environment.  Yet they continue to beat revenue projections and set new device sales records.  What is the disconnect? 

-          RIM will continue to sell more devices as they slip to the lower end of the smartphone such as the $30 curve at t-mobile.  These are users upgrading from feature phones and just want good phone with email and texting.  Android and iPhone will own the higher end, heavy software users.

-          RIM revenue will continue to climb they are the only manufacturer to receive a portion of the monthly revenue from the customer. They receive the same monthly revenue whether they sell a curve or a torch.

The real question is whether they have the DNA to compete with Apple and the top Andorid device manufacturers such as HTC.  Personally, I think not and analysts seem to agree.