New RIM Patent Points Toward Touchscreen BlackBerry Slider
We’ve told you time and time again about RIM’s plans to issue a BlackBerry handset with a touchscreen and the recent uncovering of a telling patent filing makes the forecast for a touchscreen RIM quite promising indeed. The patent covers a slider device with trackball navigation and a slide-out qwerty keyboard. Operation of the theoretical device would be achieved using the physical keypad and controls or with a finger or stylus on the touchscreen. Display orientation will be able to rotate to either portrait or landscape depending on usage. This isn’t the first patent we’ve seen from RIM that involves a touchscreen, but it certainly is more probable than most in terms of a design that we may see used in the production of a touch device from RIM. A BlackBerry with the form factor explained and illustrated by this patent would most likely be very well-received by an army of BlackBerry users eagerly anticipating the advent of BlackBerry touch. What do you think, would this one be a winner?
This could be huge. In my experience, RIM has always had a pretty consistent attention to detail, so I have no reason to doubt that’ll change with this one. If it’s like the BlackBerrys I know and love, I’ll definitely get it. I’m really liking the design, too.
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I swear the more and more I look at it, I feel like I am looking at the “Wing” with a Pantech Duo Keyboard with BB Icons on the screen. Anyone else see that?
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If it remains as thin, or almost as thin as the Curve, it would be awesome!
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not a big fan of slisers and if i wanted a touch screen i ight as well go HTC
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This may be necessary, from a marketing standpoint, but it is sacriledge. The raised, tactile feel of a non-slider BB keyboard, the durability of a one-piece design, the quick draw from the proximity magnet case, not dealing with a stylus that can be lost or a fragile screen design-these are the things that have kept me on BB over WM, Symbian, and Palm OS for so long. RIM-do us a favor and keep the traditional form factor even if you introduce an ugly device like the one depicted. True market domination will come from matching or beating capabilities of the iPhone over successive generations.
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Well…this is the most realistic patent we have seen so far come from RIM…I’ll save opinion for the finished product but if it lives up to RIM’s quality standards and “ease of use” it will be a winner.
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Def too much like the HTC. It also looks like it would’nt be too good for one handed operation. If it’s small it might be ok.
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It’s an eyesore reminiscent of a cross between the wing and an old palm device. Personally, I would stick with my curve. The whole beauty of this device is exactly what that other person said it is instantly accessible. No opening, sliding, etc. This would null and void that idea. It’s a horrible design and nothing uglier than the iphone will be succsessful. For that I may just switch to the iphone(shudder) if I have no alternative.
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I like the side wheel scroll like that of the 8700 model, not the scrolling ball. I hope this new Blackberry comes out soon so I can add it to my Things-I-Want-But-Can’t-Afford list! Out of curiosity, what’s the guestimate on the intial price when these rolls out? If it’s anything like the iPhone, that will be rough!
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Allen, is that you?! Stop trying to sound smart! The new Blackberry can substitute as my girlfriend! Surely it will have its way with me.
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The patent filing is most likely not what the final product is and is most likely a generic device. Touchscreen devices have their place but I would not want the screen to be touch all the time. I would like that to be a user selectable feature. RIM has built itself has a email device that is now moving to multi use device but chasing the dragon will cost them where they don’t need it.
If they want to bump up the specs on their non touchscreen devices while they bump up their touch one then fine but if the screw over the traditional users to cater to the younger teenie bopper and iPhone users then screw you RIM. I didn’t move from from WinMobile to jump back with a lackluster touch device.
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That thing is HIDEOUS. I hate the slider feature, it makes an otherwise professional PDA phone look like one of those high school toy phones like the Sidekick or that LG Voyager.
I am 27 and I look very young (a few have said I look as young as a 16-yr old). My job demands that I LOOK professional as much as being professional. That’s why I love my 8800; it meets my business needs and helps me maintain a professional image that inspires confidence from my clients - that I can more than capable to handle their needs.
The last thing I need is a PDA phone that makes me look like the next high school kid texting her friend on a Sidekick when I’m checking my corporate emails. How disappointing, Blackberry.
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When I see an actual product, not just a patent drawing, that is when I will give this a serious thought. BUT, I am getting tired of my Curve…maybe Nokia N96? hmmm…
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I have been waiting for this for months… and I’ll keep waiting… But please oh please let it be thin…
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If this design is true then I will definitely be in line for one. For the pass month or so I have been seeing pics of what the 9000 would look like and they were horrible. This design with a touch screen would make me a believer. I wanted to get the iphone but I am waiting to see what RIMM is going to produce….
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Slim as tech possible please. I’ll pay whatever for a flat blackberry slider with a touch screen. It could be Hello Kitty pink with purple polka dots and I wouldn’t care. A true RazrBerry Slide would shut down traffic and an iPhone would be dead on the street
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I would definetly without a shadow if a doubt have to get it
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I will definetly take one without a shadow of a doubt
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