[lorax1284]

I think they could do something strategic this way: Every quarter release a device in a SCHEDULED category: Touchscreen: Top-of-the-line: Consumer: Flip

So, for example, every January 1st, release the new Top of the Line ("Bold") refresh. It's not likely a christmas present anyway, it's a business device.

Then, in March / April time frame, release the Touch Screen device... still high end, but a Torch, not a Bold. Maybe one with the keyboard (Torch 9810) and one without (Torch 9850).

Then, in summertime, release a new "Flip" device, perhaps their consumer / media device (perhaps something that appeals to the ladies)

Then, in September, October, how about the consumer device (Curve) in time for the holidays, at a lower price point, perhaps including some of the advances released in the Bold 9 months earlier (so as not to have their consumer device compete with their Top-tier device)

If you are a fan of touch screens, you buy a device in the spring, then wait for the next upgrade cycle in the following year if you want to upgrade... but if you're a fan of a touchscreen device, you know that you won't see a new model for at least another year, so you should get on board with this one.

Etc.

perhaps that's a model they could move to, but it does assume that third-party suppliers will have enough innovation in the hardware (radios, deployed networks, screen resolution, processors) to warrant the refresh... with Apple, they have no problem introducing very minor changes and calling it a new version, so why not RIM, too? (well, because they'd be raked over the coals by analysts for not being innovative!)