Quote:
Originally Posted by duane534
I'd like to see a pared down list of models. Rename the Pearl Flip to just the Flip, keep the original Pearl, Storm, but merge the Curve, Bold, and 8800-series.
This will allow the Pearl Flip and Flip to branch out farther, as they are very different devices and eliminate the constant re-invention of the wheel with the Curve, Bold, and 8800.
All that really needs done is a redesign of the Storm to ensure it can compete with the next-gen iPhone and a new Bold that beats out the current-gen Curve and 8800-series.
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I think you are going to be very disappointed if you think that rim are going to reduce their model range, i think it is inevitable that in order to keep growing they will need to expand their range to include every form factor where there would be sufficient demand.
Currently you have two types of pearl, assuming we don't see a 3g refresh for the standard pearl then the next thing you would expect to see would be a slider to give those who want a standard phone shape another choice.
As far as merging the curve, bold and 8800, I think you are mistaken if you think there is any such thing as an 8800-series now, it was already mostly replaced by the bold with the world phone part getting mopped up by bold 1.1 or the tour as they have called it.
From what I have read, the curve is actually rim's top-selling model and while some of that is obviously down to mainstream pricing of those models, you only have to look at the 8900 to see that they also think that it is a viable form factor for premium-priced devices too.
What you call re-invention of the wheel is actually rim being very smart and not wanting all their eggs in one basket, they have a wider range of form factors to appeal to more people and also to offer more carriers exclusivity periods at launch.