RIMM is available in China and India while AAPL will be playing catch up in Chindia penetration. The future deos look bright for RIMM and it future prospects especially when it comes to their addictive products. According to the Boy Genius Report and analysts, the Blackberry 9000 is suppose to be launched in the near future between July and Fall. The new device is suppose to be more consumer targeted while the 8000 series owns the business segment. Everyone knows that the RIMM keyboard is much more business centric and email friendly so their targeted approach is admired. The new 9000 series coud be a full touchscreen model or a touchscreen with a slider like the recent RIMM patent below. The VP of RIMM has already mentioned that they are planning four or five new models in 2008, not one has been introduced yet. The 9000-series is described by Carmi Levy, an analyst at AR Communications Inc. , as "the future of the BlackBerry franchise," a complete breakaway from the device's business roots.

Now of course a new model series wouldn't be complete without new software and the rumor is that the 9000 series could launch with OS 4.6.0 as well as possible 3.5G capabilities.

These products show the great leadership and innovation of RIMM and as we turn to RIMM earnings on Wednesday, you have a great sense that this is not a one trick pony and that they will not rest on their laurels as MOT had done with the RAZR.
Looking to RIMM earnings on Wednesday I aggregated the most recent analyst comments regarding this quarter. As most know RIMM came out early and announced higher guidance for the past quarter so all eyes will be not be on this quarter but on guidance for the year and the upcoming quarters as well as any news on product launches. In my opinion, RIMM has been known to play close to the vest so investors shouldn't expect RIMM to announce any launch dates for new products. One thing I do like about the recent analyst comments have been about the positive channel checks all quarter long heading into earnings. Counting shopping carts is not an exact science but is a strong variable for consideration when gauging earnings performance.
One of the most accurate and influential analysts I listen to closely and who has been dead on with RIMM in previous earnings is AmTech Research.

On March 28th, RIMM: Checks indicate solid demand, estimates raised@LEHM
Lehman raised RIMM estimates citing strong prosumer expectations and steady enterprise demand. The firm's checks indicate strong carrier net add momentum and they see a unit resurgence in Q1.
RIMM: Positive comments following channel checks@CRTC
CRT Capital thinks RIMM is well positioned to gain share in both the smart phone and the broader handset market and expects solid February quarter results.