TORONTO-Research in Motion (RIM) is expected to soon add color to a new line of low-cost BlackBerry handheld computers, according to analysts that follow the Canadian company.
Last week, at a trade show in Cannes, France, RIM displayed a new model of the BlackBerry, the 6200 series. It was a smaller version of the standard BlackBerry, with a blue casing rather than the standard corporate black casing. As well, RIM showed off a prototype BlackBerry with a color screen. All BlackBerrys now have monochrome displays.
RIM has not yet publicly announced plans for color models. But analysts said they expect the new color units to hit the market about mid-year. They believe the new 6200 series BlackBerry could sell for less than C$200 (US$134) after discounts from carriers. Users currently pay in excess of C$700 (US$469) for a full-featured BlackBerry.
Analysts believe the new 6200 series will be sold to carriers for between C$300 (US$200) and $400 (US$268), a price at which carriers could be induced to discount by as much as C$100 (US$67) or more.
