Leaked images and specifications of two BlackBerry smartphones reveals RIM might have a decent game plan after all.
The leaked internal document, labelled RIM Strictly Confidential on top, depicts BlackBerry’s L and N series smartphones.
The L series resembles the developer device showcased at RIM’s BlackBerry World conference, donning a 1280×768 touchscreen that will have a pixel density besting Apple’s very own retina display (356ppi).
But BlackBerry loyalists didn’t fall in love with exclusive touchscreens; that’s Apple’s crowd. They’re after the physical QWERTY keyboard that turned them into CrackBerries in the first place, and that’s where BlackBerry’s new N series comes in.
The new N series smartphone features a portrait QWERTY keyboard (unfortunately individual keys have been censored in the photo) and couples it with a 720×720 screen. Although a smaller screen, there’s a good chance it could also be touch capable as it offers a pixel per inch density of 330ppi, which is on par with Apple’s iPhone 4S.
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The document alleges these smartphones will use OLED panel technology, but there’s always the chance BlackBerry could switch over to LCD screens in a bid to be more competitive on price.
BlackBerry’s fate depends on the success of these devices and its BB10 operating system. With relatively limp developer support, the software and smartphones must shine; otherwise this haemorrhaging company could share the same fate Palm has.
The BlackBerry L is expected to be launched in Q2 of 2012, with the N supposedly debuting early 2013.
