Torch 9850/9860

BlackBerrys Torch 9850/9860 rely on a 3.7-inch touch screen and lack a physical QWERTY keyboard.

The Torch 9850/9860s lack of the traditional BlackBerry keyboard hints at a RIM more willing to step out of its comfort zone, design-wise.

Like other RIM devices announced Aug. 3, the Torch 9850/9860 runs BlackBerry 7 OS, which reportedly offers faster browsing, smoother navigation, voice-activated universal search and preinstalled apps, such as the enhanced BlackBerry Messenger 6.

The BlackBerry Torch 9810 is RIMs newest variant on its Torch line, which features a 3.2-inch touch display.

RIM had high hopes for the Torch when it was released in 2010. That first version ran BlackBerry 6 OS.

The Torch 9810s sliding QWERTY keyboard is meant to bridge the difference between those who want their smartphones touch-sensitive, and those who absolutely cannot live without physical keys.

The BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 offer a 2.8-inch display with 640 x 480 resolution, 5-megapixel camera and integrated GPS.

The Bold 9900/9930 also supports NFC (near field communication), which can turn your smartphone into a sort of electronic wallet.

RIM claims the Bold 9900/9930 is the thinnest smartphone set in its repertoire.

Sometime in 2012, RIM on producing a set of superphones with advanced hardware and a QNX-based operating system, which currently powers its PlayBook tablet.