RIM goes ahead with devices amid litigation

The BlackBerry 8700c will be available in the U.S. on Cingular Wireless LLC high-speed EDGE network technology, allowing enhanced application performance and faster Web browsing.“This is a major step forward in wireless innovation really integrating advanced processors from Intel, advanced Cingular network and the new advanced BlackBerry 8700c,” said RIM chairman and co-chief executive officer Jim Balsillie.
The device, which is currently not available in Canada, will run on Intel Corp.’s powerful XScale-based PXA901 cellular processor that features support for EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for Global Evolution) networks and extended battery life capabilities. This is, however, not the first time RIM has used Intel’s technology. Earlier versions of the BlackBerry device like the 950 series used Intel 32-bit 386 processors.
Last month the U.S. Supreme Court denied RIM’s motion to stay further proceedings until the court decides whether or not it will accept an appeal of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit’s decision in August. The Supreme Court also decided that it would allow the District Court to decide whether and to what extent the case will continue — which includes the possibility of being heard by the Supreme Court.
While it could take months before the U.S. Supreme Court will reach a decision on whether it will hear RIM’s appeal of an earlier decision upholding patent infringement charges against the firm, legal and industry experts say the BlackBerry maker’s legal woes won’t interfere with its product strategy.