The revolutionary Inter@ctive Pager 900 was one of the earliest pager models, launched by RIM in 1996. It specialized in two-way messaging and had limited HTML access, though it was e-mail capable. The pager was a surefire indicator that RIM had the technology chops to manufacture a product targeted at businesses.

Pictured here is its successor, the Inter@ctive Pager 950, which was released in August 1998. Realistically, both devices were pagers first with added e-mail capabilities.

The revolutionary Inter@ctive Pager 900 was one of the earliest pager models, launched by RIM in 1996. It specialized in two-way messaging and had limited HTML access, though it was e-mail capable. The pager was a surefire indicator that RIM had the technology chops to manufacture a product targeted at businesses.

Pictured here is its successor, the Inter@ctive Pager 950, which was released in August 1998. Realistically, both devices were pagers first with added e-mail capabilities.

By the year 2000, RIM established the BlackBerry as the ultimate corporate accessory. However, it still needed to refine some of its technology if it wanted to hold on to that demographic.

That year, it introduced a device with a larger display and bigger form factor: the BlackBerry 957. Its debut also ushered in BlackBerry OS 2.0, whose interface soon became iconic to BlackBerry’s form, as well as the thumb-controlled scroll wheel that BlackBerry devices used for years.

By the year 2000, RIM established the BlackBerry as the ultimate corporate accessory. However, it still needed to refine some of its technology if it wanted to hold on to that demographic.

That year, it introduced a device with a larger display and bigger form factor: the BlackBerry 957. Its debut also ushered in BlackBerry OS 2.0, whose interface soon became iconic to BlackBerry’s form, as well as the thumb-controlled scroll wheel that BlackBerry devices used for years.
The BlackBerry 5810 debuted two years later in 2002 and was one of the first Java-based BlackBerry devices, as well as the first voice-enabled BlackBerry handset. Unfortunately, you had to plug in an external headset to actually talk on the thing.
The BlackBerry 5810 debuted two years later in 2002 and was one of the first Java-based BlackBerry devices, as well as the first voice-enabled BlackBerry handset. Unfortunately, you had to plug in an external headset to actually talk on the thing.

BlackBerry handsets didn’t get an actual earpiece until late 2002, when the 6210 handset (pictured here) was released. Many say this was the handset that really ushered in the BlackBerry revolution.

Shortly thereafter, in 2003, RIM launched the 7200 series, which featured color LCD screens packaged up in a chassis similar to the 6000 series.

RIM revamped the keyboard and in late 2004, consumers were introduced to SureType: RIM’s answer to T9 predictive texting. Rather than include a separate letter for each key, SureType featured two characters (and a symbol or number) to a button and the software would then predict what the user was typing.

SureType was the beginning of many things, most notably RIM’s entrance into the consumer handset market. The 7100 line, pictured here, was the first handset to include this keyboard technology.

Released in 2006 to US carriers, the 8700 handset (featured here) was the symbol that RIM had made it in the handset world. The 8700, also referred to as “Electron,” went to new heights.

2005 was also the year that Palm and RIM announced they were partnering up. Palm said it would license RIM’s BlackBerry Connect technology for use with its Treo 650 smartphone.

Following the success of the 8700, the BlackBerry 8100 handset—or “Pearl” as it was primarily referred to—debuted in late 2006 and traded the thumb-controlled scroll wheel for a new trackball interface. It also featured a 1.3MP camera, expansion slots, and Bluetooth technology.
In 2007, the BlackBerry Curve 8300 returned to the iconic full keyboard handset style RIM had become known for. The company also split its business into two by offering a prosumer line of devices for the more corporate-oriented and a consumer line of devices for casual users.

The BlackBerry Storm came at a crucial time in 2008, when powerful handsets were now more prominently referred to as “smartphones” (though, let’s be clear, that term already existed for a decade). Apple hit the market with its iPhone a year prior, which finally brought on some ample competition to RIM’s brand and showed that touchscreen was the new “it” technology. Eventually, iPhones and Android phones became more prevalent and, later on, featured all of the e-mail and security settings a business-centric user would need—not to mention, apps.

RIM needed a product that could compete, so it introduced its first touchscreen device, the BlackBerry Storm. The Storm used SurePress keyboard technology, where the cursor tracked the fingertip along the display. Unfortunately, it didn’t perform too well, and it had many mixed reviews and serious usability issues.

RIM had acquired QNX Software Systems in early 2010 to work on its next mobile operating system, which was eventually featured on the company’s first tablet, the PlayBook. Unfortunately, this all happened almost two years too late.

Launched in late 2011, the PlayBook was the beginning of RIM’s massive downfall. It was supposed to be the corporate equivalent to Apple’s successful iPad, but it featured no e-mail service and no BlackBerry Messenger capabilities, and it lacked some essential applications. That year, RIM had ended the year 21 percent deeper in the hole than the previous quarter. It was one of the first declines of many. RIM touted small victories in its financial numbers because as long as it was still making some money—albeit, not Apple’s money—it was going to survive.

Fast forward to today, 2013. RIM officially dropped its “Research in Motion” handle for the name people were calling it anyway: BlackBerry. The Z10 handset featured here, coupled with the Q10 handset, which features a physical keyboard, will ultimately determine if the company will succeed in the smartphone wars. BlackBerry completely overhauled its operating system to be in tune with what other companies offer. It borrows many elements from iOS and Android, including applications, entertainment options, and communication features, as well as a new user interface, although it’s betting its money on gestures. But whether it’s enough to dig BlackBerry out of the dirt is another thing entirely.