Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s Legend: Can Research In Motion Ltd (BBRY) Prove Him Wrong?

Research In Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) has tried defending itself over the years, only to see iOS and Android continue their siege. QWERTY keyboards may be its last stronghold, particularly since iOS and Android have no interest whatsoever in pursuing that segment.

The Q10 has launched in the U.K., and anecdotal evidence suggests a strong start. CEO Thorsten Heins told Bloomberg that he expects unit sales in the “tens of millions.” The device’s Canadian launch is imminent, but specific details regarding U.S. availability remain elusive.

Early reviews have begun to hit the web with an overall lukewarm reception. The Q10 is undoubtedly the best QWERTY hardware device now, but that’s partially due to a lack of meaningful competition. There’s nothing about it that will win touchscreen users back to hardware keyboards, though.

The device is very clearly positioned toward die-hard keyboard enthusiasts, which is a declining subset of the broader market. Flagship QWERTY keyboards will never be mainstream again.

The article Can BlackBerry Single-Handedly Prove Steve Jobs Wrong? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Evan Niu, CFA, owns shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL). The Motley Fool recommends Apple and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG).

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.