Why Blackberrys Have A Limited Shelf Life

The BlackBerry, once the “must-have” phone, was touted in the hands of all the diplomats and government agencies, business professionals and tech young adults. It was the phone that pioneered emailing on mobile devices. Now, it’s lost its lustre.

BlackBerry was one of the first smartphones that was introduced to the tech world. It’s maker, Canadian-based Research In Motion (RIM), merged the internet with phone service to make the convenient and useful hand-held device.

For years, BlackBerry dominated the mobile email market, until Apple released the iPhone in 2007. Now, the once termed “CrackBerry,” is struggling to compete with the iPhone, Android and Windows Phone.

The interactive capabilities of the iOS and Android platforms are much more user-friendly and appealing. The new iPhone 5, despite having some minor glitches, has more tricks and gimmicks than several of the smartphones on the market. With improved audio, video and camera functions, a larger screen, thousands of apps to choose from, and its quick operating system, the iPhone 5 is the mobile device many consumers desire.

Top companies used to operate solely on BlackBerry because of its functionality and privacy. But now, they are giving their employees the option to switch over to the iPhone or Android.

Although BlackBerry CEO, Thorsten Heins, insists that the brand has a strong future, many question how long it will last. In June, the company’s shipment of phones was down 41 percent from the year before. Just this last year, RIM’s shares plummeted, causing the company to take a financial hit. And if these aren’t any indications as to the device’s future, perhaps the company’s plan to cut 5,000 jobs is.

RIM plans to launch BlackBerry 10 in the first quarter of 2013. It is supposed to feature an enhanced predictive keyboard and improved camera function in addition to other upgrades. Despite this, and the promise of company executives to streamline their products and services, many analysts say the BlackBerry has a grim future.

Several have expressed the idea that the BlackBerry is a product that no longer appeals to consumers and that it is outdated. Some have gone as far to say that the company has only three options: sell it, break-up or fail.

What is even more daunting is the RIM’s announcement that is looking to sell the company. The news has turned some users off, and driven others to seek immediate replacements.

So, if you have already made the switch from your once addicting CrackBerry to the praised iPhone, have you considered what you’ll do with the old one? Unless you’re holding onto it for nostalgia purposes, maybe it’s time to take the advice of that ad you saw that read “Sell BlackBerry Curve 5280.” Since it’s no longer of any use to you, why not sell it? You can make money and use it to up upgrade your phone or purchase new apps.

Michael Edmondstone is a freelance personal finance and technology writer.