Research In Motion’s Gambit

Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM), the Waterloo, Ontario-based maker of BlackBerry smartphones is one of my favorite firms, and I’m addicted to their products. They always seem to make the right moves.

One area that RIM could improve on, however, is customization and luxury stratification. The 8800-series phone for executives/enterprise customers along with the more consumer-focused 8100/Pearl are their bread and butter, and their 8300/Curve is their entry on the modern design front. Of all these, the 8800 series carries the most cachet; it makes a statement that the user is an important person who needs to be constantly in touch. No wonder business-savvy stars like Paris Hilton, John Mayer, and Lindsay Lohan are die-hard fans.

However, more could be done here. The 8800 series is pretty boring…it’s metallic/black/grey reflective finish is all business, and RIM could take cues from Vertu in the styling/materials department and offer BlackBerries made from carbon fiber and leather to satisfy the highest-echelon of luxury buyers. It could be a halo product, just as we see in automobiles.

Goldstriker just answered my prayers with its platinum and nightfire leather edition housing for the BlackBerry Pearl. It’s not cheap, however, at $1,600.

Really, RIM, you should jump at this. Think Black MacBook (charge more just for a subtle design change that only a few will notice), but in your pocket. Instead of $1,600, charge $100, and mint money with it.

Goldstriker Blackberry pearl platinum & nightfire leather edition – LuxuryLaunches