Early pager models
These models are devices that were designed as 2-way pagers with a built-in thumb keyboard. These models did not support Java without the use of a JVM add-on. All of these models used early data-only packet switching networks, including Mobitex and DataTAC, and came out prior to 2001. The earliest models of these were called Inter@ctive Pager before the brand changed to BlackBerry. Limited HTML access could be provided using third party software such as WolfeTech PocketGenie or GoAmerica browser.
Monochrome Java-based models (5000 and 6000 series)
Most of these models were the first BlackBerry models that had a built-in mobile phone, were the first models that natively ran Java, and transmitted data over the normal 2G cellular network. RIM began to advertise these devices as email-capable mobile phones rather than as 2-way pagers. At this time, the primary market was still businesses rather than consumers.
The 5810 was released on March 4th, 2002 . An aberration in this list, the 5790, was released at a much later date as a niche model in 2004 after many color BlackBerry models were out. This non-phone BlackBerry was made available due to the demand for a Java-based model that could run on the Mobitex data-only network.
First color models (7000 series)
The monochrome models were revised to include a color screen, while retaining the same form factor and casing. Early color models, such as the 7230, typically used a dim electroluminescent backlight, leading to an initial reputation of poor image quality. Later color models, such as the 7290, typically used a LED backlight, yielding much better screen quality. The color LCD screens used in these series were either reflective or transflective, so these screens yielded better image quality in direct sunlight even with the backlight turned off.
Nearly all models in this list were 16 MB models with no Bluetooth. The only model with 32 MB and Bluetooth is the 7290, which was the last model released in the early BlackBerry form factor, and was the first BlackBerry model with Bluetooth. The 7290 was also the first quad-band BlackBerry.
An aberration in this list is the 7270, the first Wi-Fi BlackBerry, released later. It is built into the old form factor in the same vein as the 7200 series.
First SureType models (7100 series)
RIM expanded the market by introducing the first BlackBerry models without a discrete QWERTY keyboard, in the candybar form factor. They developed a predictive text technology called SureType with a QWERTY-like layout, using two keys per button. By using only two letters per button, rather than three letters per button as in T9 using ten-digit keypads, predictive text accuracy could be improved dramatically. The use of a QWERTY-like layout took advantage of people's memory of the computer keyboard, since each button was roughly relative to each key. At the same time, the size of the BlackBerry could be dramatically reduced, as keyboards only needed to be 5-buttons wide rather than 10-buttons wide. These BlackBerries became more popular with the mass market as they became similarly sized to competing consumer-market cellphones.
These models were among the first BlackBerry models to be aggressively marketed to consumers, rather than to businesses. RIM continued to manufacture QWERTY models, to give the market a choice between the traditional QWERTY thumb keyboard, and the compressed SureType keyboard.
Consumer models (8000 - 9000 series)
Beginning with the 8700-series models, RIM began to aggressively add consumer features to BlackBerry models, in an aim to capture more of the consumer market from competitors such as Treo and Motorola Q. In this progression of models, the additions include better quality screens, more memory, built-in chat software, first cameraphone, microSD memory card slot, built-in mapping software, and other consumer-specific features. The BlackBerry Pearl 8100 was the first BlackBerry without a trackwheel, which was replaced by a miniature trackball to enable full 4-way and mouse-style navigation on a BlackBerry. The look of the new trackball gave the "Pearl" it's name.
Future models
The trend of diversification of BlackBerry form factors continue, with additional consumer friendly features added, to compete with new devices such as iPhone. A BlackBerry touchscreen device, Storm, is currently released on Verizon.
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