BlackBerry ‘iPhone killer’ to launch next week?

BlackBerry manufacturer RIM is expected to unveil its ‘iPhone killer’ handset – the touchscreen slider 9800.

Analysts told Reuters that “the timing makes sense” for the launch

"The earlier they are going to say it is going to be available on the shelves the better. They don’t want to miss one of the key seasons," said Avian Securities analyst Matt Thornton.

He added that the device will probably be launched in Canada and Western Europe later in the year, in time for Christmas.