Knockoffs, sticker shock threats to RIM's China plans
by Chris Ziegler 
posted Aug 13th 2006 at 7:21PM
Though it should hardly come as a shock to readers familiar with our Keepin' it real fake series, RIM might be surprised to find a bounty of BlackBerry-alikes as they enter the mainland Chinese market, undercutting a source of otherwise significant new revenue as millions of new folks discover the addictive devices for the first time. Though unlicensed knockoff manufacturers typically don't fly in the US or Western Europe, Reuters points out that it can cost as little as $125K to bring one online in China -- a compelling proposition in one of the world's hottest mobile markets. What's more, they're finding that some Chinese are buying BlackBerrys strictly for their, uh, sound quality and good looks (can ya believe it?) but are bypassing China Mobile's email hookup entirely, citing it as overpriced. Could the BlackBerry end up a boon for customers in the world's most populous country, yet a bust for RIM?[Thanks, David]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
bee bo @ Aug 13th 2006 8:01PM
The BlackBerry belt clip is also very handy for chatting hands-free while you club all your country's dogs to death.
cellphone @ Aug 14th 2006 12:06PM
"handy for chatting hands-free while you club all your country's dogs to death"
lol...