Okay when the 6230 series debuted it cost about $299-$399.
When the 7230 series debut it was $399 - $499
(the lower price reflects with mobile contract, the higher price reflect w/o contract)

Now the 8700 debut and I'd assume would be roughly priced similarly to the Treo 650 ($499 with contract, more without) and not to mention the new HP 6515 smartphone that cingular sells for $499 with the plan and close to $600 without a plan.

So why is the 8700 only $249 with a contract and $299-$399 elsewhere?

Am I suspecting poorer quality? is RIM hurting economically? what's up?

Even the cingular 7290 is still $249 to $299 with contract.