[rambo47]

Legacy devices are quickly pushed to the back burner, not just by RIM but by all tech companies. Once a new version of hardware is released, maintenance releases for the older models is all you can reasonably expect.

Devices like the 9800 and 9630 were replaced fairly quickly compared to previous models. The 9810 and the 9650 that replaced them were the devices RIM should have released in the first place. The previous models seemed like place holders to tide us over until the real deal was ready.

RIM has said they are moving towards a product cycle that includes new releases every three to six months. Shorter life cycles for new kit will frustrate some, please others. It's an aggressive cycle and there is no guarantee RIM can stick to it, but it does give you some insight into their thinking.