RIM Responds to Apple’s Use of BlackBerry Bold 9700 in iPhone 4 Press Conference

During its emergency iPhone 4 conference at its Cupertino headquarters on Friday, Apple stated that “phones aren’t perfect.” The company then demonstrated that phones such as the BlackBerry Bold 9700 among others also suffer attenuation and signal loss when gripped or held a certain way. Erictric indicated that it wouldn’t be long before the makers of the smartphones sampled by Apple would issue a response to the Cupertino-based company’s claims. Nokia, although not mentioned at the conference, was the first to release an official statement.

Now, we’re learning that Research In Motion [RIM] has followed suit, and released an official joint statement by co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie condemning Apple’s claims and actions. The Waterloo, Ontario-based company states that for more than 20 years they have manufactured innovative devices that “don’t need to use a case” to “maintain proper connectivity” [ouch]. Many BlackBerry smartphone users have already expressed their discontent against comments made by Apple CEO Steve Jobs regarding the BlackBerry Bold 9700.

Complete statement by RIM in the full post.

“Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable. Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM’s customers don’t need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple.

- Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie”

[ via CrackBerry ]