When Research In Motion first introduced the RIM Blackberry to the world there was a lot of hype about their product. The buzz was that this would be a blockbuster device with sales to follow suit. The appeal of having always on, instant email was just too appealing. Analysts predicted great things to come for RIM.

While RIM has managed to develop a fabulous product that hasn't necessarily translated in to fabulous sales. They were in a market with little or no competition before, but they now face challenges to their patent, as well as rival devices in their space.

Palm's new i705 device offers wireless email for example. While Palm's device is not quite as robust a product as far as email goes (the only available keyboard is a snap-on keyboard that makes the unit bulky), it does offer an alternative to RIM's Blackberry.

In recent weeks analysts have downgraded the prospects for RIM. Will RIM be able to pull through? Stay tuned.