Research in Motion Ltd (BBRY): A New QWERTY Device Coming in Q3?

Research in Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) has commented in the past that it had plans to launch several devices that run on its new BlackBerry 10 operating system. in fact, there seems to be a very clearly defined road map for the devices, as seen in this “leaked” photo that seems to show six devices coming out during the calendar year of 2013. While the legitimacy of the photo id debated, it at least shows a plan of action – and the first two devices on that road map seem to be in the right lace as far as timing on the calendar.

But now, a photo has leaked that seemed to show a new Research in Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) device that was on the calendar but has not even been rumored or whispered about. The photo (seen here) is reportedly of the new R10 handset, which is said to be a mid-range version of the Q10, with a QWERTY keyboard and a plastic casing.

With reports that the Q10 with the keyboard is selling well in Canada and the U.K., even at a premium price point, if the draw to BlackBerry is for the keyboard, then having this mid-level option  may be just the ticket for some Research in Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) BlackBerry fans who just don’t have the funds to afford the high–priced model at this point but still want the experience of the physical keyboard.

This is the first glimpse of any new device that we’ve seen, although the “road map” had a couple of devices in the plans to come out before the R10, so we’ll have to wait and see about the legitimacy of this latest “leak,” which suggested a possible launch in the third quarter of this year by the “leaker,” one who goes by the handle “tamarabatal” on Instagram, where this photo first appeared.

We don’t know yet how this handset came to be in the hands of this “leaker,” nor do we know anything more about the specs of this handset, if indeed Research in Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) will be releasing it as early as the “leaker” says – which would be at least a couple quarters earlier than the “road map” showed, which had the R10 nearly off the frame on the right side.

What do you think? Can BlackBerry succeed with a QWERTY handset in the mid-range smartphone market, which has been getting more and more populated and competitive? If you were not in the market for a Q10, would you consider a Research in Motion Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) R10? Do you like keyboard smartphones in general? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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