Photos: BlackBerrys through the ages

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RIM 957

From 2000's mobile connectivity-less 957 to this year's mobile connectivity-less PlayBook...

Once the smartphone of choice for anyone with a business card, BlackBerry has seen its enterprise lead gradually chiselled away by rival devices. Now RIM is setting about trying to keep its handset relevant in a world where the iPhone and bring-your-own IT are increasingly common.

silicon.com takes a look back at how the device has developed since the first BlackBerry hit the shelves over 10 years ago.

RIM 957

This is the RIM 957, one of the early 'wireless handheld' devices from RIM, launched in 2000. Packing mobile email and a Qwerty keyboard, it was only sold in the company's native Canada. It was also notable for having no mobile connectivity - no voice calls here.

Photo: RIM