BlackBerry vs. iPhone: Google iPhone search brings up BB Curve Sponsored Link

Because I wanted to check on more Apple iPhone information, I typed in "iPhone" into a Google search just this morning.

Much to my non-surprise, it wasn't the Search Results that were interesting, but the two high-value Sponsored Links that appeared above the said Search Results.

The top sponsored link was a direct path to what is being touted as the "Official (iPhone) site.

That's a well-duh." But not the Sponsored Link that appears immediately below the Link I just cited.

That link is to the official BlackBerry Curve site.

Noting the presence of this BlackBerry ad in what is a major point of information-seeking entry for the iPhone-obsessed tells us a lot about what BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion is playing the build-up for what surely is to be a competitor in the handset market.

The strategy- try to tempt prospective iPhone buyers with a message that hey, we know you are interested in iPhone but while you are waiting for its release, why not check out the BlackBerry Curve? After all, the features being touted (small, light, full QWERTY) are usability attributes for some of the same consumers that would be interested in the iPhone.