Photo: Intel inside RIM's BlackBerry

Research In Motion unveiled the BlackBerry 8700c on Nov. 1. It is the first version of its e-mail handheld produced through a recent partnership with Intel. The device will be available starting Nov. 21 through Cingular Wireless for $299 and carry information over next-generation EDGE wireless networks.

PalmOne aimed to sharpen its image with the launch of the Treo 650 in October 2004. The smart-phone update, a chief rival to the new BlackBerry 8700c, has a higher-resolution screen and a faster processor than the previous top-of-the-line model, the Treo 600.