O2 And Research In Motion Introduce The BlackBerry 7100x

    News Editors

    WATERLOO, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2005--O2 and Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) are pleased to announce the latest addition to O2's portfolio of BlackBerry(R) products with the introduction of the new BlackBerry 7100x(TM). The BlackBerry 7100x is expected to be available in the United Kingdom in January 2005.

    The BlackBerry 7100x, developed and manufactured by Research In Motion (RIM), is an innovative mobile device that extends the current data choices available to O2 customers, delivering the power of BlackBerry functionality within a sleek and stylish mobile phone design. The new design is aimed at active mobile professionals who need to manage their work wherever they are (nationally or internationally(a)), as well as keep in touch with family and friends, all through one device.

    The BlackBerry 7100x features all the popular BlackBerry applications including advanced phone, messaging, organizer and browsing capabilities. In addition to a large and bright, high-resolution color screen, the BlackBerry 7100x incorporates an integrated speakerphone that is ideal for conference calls, Bluetooth(R) support for wireless headsets and car-kits and a quad-band radio for international roaming. It also features a sophisticated piano-black casing with 32MB flash memory, 4MB SRAM and polyphonic ring tone support.

    The BlackBerry 7100x integrates the latest BlackBerry browsing technology providing users with access to a wide range of rich HTML-based Internet content in full and vibrant color.

    The BlackBerry 7100x features RIM's breakthrough SureType(TM) keyboard technology that converges a phone keypad and a QWERTY keyboard to fit elegantly within the size constraints of a traditional 'candy bar' phone design.

    The integrated keyboard and software system provides users with an instinctively familiar look and feel and allows users to dial phone numbers and type messages quickly, accurately and comfortably. Removing the need for the traditional multi-tap phone approach, SureType fundamentally changes the way people think about typing on mobile phones.

    The BlackBerry 7100x and SureType support various languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish.

    "We are very pleased to add the BlackBerry 7100x to our range of O2 mobile devices," said Hugh Griffiths, Head of Mobile Data Products and Services, O2. "It's clear that this device will attract a whole new audience to the BlackBerry platform and demonstrates the very latest technology for both new and established users alike."

    "The unique functionality of this all-in-one device can cover a multitude of business and personal functions. By combining exceptional phone, email, messaging and browsing capabilities with an extremely effective keyboard and a large, vibrant, color screen, this device is ideal for customers that prefer the look and feel of a phone but want to extend the use of their handset to include email, web browsing and messaging services," concludes Griffiths.

    "The BlackBerry 7100x is a significant breakthrough for customers that want advanced phone, messaging and data capabilities in a sleek new design," said Mark Guibert, Vice President, Corporate Marketing at RIM. "The new SureType keyboard technology is an amazing innovation that offers a significant improvement over traditional phone keypads and the BlackBerry 7100x is a very attractive choice for customers looking to upgrade their existing phone."

    The BlackBerry 7100x weighs 120g and has a battery life (using the standard battery) of over four hours talk time and over eight days standby. A hands-free earpiece, USB cable and standard holster are included. Additional accessories such as holsters and car chargers will also be available and the BlackBerry 7100x supports Bluetooth headset and car-kit profiles.

    For individuals, BlackBerry Internet Service(TM) allows users to integrate their new BlackBerry handset with up to ten business or personal Internet-based email accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and many popular ISP email accounts) without the need for a special server or IT support. It takes just a few steps by the user to get up and running.

    For corporate users, the BlackBerry 7100x can connect to BlackBerry Enterprise Server(TM), supporting secure, wireless email, calendar appointments and other corporate data. The BlackBerry 7100x supports the full functionality of the recently introduced BlackBerry Enterprise Server v4.0.

    The BlackBerry 7100x will be available in the UK from all O2 retail stores and direct and indirect business channels, as well as other leading distributors.

    (a) Subject to network agreements and international restrictions

    Note to Editors: To download images of the new BlackBerry 7100x, please visit http://www.blackberry.com/uk/news/products/index.shtml

    About O2 UK

    O2 is a leading provider of mobile services to consumers and businesses in the UK. It is the leader in non-voice services, including text, media messaging, games, music and video, as well as always on data connections via GPRS, 3G and WLAN. Each month O2's nearly 13.9 million customers send more than three quarters of a billion text messages. O2 (UK) is a subsidiary of mmo2 plc which also owns O2 branded mobile operators in Ireland and Germany as well as the O2 Airwave emergency services network in the UK.

    About Research In Motion (RIM)

    Research In Motion is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative wireless solutions for the worldwide mobile communications market. Through the development of integrated hardware, software and services that support multiple wireless network standards, RIM provides platforms and solutions for seamless access to time-sensitive information including email, phone, SMS messaging, Internet and intranet-based applications. RIM technology also enables a broad array of third party developers and manufacturers to enhance their products and services with wireless connectivity to data. RIM's portfolio of award-winning products, services and embedded technologies are used by thousands of organizations around the world and include the BlackBerry(R) wireless platform, the RIM Wireless Handheld(TM) product line, software development tools, radio-modems and software/hardware licensing agreements. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, RIM operates offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. RIM is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq:RIMM) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:RIM). For more information, visit www.rim.com or www.blackberry.com.

    Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used herein, words such as "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information available to Research In Motion Limited. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements include, without limitation, possible product defects and product liability, risks related to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, the initiation or outcome of litigation, acts or potential acts of terrorism, international conflicts, significant fluctuations of quarterly operating results, changes in Canadian and foreign laws and regulations, continued acceptance of RIM's products, increased levels of competition, technological changes and the successful development of new products, dependence on third-party networks to provide services, dependence on intellectual property rights and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in RIM's periodic reports filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory authorities. The Company has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited. RIM, Research In Motion and BlackBerry are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be pending or registered in other countries. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.



    Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) (TSX:RIM)

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CONTACT: Media Contacts: RIM Tilly Quanjer, Senior Communications Manager, RIM Europe +44 (0)1784 223987 tquanjer@rim.com OR Hotwire PR for RIM +44 207 608 2500 OR Brodeur Worldwide for RIM Courtney Flaherty +1 (212) 771-3637 cflaherty@brodeur.com OR Investor Contact: RIM Investor Relations (519) 888-7465 investor_relations@rim.com OR O2 UK Contacts: O2 Press Office Louie StClaire 07834093217 Louie.StClaire@O2.com OR Cohn & Wolfe Susanna Davidson / Charlotte Greaves 020 7 331 5300 susanna_Davidson@uk.cohnwolfe.com

KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED KINGDOM INTERNATIONAL CANADA EUROPE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE PRODUCT SOURCE: Research In Motion

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