RIM Looks to Break Out

As out of the spotlight as this company can get, BlackBerry maker Research In Motion(RIMM Quote) has been doing just fine, thank you.

While its rivals have hogged the spotlight in the last two months -- Apple's(AAPL Quote) much-anticipated iPhone and the furious takeover chatter surrounding Palm(PALM Quote) have garnered the headlines -- RIM has launched the latest addition to its product family, the BlackBerry 8800, and wrapped up its internal stock-option accounting investigation..

The launch of the 8800 device, a sophisticated version of its consumer-targeted Pearl, has been a success, say analysts. Combined with continued demand for the Pearl, it should help RIM beat expectations when the company reports fourth-quarter earnings after the bell on Wednesday. ...