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As we learned around Christmas time, RIM plans to release a number of new BlackBerry models in 2009. These include the EVDO versions of the Bold, the Curve 8900, and the Pearl flip, a 3G version of the Curve 8900, a touchscreen Bold, a Storm with a slide-out keyboard, and a new line of 3G Pearls. That’s an awful large number of devices to release in a slumping economy. My first thought was of whether these devices would sell in a down market. That soon turned to another question: Will RIM stay on schedule with these devices if they don’t see optimistic sales of new devices early in the year?

Buying used in a down economy

As we’ve discussed previously on BBGeeks, there are certain downsides to buying a new BlackBerry device from your cellular service provider. The foremost is the length of commitment you have to make to the service. In the U.S. that’s typically two years, meaning 24 months of paying for voice, data, and messaging features. In a slumping economy, many people will opt not to sign a new contract. It’s risky business, considering many aren’t certain if they’ll be employed at this time next month.

Yet many people will want to change their BlackBerry device or otherwise upgrade their service to include BlackBerry’s email and data services. That’s not easy to do if you don’t want to sign a two-year contract. Since there are no current prepaid BlackBerry solutions in the U.S. (though it has been recently launched in the UK), the only feasible way to accomplish the commitment-less BlackBerry is to buy one used and activate it on your current wireless account.

So say, for instance, that you want a Verizon BlackBerry. You’re already hooked up with Verizon’s service (say you have an LG enV or something like that), but want to upgrade your service to a BlackBerry, yet don’t want to extend your contract by two years. It seems your options at that point are to either pay full retail price for the device, which can be a heavy out-of-pocket expense, or you can buy a used model and activate it on your current contract.

This is why we discussed selling your BlackBerry on eBay, and even posted a quick walkthrough of the process. Not only can you make a few bucks for your old model, but when you sell used someone else can get a BlackBerry without entering into a two-year commitment. It’s a win-win for both parties.

(By the by, if you’re interested in buying a BlackBerry on eBay, you can check out the guide on BlackBerryFAQ for some basic information.)

The old models hold up

Much of this talk about buying used Blackberry devices comes down to a basic need vs. want formula. Some people legitimately need BlackBerry service, mostly for business purposes. However, they don’t need the latest BlackBerry model in order to fulfill the business need. They might want the most advanced model, but in most cases it is far from a necessity. It’s just the same when a teenager wants the newest device. It’s more out of a want for gadgetry than a need for communication.

When we’re talking about the need for a BlackBerry, a used model will often do just fine. For instance, I have a friend who has an 8310 through AT&T’s BlackBerry service. He absolutely loves the device, and has no need to upgrade. Sure, he could go and get himself a brand new BlackBerry Bold, but it’s not a necessity at this point. Not only would he be laying out money for the device, but he’d be committing himself to a two-year contract extension. That’s not exactly what he has in mind. Even when his trackball fell out, he just replaced the trackball itself rather than getting a new model.

From my own experiences and those related to me by friends and readers, BlackBerry devices hold up well over time. This is especially true if you get a high quality case for your BlackBerry. This means two things. First, you can hold onto your old BlackBerry, knowing that if you take care of it, it should continue to function just fine. Second, you can take solace that in buying a used BlackBerry, you’re probably getting a quality unit (unless, of course, it had been treated improperly by its original owner, which is tough if not impossible to ascertain on eBay or even in a store).

Save your money

Like in any recession, the economy isn’t hitting everyone. There are people who have secure jobs in emerging industries, who might need to access their email and browse the Web. For them, it might make sense to pick up a brand new BlackBerry model. It’s for these people that RIM will release their 2009 lineup. However, for others, particularly those with less secure jobs or who face pay cuts, or even pay freezes, due to the economy, buying a used BlackBerry might be the way to go.

You’re not leaving much on the table if you do. Yeah, the original Curve line doesn’t have the high-res display you see on the Bold, the Curve 8900, or what will be the 3G/EVDO Curve, and it doesn’t have as much internal memory, but those are all luxuries. The older models still work great, though, and with OS 4.5 they run even better. Keep this in mind if you’re in the market for a BlackBerry for the first time, or if you’re looking for a new model. You can save yourself some money and avoid locking yourself into a long-term commitment.

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