Goldman definitely is not sending a vote of confidence for the BlackBerry Torch 9800. Goldman Sachs went out on record that the BlackBerry Torch launch on August 12th was “underwhelming.”
According to StreetInsider:
The firm (Goldman) noted that nearly all of the stores they called did not sell out of the device. Also the checks showed that the vast majority of Torch sales were driven by upgrades from existing BlackBerry subscribers.
That makes a some sense but I can see a couple of possible faulty assumptions on Goldman’s claim. First of all they have no idea how many device RIM supplied AT&T with so it could be they have a load of devices stockpiled at each store. Secondly there are no parts on the 9800 that would cause an artificial shortage of the device like other devices using AMOLED screens and such. On top of that there are 50 million BlackBerry users out there dominating the smartphone market so even if the vast majority upgrade the the Torch then RIM accomplished its main goal of halting their loss of market share.
Hopefully either AT&T or RIM respond to the claim. I have reached out to both and will hopefully hear back…
Ronen Halevy ( View Profile) - Posts: