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This does sound like RIM is simply trying to eliminate the competition and generate some undeserved income. This patent also tries to snag the thumb wheel (a.k.a. Clie) as well. This will stifle the nacent always-on e-mail market initially, until better input solutions arise. Does this mean the Danger device is now history? How about the Motorola e-mail pager? This could really give RIM a monopoly in this sector of the handheld market.
I suspect they will also attempt to go after Sony over the thumbwheel and might even try to sue over the NR-70 keyboard if they really need the cash (allthought the layout and shape are not similar).
It seems ever since Rambus embarked on their 'sue for fun and profits' extortion scheme, other companies have seen this as a legitimate way to make money. Too bad -- I purposely avoided using Rambus memory in my last PC upgrade (DDR instead) as a result of this shady business practice and will have the same bias against RIM if they get stupid with their patenet claims.
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