Research In Motion launched a new version of the device on Wednesday with a smaller, revamped keyboard. It named BlackBerry 7100t.

The new 20-character keyboard resembles a stretched out telephone keypad combined the traditional QWERTY keyboard used on the original BlackBerry.

RIM executives said the latest variation of the phone and messaging device is designed to win over customers more familiar or comfortable with typing on a phone keypad.

"This is still a BlackBerry. What's inside is a BlackBerry. We repackaged it based on feedback we've had from our customers...it allows us to address a different market," RIM co-chief executive and founder Mike Lazaridis told Reuters.

The new BlackBerry 7100t will be available for $199.99 exclusively through T-Mobile USA. RIM plans to offer the device outside the United States but has not yet set up partnerships with non-U.S. phone companies.

T-Mobile vice president of marketing, Scott Ballantyne, said its $59.99 monthly rate plan for the device will include 1,000 minutes of voice service and unlimited data and messaging. It will be available to consumers the first week in October.

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