Blackberry maker doubles profit

Blackberry may have benefited from Apple's iPhone launch

Research In Motion (RIM), the Canadian maker of the Blackberry phone and e-mail device, has reported better-than-expected profits.

For the three months to 1 March, RIM reported earnings of $412.5m (�207.5m), more than double the $187.4m it made in the same period last year.

Analysts said Apple's launch of iPhone had raised awareness of smart-phones.

The company shrugged off concerns about the US economy and predicted strong profit growth for the next quarter.

"What's impressive is that, given the macro environment that they know about, they guided this strong," said Peter Misek from Canaccord Adams.

Another analyst suggested that RIM may be recession-proof.

"People may be spending less money on cars, they be spending less money on their houses, but it turns out the Blackberry is the one essential," said Duncan Stewart of Duncan Stewart Asset Management.

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