Going by the early reviews about Research in Motion (RIM)’s forthcoming BlackBerry Torch 9800, which marks its US launch on AT&T on August 12, though the new BlackBerry is RIM’s best smartphone thus far; the handset does not hold the potential to sway prospective converts from a host of other rival devices, including the Apple iPhone and the several high-end Android-based handsets.

The $199-priced Torch, on a two-year AT&T contract, essentially reflects RIM’s endeavors to advance its characteristic BlackBerry concept into the second decade of the 21st century – an attempt that the die-hard BlackBerry users will appreciate.

In addition to being the first RIM device to run the new BlackBerry 6 operating system; and the Torch also boasts a 3.2-inch color touch screen; a 5-megapixel camera; Universal Search feature; and an updated browser and home screen.

One of the Torch’s notable features that most of the reviewers – who, in varying tones, have largely opined that the handset lacks enough appeal to entice new users - have pointed out is the handset’s offerings of a slide-out keyboard as well as a touch screen; thereby giving the users the option of typing on either BlackBerry keypad or a virtual keypad.

Nonetheless, commenting on the Torch, Engadget’s Josh Topolsky said that the phone “seems sluggish, underpowered and dated from a hardware design standpoint, and BlackBerry 6, despite its new features and polish, still feels woefully behind the curve.”