Research in Motion (RIM), has come out with a new BlackBerry touch-screen phone with a tweak in technology, in response to Apple's iPhone.

The new Storm does away with the physical keypad and comes with a large screen, just like its rivalApple's iPhone. RIM is famous for its e-mail-oriented phones with large keypads.

But RIM has changed its features following feed back from users who find the iPhone's glass screen awkward to type on because its virtual buttons offer no tactile feedback.

The Storm's full screen is supported by springs, and when pressed, it gives under the finger.

Storm will work both on Verizon Wireless' network and on Vodafone's, even though they use incompatible technologies.

Experts say the launching of a BlackBerry `touch-screen phone' is proof of the iPhone effect, because the brand is a favourite with e-mail-addicted executives.

While the iPhone scores with its facility with Web browsing and movie playing, the Storm gains as a Web browser which is closer to the desktop experience than the iPhone, say experts.