Everybody's talking today about Canaccord Capital analyst Peter Misek's prediction that Apple and Research In Motion (RIM), maker of the popular BlackBerry handhelds, will join forces to develop what is already being called the AppleBerry. But this fruity partnership -- if it happens at all -- won't result in an iPod with PIM functionality.Misek's prediction, it's important to note, is not based on inside information or special knowledge. It's more of a What-Would-I-Do-If-I-Were-Steve-Jobs brand of wishful thinking.

Misek says that Apple and RIM could combine their technologies to develop a new kind of wireless gadget.

Immediately, the rabid iPod enthusiasts started to imagine an iPod nano that can make phone calls and send e-mail. In fact, the opposite would be true.

Any conceivable AppleBerry would essentially be a BlackBerry with special earbuds, pre-installed iTunes and possibly -- just possibly -- a control wheel somewhere, either in software on the screen (less likely) or a physical one on the front (more likely).

An iPod nano that sends e-mail is what we want. A BlackBerry that plays music is what we'll get -- if this partnership happens at all.