Final answer:
Modern BlackBerry devices have used a variety of ARM processors, such as ARM7 and ARM9. The later models, like the BlackBerry KEY2, have utilized more advanced ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon CPUs for optimized performance and energy efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of processors used in modern BlackBerry devices is b) ARM7 or ARM9. Older BlackBerry models like the 950 and 957 utilized the Intel 80386 processor. However, with the advancement of technology and the need for more power-efficient and faster processors in mobile devices, BlackBerry switched to ARM-based processors.
ARM processors are a family of CPUs based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which are known for their energy efficiency and are widely used in the smartphone industry. The ARM7 and ARM9 are older iterations of ARM processors and were used in some BlackBerry devices. More recent models, before BlackBerry suspended manufacturing phones, use more advanced ARM-based processors.
For instance, the BlackBerry KEY2, one of the last models produced by BlackBerry, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, which is an ARM-based CPU designed for mid-range smartphones. This processor provides a balance of performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for the modern features and applications in smartphones.