Blackberry Tablet: Ipad-like Tablet From RIM, The Blackpad

by NowPublic Staff | May 13, 2010 at 08:55 am

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Rumours Surface About New Tablet From Blackberry RIM: The BlackPad

News is starting to surface the Waterloo based Blackberry manufacturer RIM is developing a tablet, similar to the iPad, called the BlackPad.

RIM can’t afford to ignore the popularity of the iPad and the fact other competitors are expected to bring out their own tablet devices, said Ashok Kumar, a technology analyst who has commented on the Waterloo-based company’s efforts to come out with a tablet.

“RIM can’t afford not to participate in that segment,” he said in an interview.... Kumar said he is basing his evidence on discussions with RIM suppliers such as Quanta, a hardware manufacturer in Taiwan, and Marvell Technology Group, a California-based maker of silicon solutions.

The economic incentive for RIM to pump money into a tablet is pretty clear with the success of Apple's iPad. Apple has sold about 1 million units of the iPad since its release April 3 at prices ranging from $549 to $649. Plus, the iPad is not cannibalizing Apple's other product offerings ,a definite lure for RIM.

The 8.9-inch device would only be a companion to an existing BlackBerry and would provide a larger screen for books, movies, photos and the web. Either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi would provide the connection to the smartphone, with no 3G for the tablet itself.

So far RIM is not commenting on its plans for a tablet let only whether it will be called The Blackpad.