You knew it was only a matter of time right? While not official, word is out that RIM is wanting to get in on the tablet fun this November. Like the rest, their sights are set on knocking out the iPad, according to Business Week. The report is coming from two people who are familiar with RIM's plans.
The specs are that the unit would have approximately the same dimensions as the iPad, which sports a 9.7-inch diagonal screen. The unit would also include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology that would allow people to connect to the Internet through their BlackBerry smartphones, said the two people who did not want to be identified, because the plans were not yet public.
Like other companies, RIM wants to try and release a product to give the iPad some competitive love. Last month Apple said it sold 3 million iPad units in just 80 days after being released in the U.S.
"They can't wait for a second generation of devices from Apple or they'll fall too far behind," Ashok Kumar, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw Inc. in New York, said.
Marisa Conway, a spokeswoman with RIM, didn't want to comment as it is company policy not to comment on rumor or speculation.
The device would supposedly be called "Blackpad", said one of the sources. RIM had acquired the rights to blackpad.com this month.
Keeping further in line with Apple, pricing for the unit would be about the same as the iPad at $499. RIM would much rather gain further profits from their efforts, versus selling a large quantity.
But the question is whether or not RIM actually stands a shot, or risks running the same fate as other tech companies.
"With the success of the iPad, RIM faces an uphill battle," according to William Power, with Robert W. Baird & Co. "RIM really has yet to demonstrate that it can roll out touchscreen technology to match the leaders in the space, most noticeably Apple."
What's your take readers? Who stands to win in a fight between "Blackpad" and the iPad? Feel free to leave some comments below!
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roman.norris
July 30, 2010 at 11:58pm
As Apple has been rolling out its products, it has done so very wisely. All of its products work seemlessly with one another, and anyone in the tech world knows that unified devices just make things easier. In front of the concept, Apple has not only captured everyone's attention with beautiful devices, it has been a marketing KING. Everyone wants the latest and greatest. No one presents that better than Apple. Good luck to anyone running against Apple. You would be wise to conjure up one AMAZING device that everyone buys first, and then begin to roll out products that are beautifully made and work seamlessly with the first. Otherise, Apple has it in the bag.
