Research in Motion, RIM, is looking to stay up with the Jones’. In the computer support world, that means keeping up with Apple, or in other words, the iPad. The Wall Street Journal has reported that there will be a BlackPad, or Blackberry tablet, that will be rolled out in the fourth quarter.
So, is the BlackPad iPad worthy? It differs from the Apple tablet by having one, maybe two cameras. Also, it can get on 3G by tethering with the Blackberry. That means no monthly 3G costs like the iPad. Wi-fi connection is available too. The screen itself will be about 7 inches. The unexpected news about the Blackpad is the operating system install. Instead of using the new Blackberry 6 mobile OS, it will use the new QNX operating system. QNX is a company RIM purchased earlier this year. The QNX software brings with it the entertainment aspect that blackberry devices have been missing. More apps will be integrated on the Blackberry tablet.
For blackberry users, the blackberry support will still be done from its Canadian headquarters. Overall, the BlackPad could compete with the iPad if RIM can figure out a way to have all the loyal Blackberry users jump ship from the iPad. Enough folks have had a chance to use the iPad so the novelty period has run out. The timing of the BlackPad is perfect since it allows folks to finish using the iPad and move over to the Blackberry device. Further, any current Blackberry users instantly may use the BlackPad for 3G internet connectivity which is a plus.
