We have been hearing rumors that BlackBerry is working on a tablet computer to compete with the Apple iPad for a while now. Recently, we discovered that RIM had purchased the BlackPad.com domain name, which further fueled speculation about their upcoming device.
Now it seems that a hardware manufacturer, Quanta Computer, who makes products for Apple, Dell, and Sony, is the one who will be manufacturing the BlackPad Tablet. Quanta Computer is known for its high-quality manufacturing processes and has a strong reputation in the tech industry, which bodes well for the potential success of the BlackPad.
Expected Features and Specifications
According to Digitimes, the BlackPad tablet could go on sale in September of 2010 (although we did hear November previously) for $499. This price point places it in direct competition with the Apple iPad, which has dominated the tablet market since its release. The BlackPad is expected to feature a 7-inch touchscreen, dual cameras for video conferencing, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, it is rumored to run on a new operating system developed by QNX Software Systems, which RIM acquired in 2010.
RIM intends to ship 2 million units in 2010, with a further 10 million units planned for 2011. This ambitious production goal indicates RIM’s confidence in the BlackPad’s potential to capture a significant share of the tablet market. The company is likely banking on its strong brand recognition and loyal customer base to drive initial sales.
Market Competition and Strategic Positioning
The tablet market is highly competitive, with several major players vying for dominance. Apple’s iPad has set a high bar with its sleek design, robust app ecosystem, and seamless integration with other Apple products. To compete effectively, the BlackPad will need to offer unique features and capabilities that differentiate it from the iPad and other tablets on the market.
One potential advantage for the BlackPad is its integration with BlackBerry’s enterprise services. BlackBerry devices are known for their security features and are widely used in corporate environments. If the BlackPad can leverage these strengths, it could appeal to business users looking for a secure and reliable tablet solution.
Another factor to consider is the app ecosystem. The success of a tablet is often tied to the availability and quality of apps. RIM will need to attract developers to create apps for the BlackPad, which could be a challenge given the dominance of Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. However, RIM’s acquisition of QNX Software Systems could provide a solid foundation for building a competitive app ecosystem.
via Gizmodo
Update 28th September 2010.
RIM has finally announced their BlackBerry tablet, providing full details at the link below. The official name of the tablet is the BlackBerry PlayBook, and it boasts impressive specifications, including a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and support for Adobe Flash 10.1. The PlayBook is positioned as a powerful and versatile device suitable for both personal and professional use.
BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Gets Official
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