RIM will soon release its newest electronic gadget, the BlackPad. Meant to compete with Apple’s iPad, BlackBerry’s new BlackPad will have approximately the same dimensions as the iPad, a 9.7” diagonal screen, and will also include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology that will allow people to connect to the Internet through their BlackBerrys.
BlackPad vs. iPad
BlackPad will be BlackBerry’s first tablet PC. With plans to release the BlackPad in November, RIM is hoping to capture some of the tablet PC market share. Apple reported that there were over 3 million iPads sold in the first 80 days after release. RIM shares had fallen 18% earlier this year, but with the release of the new BlackBerry Torch 9800 and the announcement of the BlackPad, stocks rose 3.3% in the last week. This may be a close save for RIM, but it’s still an uphill battle.
RIM has yet to prove itself in the touch screen market. The new BlackBerry Torch 9800 is the first BlackBerry with a touch screen, and runs on the new BlackBerry OS. A lot depends on the reception of the Torch. If it is a hit, then the BlackPad may stand a chance.
BlackPad or iPad? What’s your take? Will the BlackPad really be compatible with the rest of the world? The iPad is seamless with the whole Apple system. Want to take a chance on spending $500 for the BlackPad and have it be exclusively interactive with the BlackBerry? Hmmm…
I think RIM will have a clear winner if they make some wise choices with the tablet. They could be huge in the enterprise and would do well to consider using android for their tablet as opposed to OS6. I did a comparison between the blackpad and iPad over on my tablet blog:
http://www.tcgeeks.com/rim-blackpad-compared-to-the-apple-ipad/
[...] Tablet Smartphones are a growing trend. Dell’s Streak, BlackBerry’s BlackPad, and of course Apple’s iPad are all making splashes. The competition is fierce. See my blog BlackPad vs. iPad. [...]