RIM BlackPad Launch Coming Next Week - Competition for Apple's iPad?

There are rumors surfacing from Research in Motion that a new tablet computer is coming. Yes, RIM is calling it the BlackPad, and it could launch as early as next week. This could be big news for the industry, and it could end up giving iPad a run for their money if it takes off.

News of the BlackPad first hit on Tuesday from the Wall Street Journal, according to Yahoo. They described the device as the having the following: "A seven-inch touchscreen, at least one and possibly two built-in cameras, and Bluetooth. It will also feature an entirely new operating system, and will only be able to connect to cell networks through an accompanying BlackBerry smartphone."

The operating system will come from QNX Software Systems, and it will be manufactured by Taiwan's Quanta Computer using computer chips from California. An international effort! If all goes well QNX's new operating system will also power BlackBerry phones in the future.

This is a big move for Research in Motion that has been dealing with the increase of other products in their industry that compete with their BlackBerry. Making the BlackPad only work with their own smart phone seems to be a move to protect the product from being used against them in the future. What do you think? Do you want a tablet computer from the people behind Blackberry? Go here for the latest tech news.

© Regina Avalos