Just in case you had any doubts that Apple has set the tone for virtually every tablet-style device launched in 2010, there’s a rumor going around that the upcoming BlackBerry tablet will have a $499 price tag. That’s the same price as the base model of Apple’s iPad. Oh yeah, and the BlackBerry tablet will likely be called the BlackPad… remind you of anything?
We’d already heard that the tablet would start shipping in November. The latest rumor brings a few more details (which may very well be wrong). Word on the street is that Taiwanese OEM Quanta will build the tablet for Research in Motion. RIM hopes to ship 2-million units by the end of 2010, and another 8 million units next year.
That sounds pretty optimistic. But if you’d told me that Apple would sell 3 million iPads in the first three months I probably wouldn’t have believed you either. I guess we’re about to find out whether the iPad is simply a hit device from a single electronics company or if it’s there’s demand for a whole new class of tablet-style computers and room for multiple companies to compete in this space. We know that RIM isn’t exactly the only company launching a tablet this year.
It all changes right now. This one already has an impression and it is looking good but certainly not an iPad-competitor.
You are absolutely right, i have read so many article like this in recent few days. But i think it would be tough for blackberry to sale it at $499? because so they have to face competition with ipad and kindle in terms of price, style and features and they have already establish faith over the globe.
I predict: FAIL. Why would anybody want this when app developers are struggling to keep up with the two leading platforms (Android and iOS). But I guess you gotta try, right?