BlackBerry Cobalt/BlackPad tablet coming in 2011?
updated 12:35 pm EDT, Mon May 3, 2010
BlackBerry tablet to sport 3G, Wi-Fi, out 2011?
Unofficial reports seemingly confirm Research In Motion is indeed working on a tablet. Thus far codenamed BlackPad or Cobalt, the device is expected to get an 8.9-inch screen, with RIM reportedly ordering such displays from Hon Hai. This will make it smaller and thinner than Apple's iPad. The BlackBerry tablet is also expected to be fully compatible with BlackBerry OS.
The tablet is still thought to be officially unveiled sometime in 2011. It would sport both a 3G connection and Wi-Fi and may sync with a BlackBerry smartphone.
RIM co-chief Mike Lazaridis recently cast doubt on tablets and may have contradicted the rumor, although he noted that any tablet had to be more than just a substitute for a notebook. The company has lately patterned some of its strategy after Apple's, following the iPhone with the BlackBerry Storm and changing BlackBerry OS 6.0 to include a Cover Flow-like media player and other touch-friendly elements. [via BBLeaks]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2001
Keyboard
Unless Blackberry works out a good way to have a real keyboard on a tablet-like form factor, they won't do it.