Blackberry recently revealed they are working on a “pad”. It seems that all manufacturers are trying to ride the wave created by Apples iPad, and Blackberry, I am afraid to say are bringing up the rear.
RIM are marketing the device as a business tool, in line with the target market for their mobile phone handsets. This makese sense, however, their decision to name this “business tool” the “PlayPad” is somewhat perplexing.
So far all they have presented is a “box” playing some kind of looped video much to the distain of critics, some of whom have openly called it vaporwear.
However, having had a chance to look at some Google Android Tablests recently, I think BlackBerry could make inroads into this market if they get the product right. Currently, Apple have the best device, but it is locked down and inflexible.
Android Tablets are more open, but are just not as nice to use. If BlackBerry can fill the middle ground with somethign that is quick and easy to use for the business person, with the kind of connectivity needed for business I am sure they can make a success of it.
We should not have too long to wait, the PlayPad is penciled in for release early 2011.