Now that I've got your attention with the BlackBerry Tablet photo (thanks James!), here's the scoop....
This week I received a bunch of emails, phone calls and BBMs from industry contacts seemingly out of the blue that were all to the tune of So what's this I hear about a BlackBerry Tablet?! It took a little digging to figure out where this BlackBerry Tablet stuff was coming from all of a sudden, but I got to the bottom of it. The source is from a research firm that specializes in component supply chain information - and the company sent out a brief report this week touting "RIMM to Launch Own Tablet in Late 2010" which got the industry insiders buzzing. The text in the image above that was sent in to us is from that report, which states three sources have confirmed that RIM has placed an order with supplier Hon Hai for 8.9" displays for use in a tablet.
Interesting stuff. I wouldn't read too much into it at this point in time (I can't see RIM trying to go head to head with the iPad just yet), but it at least shows RIM is playing with the notion of bigger screens. What's really interesting and to the contrary is that not too long ago RIM's Founder and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis was on Walt Mossberg's D7 and when asked about a BlackBerry Tablet Mike L. dismissed it, saying "I don't see the benefits of a tablet over a notebook... A lot of technology falls in the middle." It could be the thought on this has changed with all of the tablet buzz of late.
Maybe today's announcement of RIM acquiring QNX Software is related to this report (8.9" displays for in-car touchscreen systems??) or maybe they're toying with an accessory to use with your BlackBerry (sort of like Celio's new touchscreen RedFly we showed you at MWC). Or maybe they do in fact have a team in Waterloo looking into building a full-out BlackBerry Tablet. Who knows. Could all be BS. At this point it's speculation.
So what do you think? BlackBerry Tablet? Yay or Nay? Sound off in the comments!
Read more
Save your flowers with Acid Rain for the BlackBerry PlayBook
Acid Rain for the BlackBerry PlayBook is a simple yet fun swiping style of game. Your job is to protect your three flowers from the storm that will produce some nasty acid rain. In order to do this you must swipe away the evil green acid rain. Using combinations will earn you more points but it isn't quite that easy. As the levels progress you will find more and more blue rain drops....
The BlackBerry PlayBook gets yet another price drop in the UK - Anyone for a bargain?
It was only last week that here in the UK the 64GB PlayBook got a price drop at Currys/PC World and for some bizarre reason it has been retailing at £129. Both the 16GB and 32GB version of the 7 inch tablet have now also been re-priced and the new costs fall in line with the 64GB model. So if you fancy a bargain you can pick up the BlackBerry PlayBook for the following prices: £109...
The 64GB BlackBerry PlayBook gets an online price cut in the UK. Bargain of the year?
The Dixons group seem to have an online special offer on at the moment on the 64GB BlackBerry PlayBook. If you head on over to Dixons or PC World you will find the 64GB PlayBook for only £129. Yes, you did read that right! Why this version of the tablet is cheaper than the 32GB I have no idea but this may well be bargain of the year. Even if you don't use a BlackBerry smartphone...
Why you should change the default email signature on your tablet (especially for business use)
Yesterday morning I stirred the pot on twitter when I made the following tweet... When I get an email from someone that says "Sent from my iPad" I immediately conclude that person places little value on their time. Agree? At face value and given my position as Fearless Leader of CrackBerry Nation, I'll admit the tweet comes off as harsh and fanboy-ish. Yes, I'm ripping at...