The entire Internet is abuzz today with a rumor that Waterloo, Ontario-based Research In Motion is planning to launch a tablet device of its very own. The speculation started after a component supply research firm reported that sources have confirmed that RIM has in fact ordered 8.9″ displays from electronics components supplier Hon Hai, which is better known by its trade name Foxconn, to presumably build a tablet.
Now, while the notion of a BlackBerry tablet this year sounds great, it’s likely and even more logical that RIM is currently either just exploring the tablet manufacturing process or building a BlackBerry accessory like some kind of in-car touchscreen device. If the latter turns out to be true, RIM’s acquisition of QNX Software Systems this morning would make so much sense.
RIM Founder and Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis has previously expressed:
“I don’t see the benefits of a tablet over a notebook… A lot of technology falls in the middle”
However, if history has taught us anything is that CEOs sometimes lie or change their minds about certain products [ahem, Steve Jobs]. If Research In Motion is indeed building an 8.9 tablet, we hope it’s not a giant version of the BlackBerry Storm. Don’t get me wrong — I love the Storm [as a matter of fact, I own one], but aesthetically it wouldn’t look good. Additionally, SurePress on a tablet wouldn’t be that great. With that said, we look forward to finding out more information about this secret device.
Speculate away now, folks.
via Erictric