Blackpad - Blackberry Tablet Launch on November

This is not surprising -- Research In Motion, stunned by Apple's success, now probably thinks it needs to do everything Apple does, just to keep on the curve. RIM (Research in Motion) is reportedly prepping a tablet computer dubbed "BlackPad" for its November debut.

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion, which still hasn't come up with a phone that can credibly compete with Apple's iPhone, is preparing a tablet computer to compete with Apple's iPad.

But we would be very surprised if RIM could put together a combination of hardware, software, pricing, and marketing that anyone would find compelling enough to buy instead of an iPad. So it's probably toast.

Meanwhile, a few new bits on RIM's efforts, via Bloomberg:

• It's going to be called the "Blackpad," according to a Bloomberg source. RIM bought the domain blackpad.com, a fact that was revealed earlier this week.
• RIM will introduce it in November.
• The Blackpad will be about the same size as the iPad, and will be able to use a BlackBerry's internet connection (something Apple's iPad can't use an iPhone for -- at least not yet).

"RIM really has yet to demonstrate that it can roll out touchscreen technology to match the leaders in the space, most noticeably Apple."

The BlackPad - which apparently includes front-and back-facing (video) cameras as well as a 1Ghz processor - is slated to be priced "in line with the iPad" at approximately $500. 

Yes, $500 is definitely a reasonable price point for all that hardware, especially if the BlackPad's purported tethering capabilities actually do coalesce.

BlackBerry loyalists? It's not like this is a situation where having a plastic keyboard is helpful. Or a situation where anyone would want to use their BlackBerry apps on a bigger screen.