Research In Motion plans to introduce a tablet computer in November to compete with Apple's iPad, two people familiar with the company's plans told Bloomberg News. The device will have roughly the same dimensions as the iPad, which has a 9.7-inch diagonal screen, and include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connectivity, but no access to the mobile network. A spokeswoman for RIM declined to comment. RIM plans to call the tablet the Blackpad, one of the news agency's sources said. RIM acquired the internet rights to blackpad.com this month, according to the Whois database of domain names. Pricing for the device will be in line with the iPad, which starts at USD 499, the unnamed source said. RIM is also planning new BlackBerry phones, with an event in New York on 3 August expected to debut the BlackBerry 9800 slider phone. The device will feature a full touch screen and a slideout Qwerty keyboard.
