The touch screen tablet industry is quite young. With only the Apple iPad making most of the market, it seems that there is always plenty of room for more. However, many tech fans, even die hard RIM users, are questioning the wisdom behind BlackBerry’s latest gadget –the device lacks WiFi and 3G, instead it will rely on a Bluetooth connection to the user’s BlackBerry handset in order to connect to the internet.
The process practically eliminates the convenience of owning the tablet, and it limits users to only those who actually have BlackBerry smart phones. While the device is reported to have full features such as a web browser and other functions that are similar to the ones that are present to the iPad, users will still be limited in terms of what they can do and where. BlackBerry’s tablet will need to be connected via Bluetooth to a BlackBerry handset and from there users will be able to connect online.
The new tablet from RIM is expected to be available much later this year. Some estimates place the launch date at a potential holiday release.
In other touch screen tablet news, it has been announced that the Apple iPad is facing a possible delay with its May 28 launch date. While Cupertino has yet to make a public statement, the information on the UK online store of Apple clearly states that the tablet will be arriving by June 7. This will place many operators in a bind as the pre-orders already opened up last May 10 with an assurance from Apple that the launch will no longer be delayed.
Speaking of the iPad, it has been highly recommended that people wait before purchasing a tablet device. It appears that Google’s touch screen device might be released later this year –providing the market with a much needed alternative to Apple’s restrictive tablet.
