Tablet Update

As predicted, in the wake of the spectacular success of the iPad launch, the rush is on to produce new tablet devices. Among the devices possibly out in time for the holiday shopping season is...a new iPad. Rumors are that the next model will have a smaller screen, 7 inches instead of the standard 9.7 inches. So far, the smaller iPad is just a rumor.

A little more evolved on the rumor mill is the RIM answer to the iPad, dubbed BlackPad by many observers. Bloomberg is reporting <http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-19/rim-said-to-adopt-bmw-crusher-tank-software-for-planned-tablet-computer.html> that the new device will have a new OS, not the Blackberry OS 6 used in the new Blackberry Torch phone. Also, the BlackPad is rumored to have Wi-Fi capability, but not direct 3G wireless connectivity. Instead, users will be able to use Bluetooth to tether the device to their mobile phone.