Will the BlackBerry tablet use the Android OS? That's what Chinese-based Apple Daily reports along with claims that Taiwan-based notebook maker Quanta Computer has signed on to manufacture the device. Even more, RIM's BlackPad is slated for a November 2010 release, and will retail for $499 USD, "confirming" previous reports.
In addition to those details, the BlackPad will reportedly feature Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, however the 3G connection will be accomplished by tethering a BlackBerry smartphone. Previous reports have also indicated that the device will have a 9.7-inch screen, and both a front and a rear-facing camera for video conferencing.
Quanta is expected to start shipping orders in September with volumes to reach two million units before the end of the year--eight million are expected to have shipped in 2011. As for the Android OS, that factor seems unlikely. If anything, RIM will incorporate a modified version of BlackBerry 6 that will be more suited for a 9.6-inch touchscreen.
Then again, it's possible that RIM modified a tablet-oriented build of Android to mimic the overall theme of the smaller BlackBerry 6. This would cut down on the overall development time and get a product out before Tablet Season (aka Q4 2010) comes to a close. Still, an Android-based OS seems unlikely for RIM.
