RIM's BlackPad tablet is expected to launch this September for $499?

Right now, Apple has a solid stranglehold in the tablet market with no viable competitor in sight to challenge their tight grasp, although there have been some Android tablets, but unfortunately Apple still doesn't look phased by any of them. We've been hearing whispers that RIM's so-called “BlackPad” might become available sometime this fall, in November specifically, to compete head-on with the iPad rather than waiting for Apple to release a second iteration. According to DigiTimes, now it's rumored that the BlackPad is being pushed for a September release and priced respectably at $499. Canadian company Quanta is looking to be the likely candidate to manufacture the tablet which will feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and will be used to tether with a BlackBerry smartphone to access 3G connectivity. It appears as though RIM isn't going to mess around and wait for Apple to continue their strong sales with the iPad – they expect to ship approximately two million BlackPad units before the year is over; thus giving them a healthy piece of the pie.

source: DigiTimes via SlashGear