Research In Motion has been rumored to be producing a tablet-style device for quite a while now, and today that product took one step closer to becoming a reality.  After a simple WHOIS lookup on "BlackPad.com," it's been revealed that RIM purchased the domain fairly recently.  The name BlackPad has been rumored for the device for a while now, but no one was ever positive on if it was simply a codename or if the product would actually hit the market with that name.  Now that we know that RIM owns BlackPad.com, the name is looking ever so slightly more official.

Considering that RIM is planning an event on August 3rd, perhaps we'll be seeing the BlackPad in addition to the Bold 9800 slider and BlackBerry 6?  It's tough to say.  Considering most BlackBerrys are leaked numerous times before release, I would be surprised to see it released so soon.  A simple product announcement with a release in the future would make more sense.  You never know, though.  As for the name, I feel like RIM probably could have been a little more creative in their naming, but that just may be me.  What do you all think of the name BlackPad?

Via MobileCrunch