If information obtained by the folks at BBLeaks is in any way true, we could see a BlackBerry tablet device before the end of the year.

According to the rumor, the device (with a codename of BlackPad/Cobalt) will offer an 8.9-inch display, making the device thinner and lighter than the iPad.  What's more, the smartphone manufacturer is said to be partnering with Hon Hai, the organization behind a number of iPhone internals.  No word on whether the device will run BlackBerry 6, but I'm sure it'll preserve RIM's enterprise ties to some extent.

Considering that this is coming from the company (or CEO, at least) that believes that touchscreen devices are unpopular, I'd take it with a grain of salt.  Then again, rumored devices like the BlackBerry "Talladega" (with a QWERTY and touchscreen) tend to blow Lazaridis' comments of the water.  If I had to render a guess, I'd say we'll find out more (if it exists) at DevCon 2010 or WES 2011.  What say you - does the prospect of a BlackBerry tablet interest you?  Sound off in the comments section!

Via IntoMobile