What’s in a product name?
I predict that Research In Motion’s Blackpad will suck. Why? Because it’s a me-too device with a me-too domain.
Research in Motion (RIM) acquired the domain name Blackpad.com, which set off a media tizzy of excitement over RIM’s new product last week
But much like the many would be “iPhone killers” out there, this device seems destined to just try to copy the success of the iPad. The name really says it all. Why on earth would you call your device something “pad”, like Apple does? Does anything spell desperation more than that?
Why not Blackslate, Blacktablet, or something like that? Maybe RIM plans to pull a last minute switcheroo on the name like Apple did, killing all those rumors about the iSlate (and killing the dreams of hundreds of cybersquatters).
If you want to beat a competitor, you don’t try to copy them. You don’t just try to create a better product. You create a different product, like Apple does. And if the assumed name is any indication, that won’t happen with RIM’s product.
(And no, I’m not an Apple fanboy. I don’t really like their products much. I hope someone can challenge them. Which is why this irks me so much.)
David J Castello says
LOL! Love the title of this post, Andrew.
Shaun says
If a bad name was the sole reason for a product failing, then the Nintendo Wii would have been a bomb.
Andrew Allemann says
Shaun, the analogy here would be if Sony decided to scramble and come out with a motion based system right after the wii came out, and called it the pii.
John Berryhill says
So, Andrew, are you saying that while Apple has Steve Jobs, Blackberry does RIM jobs?
Andrew Allemann says
John, did you really have to…
Josh says
Just like Apple, RIM has its followers, no matter what its named, it will move. No matter how silly, useless and obviously a fad, it will move. While I typed this an app just came out that would have typed it for me in 100 languages.
Mike says
As long as it doesnt live on Verizon Wireless, we’re good.
BlackPad says
I think this is just a defensive move. Their tablet will follow Blackberry naming standards, but they’re grabbing this domain in case it becomes a shorthand for the device.