Research in Motion is reportedly readying its own tablet computer to compete with Apple's iPad, which could be released as early as next week, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The tablet, dubbed the BlackPad by some, might be unveiled at the BlackBerry Developer Conference next week in San Francisco, the Journal said. It would then be released some time in the fourth quarter.

The device will include a 7-inch screen, one or two built-in cameras, and Bluetooth and broadband capabilities. Those who want to turn it into a phone will have to hook it up to a BlackBerry smartphone.

Rather than use the company's new BlackBerry 6 OS, however, the BlackPad would run on a new OS developed by QNX Software Systems, which RIM purchased in April.

Rumors of a RIM BlackPad emerged last month, but RIM has thus far declined to comment on the speculation.