According to a report in the Wall Street Journal (via Reuters), Research In Motion could use its developers' conference to reveal plans for a tablet that would compete with Apple's iPad.

RIM recently claimed the domain name ‘www.blackpad.com' which has only served to fuel internet speculation that a big reveal is on its way. There are no clues about the device on the website yet though.

The Wall Street Journal cites “unidentified people familiar with RIM's plans” and says that the Blackpad will have a 7-inch touchscreen, one or two cameras and Bluetooth and broadband connections. It will connect to cellular networks through a BlackBerry smartphone.

A new operating system is said to be on board, built by QNX Software Systems, which RIM bought earlier in the year.

RIM's developers' conference is due to take place in San Francisco from September 27th to 30th.

We'll keep you posted.

Update: RIM has indeed unveiled a new tablet, but it's not called the Blackpad.