Actually I believe the original iPad took about four weeks to reach the million sales mark. And that was with millions of people who already had an iPhone or iPod touch who already had software that would run on their iPad.
Apple also had many years work in building the iPad before it became what it was a year ago.
What RIM has done is impressive for a product that has only been in development for a year. Every thing Apple got wrong, RIM got right. The challenge for RIM is that Apple didn't get very much wrong.
By providing people with what Apple won't (Flash, 7" form factor) and besting Apple with things that are "nice to have" (near Retina display quality, 1080p output, two excellent cameras), they can carve out a profitable place in the market.
You don't have to be number one to make a ton of money in an emerging market.