Here it is! The much talked about launch of RIM�s 4G LTE-enabled BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is upon us. This tablet was originally announced back at Mobile World Congress in 2011, but subsequently delayed. Over the course of the past number of months there were hints that the tablet existed as leaked images surfaced online. We have been informed that the 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook will be launching via Bell, and probably other Canadian carriers, on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012. According to the internal Bell document we received it shows the price will be $549.95 outright.
As for the specs, we have those too: 7-inch display with a resolution of 1024 x 600, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 4G LTE (and HSPA+), OS 2.0, 1GB RAM, 5MP rear camera that shoots 1080p HD videos, 3MP front-facing camera, 4800 mAh battery and will only come in a 32GB version. Overall dimensions are 130 x 193 x 9.7mm and weighs in at 425 grams.
GRRR I was planning on buying this. Was expecting at most $399
Did RIM learn NOTHING about their origional PlayBook's price?
People will not want to pay $550 + Tax for a 7" non Apple device!
....also, a SMALLER battery?
atleast it will probably have PB OS 2.1..the release date explains why they said that OS 2.1 will be out by the end of July.
At that price the main competitor for PlayBook 4G is Samsusng Galaxy Tab 7.7. Both them have the same retail price ($550) but Galaxy Tab has better screen (it's larger and has greater resolution), microSD slot to expand storage from 16 Gb to 48 Gb and larger battery (5100 mAh vs. 4800 mAh in PlayBook 4G). New tablet from RIM is better only in terms of supporting LTE and having NFC.
I honestly don't see the point in a separate 4G tablet when most smartphones can tether nowadays unless it's for work. I myself am fine with my wifi version and have no plan to purchase a 4G version when I can already tether when away from home and can't find a wifi hotspot.
I honestly don't see the point in a separate 4G tablet when most smartphones can tether nowadays unless it's for work. I myself am fine with my wifi version and have no plan to purchase a 4G version when I can already tether when away from home and can't find a wifi hotspot.
....unless you are on AT&T and tethering, hotspot, etc., all include additional subscriptions
they are pretty much the only place where the PB is selling well.
"The PlayBook is a relatively popular tablet in Canada, accounting for nearly 20% of the tablet market in Research In Motion's home country in a report released on July 2012."
I honestly don't see the point in a separate 4G tablet when most smartphones can tether nowadays unless it's for work. I myself am fine with my wifi version and have no plan to purchase a 4G version when I can already tether when away from home and can't find a wifi hotspot.
Me too.
I can't see a big market for these or any 3G/4G/LTE versions of a tablet unless it is Government spending somebody else's money.
Good luck.
The positive I will take away from this is . . . . . they delivered!
...yawn, fix the OS and sketchy browser first. Only so much lipstick you can put on this pig of a browser. $550 is way too much for the amount of bugs on this device, not to mention no real hardware upgrade, and no Skype yet. What is management smoking? I thought the stuff here in Amsterdam was the bomb, but the dudes at RIM must have some real good ish!!!!
32g for CAN$549 sounds like before carrier rebate for 2 year contract
In the US the 32G standard price from Best Buy and Radio Shack is US$250
Likely we will soon receive a PB OS upgrade on the current model.
New DM will also be released with 4G. Beta DM already includes it.
It is a smart idea for RIM to release the 4G at this time to re-stimulate interest by the Press. At this time the Press ignores the PB when doing reviews. There are many potential PB buyers who do not have 4G tether on their phones.
Currently 4G tether is much slower then true 4G since the phone connection to PB is restricted by bluetooth speed