Is the only way to get email/contacts/calendar on the PB to buy a BB phone?

Is the only way to get email/contacts/calendar on the PB to buy a BB phone?

If you aren't partial to using google apps while connected to wifi or some other web based solution then you're going to have to wait for RIM or someone else to write a PIM for offline use that doesn't require a BB and bridge to function.

Personally I think it's a really stupid move making it so some really neat features are unlocked with only a BB phone or atleast not allowing those of us who aren't using the PB for business or anything that requires security to unlock that functionality with another phone. I'd get a BB just to bridge with the PB since my iPhone really isn't that important to me but I'm not eligible for another year and I"m not going to spend a ton of money out of contract on an outdated BB bold or torch. Hey RIM not everyone that buys a PB has a BB. ;)

i am starting to ask the same question.
i think the playbook may turn out to be an accessory for the BB phones.
this is absurd and if it true then we got ripped off!!!

I often use our Outlook Web Access site and GMail through the browser. They both look and work great. If I'm away from wifi, I use bridge.

What do you use for those things on your computer?

The native apps are coming when they're finished...

For the time being, yes. Apparently RIM is going ot come out with native email and calender sometime this summer so hopefully that holds true.

RIM is working on the native apps for the PlayBook.. they should be available by late summer (hopefully). Either way, they are coming.. just be patient :-D