Research in Motion has finally unveiled the launch details for its long-awaited BlackBerry PlayBook tablet: It will hit stores on April 19 and start at $499 for the 16 gigabyte version, the same price as the iPad 2.
RIM&'s pricing makes the PlayBook the first real competitor to the iPad in terms of both pricing and features. Motorola&'s Xoom Android tablet, which launched last month, is feature packed and offers 32 gigabytes of storage, but it retails for $699 to start. Motorola is planning a WiFi-only version for $599, but most consumers will still consider it more expensive than the iPad, even though it has more storage.
Also like the iPad, RIM will offer a 32GB version of the PlayBook for $599, and a 64GB version for $699. All of RIM&'s current PlayBook offerings will be WiFi-only, with mobile broadband versions (likely with both 4G and 3G support) to come later in the year.
Best Buy will start taking preorders for the PlayBook today. Other retailers include Staples, Office Depot and RadioShack.
Calling all mobile executives: This April 25-26, VentureBeat is hosting its inaugural VentureBeat Mobile Summit, where we&'ll debate the five key business and policy challenges facing the mobile industry today. Participants will develop concrete, actionable solutions that will shape the future of the mobile industry. The invitation-only event, located at the scenic and relaxing Cavallo Point Resort in Sausalito, Calif., is limited to 180 mobile executives, investors and policymakers. We&'ve pretty much finalized the invite list, but have a few spots left. Request an invitation.
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Companies: RIM
Companies: RIM
Devindra Hardawar is VentureBeat's lead mobile writer and East Coast correspondent. He studied philosophy at Amherst College, worked in IT support for several years, and has been writing about technology since 2004. He now lives in Brooklyn, New York. You can reach him at devindra@venturebeat.com (all story pitches should also be sent to tips@venturebeat.com), and on Twitter at @Devindra.
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