PlayBook to Launch for ‘under $500’

According to RIM’s co.CEO Jim Balsillie, the BlackBerry PlayBook will launch in Q1 2011 – and cost less than $500. That certainly doesn’t sound like bad news, especially considering the cheapest WiFi-only iPad is $499.

While smaller than the iPad (7 inches, as opposed to 9.7), the PlayBook’s still got cool stuff the (current) iPad hasn’t, including two cameras and Flash support. Not that I’m a die-hard Flash hanger-on or anything, but even if it’s dying, it still accounts for a large part of the internet. Big Steve, I’d like to be able to see it.

But let’s not go turning the comment section into a Flashwar or what have you. The PlayBook’s the star of this bit, damnit. And RIM had better hurry – The Galaxy Tab is already out, and the iPad 2 is rumoured to be only months away. With everyone who could stand a chance showing up to the tablet party so late, is the term ‘iPad killer’ even relevant anymore? Maybe not, but all things considered, and for less than 500 bucks, That PlayBook is sounding rather not untasty.