Most of the iPad’s competition has been inferior and higher priced, which has resulted in numerous failures to create a true competitor. But Research In Motion might be on to something with the Blackberry Playbook. But this one little detail might be the most shocking of them all: it will cost $499.
Since the creation of the original iPad, there has been little in the way of competition for Apple. Tablets like Galaxy Tab and Xoom have hit the scene, but they also have a price (a bigger one than iPad), which meant that not only was iPad superior, but it was more competitively priced. And that is how it has been for awhile now. But Research In Motion has been turning heads for awhile with the Blackberry Playbook.
The Playbook features a unique interface, design, and functionality that is sure to impress even some of the most hardened Apple fans. And it won’t break the bank to purchase one either. With a $499 price, it is now evenly matched with the iPad.
The Blackberry Playbook will come in two versions: a 16GB version for $499 and a 32GB version for $599. It is already available for pre-order and it will be available to the public on April 19.
What makes it extra-competitive is that regardless of base memory, you can actually store files on other media. *shock* I think the Xoom and others aren’t bad (incl. Atrix if it gets a tablet dock), but this is the first one I’ve seen that has the true potential to grab some of Apple’s monopoly.
“functionality that is sure to impress even some of the most hardened Apple fans.”
Except for the part where they can’t access their emails on it because they don’t own a Blackberry. Correct me if I’m wrong, please, but that’s a huuuuge mistake on RIM’s part.
C’mon Greg, you are better than that. not only IT WILL have native email, calendar and contacts app… but It will receive internet tethered from ANY cellphone not just blackberry… I mean iPhone, Android, whatever.. it will be able to be tethered
Bullshit. Everything is an iPad, iPhone, iPod… killer when it’s first announced or released. Give it a week and it will end up on the stupid idea list. You people need to get a clue.
Pricing is important, but so are the available apps. I’ve heard app creation for the Playbook is a grueling process.
Not sure we need an iPad killer, but a true iPad competitor would be nice. Maybe this is it. I’m still not sure what I’m supposed to do with either product mind you
I think bloggers need to stop using the word “killer” so much.
a 32 gig iPad is the same price as this. I pretty much think the kiss of death for any apple competitor is referring to it as a killer. Apple doesn’t look at competitors they design products they think people will need/use/enjoy. Want to compete with Apple? ignore Apple and come up with some product innovation on your own.