RIM to release LTE BlackBerry PlayBook on July 31 for $550
It’s hard to believe that RIM’s original BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is almost a year and a half old already. It was released in April of 2011 – and has stayed the same since then. There have been a few software updates and price drops, but for the most part, the PlayBook is the same old tablet.
RIM, however, doesn’t want things to be that way. According to a leaked document obtained by MobileSyrup, the Canadian handset giant is gearing up to release an updated PlayBook at the end of this month, which is next Tuesday. The second iteration of the 7-inch device will include LTE and HSPA+ connectivity and an upgraded 1.5GHz dual-core processor. Considering that the first one was stuck with WiFi and 3G and a 1GHz dual-core processor, the new version seems like a good upgrade.
The leaked document comes from Canadian carrier Bell, which will be selling the PlayBook outright for $549.95. It only comes in a 32GB flavor, making that price actually pretty decent. Hopefully other countries will see a similar price, as well.
Unfortunately, the new PlayBook will come with PlayBook OS 2.0 installed, instead of any new software – at least until BlackBerry 10 is ever finally released.
Are any of you going to pick one up at the end of this month? Let us know in the comments below!
[MobileSyrup]
