[ejmm22]

I just read RIM will relase the Playbook in early 2011. So once again they will miss the target. I was waiting to give this to my wife as a christmas gift, so now i'll just get the Ipad. How many people will do the same? wouldn't it be smarter to launch it in time for Christmas? why launch it when we would had spent the money in other things? i don't get them.

[MidnightDraven]

I can only think they are expecting people to buy an ipad, hate it, return it after christmas and see the Playbook instead.

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by ejmm22

I just read RIM will relase the Playbook in early 2011. So once again they will miss the target. I was waiting to give this to my wife as a christmas gift, so now i'll just get the Ipad. How many people will do the same? wouldn't it be smarter to launch it in time for Christmas? why launch it when we would had spent the money in other things? i don't get them.

This is a corporate-focused device, by RIM's own admission.
Corporations don't typically purchase equipment for their staff based on the holiday shopping schedule.

beginning of the year for companies typically means a new purchasing budget.

My vote is 'smart'.

(I still don't see much hope for the device at all.)

[NJBlackBerry]

I am getting more than the usual inquiries from users about the availability of this...

Cisco won't have their tablet out until March (which is also after the shopping season). The Samsung Galaxy Tab will have second mover status..

As they all merrily chase the ipad...

[juwaack68]

Originally Posted by NJBlackBerry

I am getting more than the usual inquiries from users about the availability of this...

I am as well.

And I thought I read somewhere that there will be a WiFi-only device this year, and the 3G/4G device will come next year.

[NJBlackBerry]

Yep...
WiFi and Bluetooth initially.
Same as the Cius.

[aiharkness]

Doesn't make a difference to me, except I wish it were yesterday and not months from now.

I too am not convinced this is going to be any kind of success, but I can never judge such things. But for me, I've made up my mind to give it a try.
Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

[stevew]

Originally Posted by MidnightDraven

I can only think they are expecting people to buy an ipad, hate it, return it after christmas and see the Playbook instead.

No one markets that way, especially not RIM/Apple/Microsoft. No shareholder in their right mind would even accept an answer like that. I take it you were being facetious. I have an iPAD with 3G - it's a great little piece of hardware, albeit typically Apple-crippled.

They're more likely releasing in Q1, because the product's not yet ready for prime time - would be my guess.

[g-off]

I dont know when RIM's fiscal sales year ends but if their first quarter is around january and they release the Playbook in Jan/Feb maybe they're hoping for a big sales boom to start off their fiscal? Thats the only logic I can see in not releasing this device for xmas. I know it will likely be a highly sought after product on santa's shopping list this year.

[dawiz]

Originally Posted by juwaack68

I am as well.

And I thought I read somewhere that there will be a WiFi-only device this year, and the 3G/4G device will come next year.

Are we still referring to the PlayBook here? I'm pretty sure I read that it will be a tethered device!!

[juwaack68]

Originally Posted by dawiz

Are we still referring to the PlayBook here? I'm pretty sure I read that it will be a tethered device!!

Yes, still referring to the PlayBook.

[dawiz]

I haven't seen where RIM has decided to make it a 3G/4G independent device...it has to be tethered as far as I know. Technically this device is supposed to compliment their smart phones...but point me in the right direction if I'm wrong.

[knottyrope]

3 models are coming

WiFi and BT only
3G, WiFi and BT
4G, WiFi and BT

[aiharkness]

Multiple news reports stating that the initially released PlayBook will not have cell phone capability, but that RIM has indicated plans to release one in the future.
Posted via BlackBerryForums.com Mobile

[knottyrope]

thats correct, release dates are unknown at this time

but the order I typed them in, is the order that they will most likely be released.

[b52junebug]

funny I just got an email from our AT&T rep. They are going to be releasing the new 3G curve and the New Pearl, as well as the new Playbook. Sounds to me like a 3G/4G device is coming sooner rather than later..

Anyone had a chance to demo it?

[aiharkness]

What I've read is that it is going to be released to enterprise customers first (like in November), and to consumers in first quarter of next year. Haven't read why. And can't remember if that was confirmed, or just speculation. But cell phone capabability?.... definitely not the initial model.