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BlackBerry PlayBook comes to Aus 20 June

Research In Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will launch through all of Australia's major mobile carriers as well as retailer Harvey Norman in three different models from 20 June, the Canadian company said today, with recommended retail prices starting at $579.
Written by Renai LeMay, Contributor

Research In Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook tablet will launch through all of Australia's major mobile carriers as well as retailer Harvey Norman in three different models from 20 June, the Canadian company said today, with recommended retail prices starting at $579.

PlayBook

The PlayBook (Credit: RIM)

Featuring a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM and up to 64GB internal storage, the PlayBook has similar specifications to a number of other tablets available and currently launching in the Australian market, although it is smaller than most, with a 7-inch display. Most tablets on the market today offer a 10-inch screen. In addition, it runs RIM's own operating system, not a version of Google's Android platform. The company has been demonstrating the device in Australia and has launched it in the US and Canada, starting from US$499.

The device will be available in three models with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of included storage, for recommended retail prices of $579, $689 and $799 respectively.

RIM was also not immediately able to say why the pricing here is higher than the US pricing. In the US, the PlayBook retails for recommended pricing of US$499 (AU$465), US$599 (AU$559) and US$699 (AU$652).

"The launch of the BlackBerry PlayBook is a highly anticipated event for both consumers and business users in Australia, and we are proud to deliver this standout tablet to the marketplace," said RIM Australia managing director Adele Beachley this morning. "It offers an ultra-portable design with cutting-edge hardware features, one of the world's most robust and flexible operating systems, advanced security capabilities and true multi-tasking."

"We are excited to provide customers with the opportunity to check out the BlackBerry PlayBook first hand at their carriers' stores or retailers across the country."

The PlayBook lacks one notable feature that most of the current crop of tablets in Australia offer: the ability to connect to a 3G mobile network directly. The device can be tethered with a BlackBerry smartphone for 3G access, however, and can also connect to Wi-Fi networks, meaning it will be able to utilise the shared 3G connections of other smartphones using Wi-Fi. This is a feature of many Android devices, as well as Apple's iPhone.

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