The BlackBerry PlayBook is one of the most hotly anticipated gadgets in quite some time. With a great list of specs that would make the iPad feel ashamed, it’s no wonder RIM’s first tablet is expected to be a great seller. The question still remains, however, when is the device’s release date? More details after the break.
Ever since CES, when I showed you guys a hands-on video of the PlayBook, Research In Motion has been saying nothing more than the end of the first quarter will be when the device is released. Seeing as that’s a pretty open time span of three months, BlackBerry fans haven’t been satisfied with that response. Now sources are verifying that RIM will hold on to every minute they can and plan to release the PlayBook by the end of March.
According to intel, RIM is hammering out their final version of the firmware. Unlike the Motorola Xoom, the BlackBerry PlayBook will be flash compatible out of the box; no need for a firmware update later on down the road. RIM is making sure that the PlayBook you buy will be a PlayBook you will want to keep.
On top of all of that, I’ve been told that the PlayBook will be available for sale not only at the four major mobile carriers, but at pretty much any retailer you can imagine that sells electronics. Best Buy had already laid out a deal with RIM to sell the PlayBook, however I  wouldn’t be surprised if we see it popping up in places like Staples or Wal-Mart once it gets released.