Not long after the BlackBerry PlayBook launch was announced by RIM a report from the mobile operator Sprint surfaced announcing they too would be selling a BlackBerry PlayBook, but a 4G model, the first of its kind. The wifi-only version will hit select retail outlets across North America tomorrow, April 19th. If you’re looking into buying a 4G PlayBook model you’re going to have to wait because according to reports, the 4G version goes on sale May 8th.
The official now.sprint.com/playbook states we will see it in “summer” with no definite date. If you’ve ever had issues with your BlackBerry, chances are you’re familiar with dealing with misinformed carrier reps via phone, email, or in store visits. The story appears to be the same surrounding the PlayBook, retail outlets, and their reps. One local retail outlet Best Buy, was unaware the PlayBook was even launching tomorrow and advised me that it would be available May 8th. So I called another retail outlet, Radio Shack. The Radio Shack rep assured me a Sprint version would land May 8th as well. At this point I’m really confused and unsure if even a standardized wifi model will be available for local pickup tomorrow. So I check online for any hints on the 4G Sprint PlayBook model. The site Brief Mobile has picked up an email by Sprint which has been sent to all of its dealers notifying them that a delay of the Playbook has occurred. With 2 separate retailers telling me the same thing, plus this leaked email, users can expect a 4G BlackBerry PlayBook to be available by Sprint May 8th. Maybe!