After suggesting that Apple would start production of the second-generation model of its popular iPad tablet, Digitimes is reporting that RIM are aiming to release its Playbook device in North America in the first quarter of 2011, with a worldwide release coming between three and six months later.
The Playbook was announced back in September with launch dates being supposedly been confirmed by Gregory Wade, regional VP for Asia Pacific of RIM, who also noted that the Playbook would be specifically aimed at corporate users with pricing set at around $500.
Wade refused to comment on whether the Playbook would feature WiMAX or TD-LTE as its 4G technolog but did state that negotiations are in place with many operators to offer the device in different regions.
We have previously mentioned that RIM’s pricing strategy was a direct shot across the bow of Apple, matching the price of the iPad. By bundling additional features that the iPad lacks including Java, Adobe and Flash, RIM hopes the Playbook will also make waves in the consumer market.
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The Playbook has already been matched up against the iPad in a face-off video, you can take a look here.
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