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RIM: 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook in the Works

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BlackBerry PlayBookEarlier today, Sprint confirmed that it had canceled the WiMax 4G version of RIM’s tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook. Bad news for those who wanted to scoop one up and even worse news for RIM, a company that just can’t seem to catch a break lately. All hope for a 4G powered PlayBook is not lost however.

RIM has confirmed to us that a 4G LTE BlackBerry PlayBook is in the works and testing for the device is already under way. Unfortunately, the statement doesn’t say when the device will be coming out or who it might be headed to. AT&T and Verizon would obviously be the likely candidates but you can never rule out MetroPCS.

Here is RIM’s full statement:

RIM has decided to prioritize and focus its 4G development resources on LTE. We remain excited and committed to delivering innovative and powerful 4G tablets to the US market together with our carrier partners. Testing of BlackBerry 4G PlayBook models is already underway and we plan to enter labs for network certifications in the US and other international markets this fall.

Anyone interested in a 4G LTE PlayBook? Or do you think it’s going to be too little too late? Samsung already has its 4G LTE powered Galaxy Tab 10.1 out on the market and it’s only a matter of time before that sector of the tablet market becomes cluttered with devices.

If RIM is actually going to get this thing off the ground, it better do so soon.

 

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. WW

    08/13/2011 at 12:53 am

    I love my Playbook. Its an awesome device.

  2. Raul Santiago85

    08/13/2011 at 4:15 pm

    It is an awesome device, especially with Blackberry Bridge which allows you to tether the Playbook to a Blackberry and surf the web without having to sign up for a data plan on the Playbook itself. But I do think it’s too little too late. There’s the Samsung LTE Galaxy Tab. It hasn’t driven up traffic in our store…yet. I don’t think it will. I think the confusion out there about what 4G is or isn’t is really confusing customers. Many think that the term 4G is just a marketing ploy or gimmick. So at our Verizon retail store I purposely use my Thunderbolt to stream Netflix almost all day so customers can see the LTE difference. Anyway, back to the tab….the Playbook, for as good as it is, won’t captivate hearts and minds. The ipad has already carved out a niche in the hearts of most customers. Maybe they should make tablets that allow for calling on the network via Bluetooth and speakerphone. Perhaps then folks will be more open to buying them.

    • WW

      08/13/2011 at 4:32 pm

      I totally agree, it is a shame that most people dismiss the 7 inch tablet size as too small, when in my opinion it is the perfect size.

  3. Ededed

    10/10/2011 at 1:31 am

    I am a professional user. 10 inch screen tablets are too heavy for me because I have to bring smartphone,
    notebook… 7 inch screen is ideal.

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