[Cooper]

Looks like their plans are in motion here.

RIM accounced a 4G PlayBook that will be on Sprint

Link HERE

[penguin3107]

Sprint. :/ RIM is so out of touch with reality.
Well, add one more thing to my personal list of reasons that the PlayBook is going to flop.

[duane534]

Sadly, I second that. If there's a model with WiFi but NO Sprint (that's cheaper), I'll buy that. But, I'm not blowing money on Sprint hardware I'm never going to use.

[jsconyers]

Originally Posted by duane534

Sadly, I second that. If there's a model with WiFi but NO Sprint (that's cheaper), I'll buy that. But, I'm not blowing money on Sprint hardware I'm never going to use.

The WiFi only version is being released in March (rumored). The Sprint 4G version is coming this summer. You can get the WiFi only version if you want, and get it before Sprint has their version.

[juwaack68]

Originally Posted by jsconyers

The WiFi only version is being released in March (rumored). The Sprint 4G version is coming this summer. You can get the WiFi only version if you want, and get it before Sprint has their version.

I'm going with the WiFi only version cuz I don't want 1) a contract, and 2) an extra $10/mo 'premium data' charge from Sprint that they charge for their 4G devices.

[jsconyers]

Originally Posted by juwaack68

I'm going with the WiFi only version cuz I don't want 1) a contract, and 2) an extra $10/mo 'premium data' charge from Sprint that they charge for their 4G devices.

True and good points. I currently pay that fee for the EVO and luckily I have been in a 4G area since before the EVO was launched. However, the only upside I see with the Sprint device that will help sell it over the WiFi-only device would be the subsidized pricing.

[Sappicellman]

besides which the wi-fi version will also pair with you BB for 3G connectivity

[jslawell]

If you get the wi-fi only version, won't you have to pay for tethering?

[JSanders]

Originally Posted by Sappicellman

besides which the wi-fi version will also pair with you BB for 3G connectivity

Correct!

[jimn367]

My major question regarding the success of the playbook is the following: will an individual be able to buy a personal playbook and pair it with a corporate BES asset without requiring additional software to be installed on the BES.

This is the issue that all but killed Bluetooth keyboards for the blackberry. [Most/Many/Some] corporate admins will not install software to enable personal devices.

[juwaack68]

Originally Posted by jimn367

My major question regarding the success of the playbook is the following: will an individual be able to buy a personal playbook and pair it with a corporate BES asset without requiring additional software to be installed on the BES.

This is the issue that all but killed Bluetooth keyboards for the blackberry. [Most/Many/Some] corporate admins will not install software to enable personal devices.

Good question. In the case of the keyboard it's not software that has to be installed but rather a change to the IT Policy.

I honestly didn't have a problem with changing the policy when a few users (all in China) requested it for the keyboard.

[penguin3107]

Well, I knew I wasn't the only one thinking it.
Former RIM executive Raymond Reddy reportedly believes that the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook will flop.