BlackBerry Playbook to cost $499, set for launch in April

The much-hyped BlackBerry Playbook tablet PC could be making its way to stores in America in April and be sold at the relatively low price of US$499.

Makers of the device Research In Motion (RIM) have been keeping their release dates and price-tags pretty much to themselves so far but a leak picked up by the CrackBerry website appears to suggest that Home Depot will be selling the tablet in a matter of weeks.

The figure of $499 apparently refers to a 16GB version of the Playbook and even a very brief description of the device from the US retailer points to a business-centric promotions angle, with the phrases “crystal-clear video conferencing” and “wirelessly tether to your BlackBerry for email” making an appearance.

It will come as no surprise that RIM is keen to see as many BlackBerry users as possible start using a Playbook tablet and much of the early promotions work has focussed on the syncing and compatibility of the two mobile devices.

There have been some rumblings about the possible pricing of the Playbook already but it would seem as if RIM is aiming to notably undercut the soon-to-be launched Motorola Xoom, which is expected to cost close to $800 when it launches later this month.

In all likelihood, RIM will also soon be facing stern competition from a wave of new Android-operated tablets introduced by the likes of Asus, Acer and Toshiba.

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