At this time there happen to be a few speculating reports floating around on pricing for the upcoming BlackBerry Tablet. Lately, the Wall Street Journal reported it will be starting off under $500 (true) and Oppenheimer Analyst ran estimates at typical sales price of $540 (not a terrible estimate). We have the full specifics around RIM's go-to-market costs.
There will certainly be 3 versions of the BlackBerry PlayBook (8GB, 16GB and 32GB) that are presently tagged with the subsequent prices based our insider:
8GB: $399
16GB: $499
32GB: $599
Aside from the variation of internal storage, nearly models will be indistinguishable in features and functionality. At this time there will be no versions with built-in WWAN connection, so if you don't possess a BlackBerry to tether your data connection for free, you will have to count on WiFi or a Mobile Hotspot. RIM has suggested there will be a newer release to the PlayBook that may be integrated with cellular carrier connectivity (WWAN) options some period in 2012. Most likely this will be the exact approach Samsung went on with the Galaxy by issuing carrier specific models that permit for a monthly data plan option. Let's face it, RIM does have a huge Global carrier footprint they can take full benefit of.
Since kick off has happen to be delayed to at least mid-February 2011, we expect RIM keeps these prices where they are, considering its very economical against the market leading iPad (Wi-Fi Only type), which starts off at $499 for 16GB all the way up to $699 64GB and that's before incorporating ATT connectivity alternative.
