BlackBerry PlayBook to go on sale April 19

Research In Motion (RIM) will sell its forthcoming tablet device, the BlackBerry PlayBook in more than 20,000 retail outlets in the USA and Canada, commencing April 19.

"The Blackberry PlayBook is an amazing tablet that is already being widely praised as a multi-tasking powerhouse with an uncompromised web experience and an ultra-portable design," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO of RIM. "Given the high level of customer interest in the BlackBerry PlayBook, we are particularly pleased to be working with such an amazing line-up of retail partners."

The BlackBerry PlayBook with Wi-Fi will be available in three models and will feature a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at US$499 in the US and Canada.