BlackBerry PlayBook dated for April

Research In Motion has finally unveiled the pricing and launch date for its BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in the US and Canada.

The device will ship in three models, 16GB, 32GB or 64GB at US$499, US$599 and US$699 respectively on April 19th through the Best Buy retail chain.

Back in February RIM revealed plans to release two additional 4G PlayBook models in the second quarter of 2011 that will support LTE and HSPA+ high-speed wide-area wireless networks.

But while RIM's plans finally kick into gear for the US market, there's no official word on when any kind of PlayBook might be available in New Zealand.

Just in case you need reminding, Apple launches its second-generation iPad here on Friday at 5 pm.