[Arkanian]

RIM's Playbook to go on sale April 19 in N.America | Reuters

[ifonline]

And don't forget: PlayBook Preorder at Best Buy.

[ifonline]

And now Staples is ready to accept pre-orders: PlayBook Preorder at Staples.

[Cooper]

Staples, BestBuy and Futureshop are all taking pre-orders.

Just grabbed 2x 16GB for work :D Sadly the week of availability is the week I probably go on vacation so they'll be sitting on my desk waiting for me.

[ifonline]

I pre-ordered the 32 GB from Staples. Let's see how this works out...

[NJBlackBerry]

Had the opportunity to play with one hands on last week.
Based on that, I preordered two 32GB models...

[jimn367]

so can you give any impressions on the features based on your hands-on time?

Can I buy one and use the bridge without BES policy mods?

Can it really run Android apps out of the box?

[jimfraser]

BestBuy Canada showing pre-order price at $999.99 for all three models. Obviously web master for BestBuy Canada has not got web page finished. Future Shop priceing same as US.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/Catalog/Catego...aybook&lang=en

[NJBlackBerry]

I'm sorry, I don't do impressions. (Airplane reference).

I can't answer your two questions, but I can give you my opinion:

1 - I'm not sure what Policies you are trying to avoid, but the bridge appears to provide e-mail, calender, notes and tasks via the BB. Not sure what will depend on the Policy or (again) what policy you are trying to avoid

2 - I don't believe that rumor

Having said that, I like the size, it is VERY fast, gestures are done nicely and it is a great first attempt.

[jimn367]

Thanks!

Not trying to avoid anything per se, it's just my company won't do customizations for individuals. For example we could (or can) not get BT keyboards because, it is my understanding, for the BT function to work it would require a policy change for an individual on the BES. You will notice I am a BB user, not an admin, so I may not be using the appropriate terminology.

I just want to be able to use the Bridge. That would be a key feature for me over ipad

I also like the 7 inch form factor. It looks to be about the same physical size as a Kindle.

I have been wanting to upgrade out of a Kindle/Netbook combo that I currently carry (in addition to my BB, Work laptop, ipod and GPS) and lighten my backpack load a little.

[ifonline]

Well, I just got an interesting phone call from Staples (where I pre-ordered the 32 GB version). They wanted to verify my purchase, and then told me that the first wave leaves this Friday, the 25th, so I might be seeing mine first of next week.

I'll follow-up here when my order ships, especially if it does actually leave out this Friday.

[Cooper]

Originally Posted by ifonline

Well, I just got an interesting phone call from Staples (where I pre-ordered the 32 GB version). They wanted to verify my purchase, and then told me that the first wave leaves this Friday, the 25th, so I might be seeing mine first of next week.

I'll follow-up here when my order ships, especially if it does actually leave out this Friday.

Staples US?

I tried looking on Staples Canada, and couldnt even get results for Playbook or Play Book.

Got my work pre-order through Futureshop, expected to ship on the 19th, once available.

[ifonline]

Yes, Staples in the US.

[stevetaz]

I preordered from Staples this afternoon, but I didn't get a call...

<sob>

[ifonline]

Odd. The reality may be that the devices aren't shipping early as I was told anyway. But, if I see any tracking info pop up, I'll be sure to let everyone know.

[TonyTone]

I went to three Best Buys and two Staples asking very general questions about the Play Book - only one guy had a vague idea of what I was talking about in terms of pre-ordering and none of them could answer how pairing works with internet connectivity. The key word, "Wi-Fi" was all they could muster.

You gotta hand it to Apple, when they launch, they are a well oiled machine. Rimm is sloppy as usual. It's sickening. I am still a Blackberry head and it will hard to change that but RIMM has to know that their marketing is what's killing them - not the product.

[stevetaz]

Maybe that is why they specify preorder only available via websites?

I agree that Apple does do terrific PR presentations and the fact they have brick and mortar stores doesn't hurt when you want information immediately.

[Cooper]

Originally Posted by TonyTone

I went to three Best Buys and two Staples asking very general questions about the Play Book - only one guy had a vague idea of what I was talking about in terms of pre-ordering and none of them could answer how pairing works with internet connectivity. The key word, "Wi-Fi" was all they could muster.

You gotta hand it to Apple, when they launch, they are a well oiled machine. Rimm is sloppy as usual. It's sickening. I am still a Blackberry head and it will hard to change that but RIMM has to know that their marketing is what's killing them - not the product.

Apple trains their employees, and really for an iPad it's "does it have internet" "yes it does, WiFi"

Pairing is something most sales people have no clue about... training at most stores is JUST happening.

Don't blame the employee for being useless and unknowledgeable, I bet they could sell you an extended warranty in a heartbeat.

Apple does well because it's either a computer store or an Apple store. Either way, they usually have staff that are expected to be knowledgeable in their limited selection of product (Desktop, Laptop, Tablet and iPhone/iPod)

Staples (and BB and FS) carry how many computing products? Sadly the guy making minimum wage selling you computers probably owns one and knows how to turn it on and check out facebook... that's about it.

[juwaack68]

Originally Posted by Cooper

Staples (and BB and FS) carry how many computing products? Sadly the guy making minimum wage selling you computers probably owns one and knows how to turn it on and check out facebook... that's about it.

Very true.

Oh, mine will be here the first week of April

[TonyTone]

Originally Posted by Cooper

Apple trains their employees, and really for an iPad it's "does it have internet" "yes it does, WiFi"

Pairing is something most sales people have no clue about... training at most stores is JUST happening.

Don't blame the employee for being useless and unknowledgeable, I bet they could sell you an extended warranty in a heartbeat.

Apple does well because it's either a computer store or an Apple store. Either way, they usually have staff that are expected to be knowledgeable in their limited selection of product (Desktop, Laptop, Tablet and iPhone/iPod)

Staples (and BB and FS) carry how many computing products? Sadly the guy making minimum wage selling you computers probably owns one and knows how to turn it on and check out facebook... that's about it.

Sorry - didn't mean to give the impression that I think it's the employee's fault for not knowing. My point is to suggest that RIM's roll out is always less than impressive.