One obvious difference between RIM's PlayBook and the iPad 2 is size; RIM's PlayBook is significantly smaller, at 7.6 inches in height and 5.1 inches in width, compared to the iPad 2, which is 9.5 inches high and 7.3 inches wide. RIM's PlayBook is significantly smaller, though the iPad is thinner.

As such, the BlackBerry PlayBook suits organizations that value portability over a larger display, and the iPad 2 appeals to companies looking for the most screen real estate available, regardless of portability constraints.

RIM has stated that the Wi-Fi only version of its PlayBook tablet will become available in the first quarter of 2011, meaning before the end of March. However, the device will launch on April 10, and that sounds about right to me.

The BlackBerry-maker also announced HSPA+ and 4G, WiMax and LTE versions of the PlayBook, though it didn't offer any launch-date specifics, saying only that the to Sprint customers sometime this summer.