Research in Motion is expected to launch an updated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in a few months. We’ve heard a lot about the tablet already thanks to some leaked information over the last few weeks, and now someone has gone and leaked a whole slideshow to BGR with the company’s smartphone and tablet plans for 2012.
The new BlackBerry PlayBook could hit the streets during the second quarter of the year. While it looks virtually identical to the original PlayBook, there are a few key differences. The new model will have:
- 42Mbps HSPA+
- 1.5 GHz TI OMAP 4460 dual core processor
- NFC (Near Field Communication)
The original PlayBook has a 1 GHz OMAP 4 dual core processor. Both models will have the same case design and the same 7 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display. The tablet has 1GB of RAm, WiFi, Bluetooth, and support for HD video playback. It measures 7.6″ x 5.1″ x 0.4″ and weighs about 0.9 pounds.
There’s no word on how much the new model will cost, but that HSPA+ modem is a pretty good indication that RIM will try to partner with wireless carriers to offer the new PlayBook at a discount to customers that sign up for a service contract.
Not sure why we should consider buying a new version when they have never gotten the original version to work as it should!