RIM: LTE and HSPA+ BlackBerry PlayBooks Official – Confirms Other Connection Methods

RIM just went out and stated the obvious this week with the announcement of two new variants of the BlackBerry PlayBook. They have now confirmed that we will be seeing an LTE version and a HSPA+ version in the vague “second half of 2011.” That brings us up to four different variants of the BlackBerry PlayBook:

1. BlackBerry PlayBook with Wi-Fi
2. BlackBerry 4G PlayBook with Wi-Fi + WiMax
3. BlackBerry 4G PlayBook with Wi-Fi + LTE
4. BlackBerry 4G PlayBook with Wi-Fi + HSPA+

The other interesting thing is that RIM has confirmed that in addition to 4G and Wi-Fi the PlayBook will also support:

1. Bluetooth tethering
2. Mobile hotspots (ie. a MiFi(TM), smartphone or other portable device equipped to act as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot)
3. BlackBerry Bridge

Interesting stuff. RIM has already updated the PlayBook page with some of this info. Check out the full press release after the jump:

RIM Announces Two Additional BlackBerry 4G PlayBook Models For LTE and HSPA+ Networks

MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, SPAIN–(Marketwire – Feb. 14, 2011) – Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today announced plans to launch two additional BlackBerry® 4G PlayBook™ tablets during the second half of 2011, featuring support for LTE and HSPA+ high speed wide area wireless networks.

"The BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is already being widely recognized for its superior performance, rich web experience, enterprise readiness and deep support for web standards and open development tools. We are now building on the BlackBerry PlayBook’s many advantages with support for additional 4G networks that will allow enhanced business opportunities for carriers and developers and unparalleled mobile experiences for users," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion.

RIM’s family of upcoming BlackBerry 4G PlayBook tablets will deliver professional-grade, consumer-friendly experiences that redefine the possibilities of mobile computing. These innovative tablets will each provide users with an ultra-portable design featuring industry leading performance with real-time multitasking and symmetrical multiprocessing, uncompromised high-fidelity web browsing including support for Adobe® Flash and stunning HD multimedia, as well as advanced security features and out-of-the-box enterprise support.

The combination of premium hardware features and design powered by the new and highly acclaimed BlackBerry® Tablet OS and open development tools, along with support for carriers’ high speed 4G networks, will provide a high performance platform that enables a mobile services revolution.