After first becoming available to Vodacom subscribers, Research In Motion (RIM) has announced that its BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is now also available in South Africa from Telkom Business Mobile (TBM).

TBM deals are only available to SME’s and large corporations and a business registration number is required on application for TBM offers.

The BlackBerry PlayBook features an ultra-portable design and delivers an uncompromising web browsing experience with support for Adobe Flash. It also features true multitasking, HD multimedia, advanced security features, out-of-the-box enterprise support and a robust development environment.

Customers will be able to get a BlackBerry 9300 Curve 3G and PlayBook 16 GB tablet on Contract 3S for R410 per month over 24 months. This will provide them with 500 MB YouTube streaming, 120 minutes call time (any network, any time), 25 SMSs, R 1.80  per minute to any mobile network (out of bundle), free SIM and connection, as well as 24 months BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service) subscription, which is upgradable to BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server for Microsoft Exchange) for R30 pm.

Alternatively they can opt for the BlackBerry Bold 9780 & PlayBook 32 GB tablet on Contract 4S for R595 per month over 24 months. This will give them the same data and messaging features as the above-mentioned, but with 250 minutes call time instead of 120 minutes.

BlackBerry PlayBook specifications:

• 7" (1024 x 600) WSVGA capacitive LCD touchscreen

• Ultra-portable, weighing at 425 g and measuring in at 130 x 194 x 10 mm

• 1 GHz dual-core processor

• BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing

• MP3, AAC and WMA audio playback

• Support for high resolution video playback (H.264, MPEG4, WMV)

• 1080p HDMI output

• Dual 1080p HD cameras for video conferencing and video capture (3 MP front and 5 MP rear)

• 1 GB RAM memory

• Up to 64 GB internal storage (16, 32 and 64 GB models)

• GPS, orientation sensor (accelerometer), 6-Axis Motion Sensor (gyroscope), digital compass (magnetometer)

• Stereo speakers and stereo microphones

• Wi-Fi (802.11 n) connectivity

• Bluetooth2.1+EDR support

In related news TechSmart also recently talked to Rob Orr, vice president for Product Management at RIM, about some of the new features of its forthcoming new BlackBerry Curve 9360.