Ballistic and AG Findings have announced their new partnership with RIM on making cases under the “Built for BlackBerry” label.  With that said, they also have introduced a BlackBerry PlayBook case if you’re looking for some heavy duty protection when you pick yours up.  Features include:

• Advanced three layer protection
• Inner silicone layer absorbs shock
• Impact resistant hard plastic protects the phone
• Soft rubber on the back of the plastic adds to the durability
• Thicker Ballistic Corners for drop protection
• Removable screen cover that can also be used on the back as a kickstand

Continue reading for the full press release from AG Findings and Ballistic.

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Last week we got confirmation from a RIM exec saying that the BlackBerry PlayBook is set to launch in March, rather than the April rumor we had previously heard.  CrackBerry got another piece of documentation in regards to tablet training at Staples which features the BlackBerry PlayBook and shows March 30th as the date of availability of the training module.  We already saw training for the tablet set to launch March 16th before, but we see that the date has changed here.

It brings a little doubt as to whether or not the PlayBook is still set for March, but keep in mind this is for Staples only, and the tablet could hit other retail stores much earlier.  As far as Staples goes, it looks like they’ll be set to carry the tablet in late April assuming the training goes on for 30 days.

As you’ve seen by now, many BlackBerry PlayBook applications have been submitted and approved in BlackBerry App World, and it’s nice to be able to see them in advanced to know what to expect.  A nice feature I’m liking here is trial applications.  Not every app in App World gets this, but it looks like some select PlayBook apps have a trial link where you can try the app before purchasing it.

Source: PlayBookDaily

We got a general idea of what’s to be available from RIM as far as accessories go.  The cases I’ve seen so far look incredible, including that envelope-style one which is officially called the “BlackBerry Leather Envelope” and is priced at $59.99.  Some of you may think these prices are way up high, but take a second look at OEM cases and holsters you’d buy for your BlackBerry phone at retail price of course.

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Earlier today, RIM and Electronic Arts officially announced Need for Speed Undercover and Tetris to be officially available and preloaded on the BlackBerry PlayBook right from launch date.  As far as other platforms go, both of these games are premium and have to be purchased through Android’s Market, or Apple’s App Store.  So Lucas over at N4BB got his hands on some screenshots of both games.  Tetris isn’t such a big deal to me here, but Need for Speed Undercover looks great.  I wish we could see a demo video just to get an idea of how smooth the game operates.  More screenshots after the jump!

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Earlier it was rumored that Staples might be carrying the BlackBerry PlayBook in their retail stores since their internal employee calendar shows BlackBerry Tablet training.  Now it looks like there’s no mistake about it, but Office Depot will be carrying the PlayBook as well.  All along many of us figured the PlayBook would only be available at cellular carrier stores, but retail stores are getting in on it too as we’ve seen with Staples and now Office Depot.  This is the first time we see a price tag though.  You can grab the 16GB WiFi model for $499.99 which matches the Apple iPad price.  Also we see that it says the tablet will be available on “week 17″ which could be either March or April.

Source: CrackBerry

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

This one’s a leaked video, nothing like we saw from the Adobe event.  Here we see raw footage of the BlackBerry PlayBook hands on, going in and out of applications and seeing all of its dimensions.  I guess some private beta units are roaming around or someone on the inside recorded something they weren’t supposed to..

Source: CrackBerry

According to a post up at T3 Magazine, the BlackBerry PlayBook will be launched February 2011.  The carrier TSTT says that they are getting the PlayBook this February along with some other tablets for enterprise.  Hearing rumors like this kind of throw you off when thinking about how far along RIM really is with the PlayBook.  Some have said that it is in such an early stage that we haven’t even seen a hands-on clip with it.  But that all faded once we saw some action at Adobe Air MAX where RIM co-CEO Mike Lazaridis demonstrated multitasking and exemplified how the flash player worked seamlessly on it.

So when should we expect to see the tablet?  There were already rumors of it coming in Q1 of 2011 and now we see TSTT confirm it as their first tablet in February.  I’m personally just as lost in this situation as I am about the BlackBerry Storm 3.

Browsing via BlackBerry? Click here to view video

Here’s a video based on what we saw yesterday, but a little bit longer.  Here we get to see more multitasking action which is definitely eye catching and definitely seems to be a huge advantage over other tablets available on the market.  Then of course we see the same YouTube demo that we saw yesterday where embedded media is supported.  So far so good.  The BlackBerry PlayBook is not officially out yet and I’m sure things will continue to be perfected until we see it out on the market.

-by Mac Jadalhack

RIM and Adobe are teamed up to put out five webinars for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet development using Adobe Air.  If you’re a developer looking to get in on PlayBook development, then you should definitely check these out.  The webinars will cover:

• Setting up your development environment
• Creating your first “hello world” Adobe AIR application for the BlackBerry PlayBook
• Packaging your Adobe AIR application for the BlackBerry PlayBook
• How to test your applications on the device simulator
• Live Q&A with experts from Research In Motion Limited and Adobe

The webinars start on November 4th, 2010 at 2PM eastern time.  Click the link below to sign up today.

• Sign up for the BlackBerry PlayBook Development with Adobe Air webinars today >>

-by Otoniel Bruno