RIM’s Playbook Tablet: An iPad Killer?

Against the wishes of many IT managers, the Apple iPad has jumped to an early lead in enterperise adoption. Yet RIM, understanding the business market, has launched a competing tablet that it claims was designed with professionals in mind.

SAN FRANCISCO — Watch out iPad. Here comes the BlackBerry PlayBook.

Research in Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM) gave the first public showing of its long-rumored tablet computer here before a cheering audience at the BlackBerry Developers Conference.

RIM Co-CEO Mike Lazaridis billed the PlayBook is the world’s first tablet designed for professionals. “BlackPad is enterprise-ready,” he said. “CIOs can rest assured it’s a secure device with unique BlackBerry integration.”

While Lazaridis didn’t name competitors, it was clear he had Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPad and other potential challengers in mind when he said that the PlayBook is a better choice for companies already supporting BlackBerry devices.

“Out of the box, you already have an account you’ve paid for,” he said. “The PlayBook gives you an amplified view of what’s on your BlackBerry and you won’t need new software or a new data plan — it’s compatible with BlackBerry Enterprise Server.”

The news comes as Apple’s iPad claims pole position in the mainstream tablet market, with a growing number of enterprises adopting and supporting the device. And Apple won’t have to worry about competition from the PlayBook right away, as RIM said its new tablet won’t be available until early next year.

Read the rest at Enterprise Mobile Today.