According to reports from sources like the Globe and Mail, Research in Motion’s long-awaited Playbook is now available for pre-order at BestBuy as of today, March 22, 2011.  The official North American launch date for the device is April 19.  This is a little later than expected – the rumoured launch date was some time THIS MONTH.  The tablet launching on April 19 is the Wi-Fi version of Playbook, with ones requiring data plans coming later in the year.

There are three versions of each – 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, with a starting price of $499 for the 16GB, with an increase of $100 .  Other stores carrying Playbook include FutureShop, Staples, Chapters/Indigo, Rogers, Bell, AT&T, Verizon and online at shopblackberry.com.