Do I need a BlackBerry to make the most of PlayBook?

In a word, yes. The first version will not have its own cellular connection, instead relying on Wi-Fi to access the Internet for itself. Using a secure Bluetooth connection, the PlayBook will "bridge" with a BlackBerry to access corporate or consumer email, address book, calendar and other features including BlackBerry Messenger. When the link is broken, all that data is instantly wiped.

The company has set up this relationship deliberately to pitch PlayBook to corporations and other security-conscious enterprises that will not need to verify the PlayBook's credentials; it will effectively not exist on their radar. It can also pair with any smartphone able to act as a mobile hotspot; this point has not been heavily advertised.

A software upgrade some time after the launch will add native email, calendar and address book apps for users who do not also own a BlackBerry.