We figured that with the release of the Kindle Fire RIM would drop the price of the BlackBerry PlayBook, and, for a limited time, you can pick up a BlackBerry PlayBook for $199, a full $300 less than the regular selling price.

The big question, however, is if the BlackBerry PlayBook is worth it at even $199?

On one hand the hardware in the BlackBerry PlayBook is quite good.  Sporting both front and rear facing cameras, a built-in mic, Bluetooth, an HDMI port, more memory and a faster processor, hardware on the PlayBook outpaces the Kindle Fire at every turn.

Software on the PlayBook, however, is woefully lacking.  The device came out in April and it will be at least February of next year before it gets a native email client and third party apps that consumers have actually heard of are nonexistent.

The following retailers will carry the BlackBerry PlayBook for $199.

• Best Buy
• BlackBerry from Wireless Giant Store
• Office Depot
• Radio Shack
• Walmart