Last Stone Overturned: RIM Finally Prices BlackBerry PlayBook.

The day BlackBerry PlayBook hopefuls have been waiting for — RIM has officially priced the three different versions of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. WiFI-only PlayBooks will start at $499 for 16GB. The 32GB PlayBook will set you back $599 while the 64GB option will tip the scales at $699. Hopefully RIM can meet demand on launch day, April 19th, in which over 20,000 different retail locations across the U.S. and Canada will begin selling RIMs tablet. However, if you’d like to get a jump on situation, Best Buy has a pre-order page where they tempt you with the phrase “Order early. Brag often.” Full list of launch retailers after the jump…

HTC Thunderbolt 3G/4G Switch Found Hiding In Test Menu.

One pretty glaring flaw we noticed in our HTC Thunderbolt review was the lack of any 3G/4G switch. Such a switch is a vital asset for times when battery life needs to be favored over data throughput. But alas, the old Android test menu saves the day again. Simply dial *#*#4636#*#* to access this hidden test menu where you’ll find among other things, the 3G/4G switch in all its glory. On the Thunderbolt, you have three options: LTE only, EV-DO only, and LTE+EV-DO. It’s not the most user friendly solution (and we certainly hope HTC issues a patch to change the situation) though it’s better than nothing at all we guess.

T-Mobile Begins 42Mbps HSPA+ Network Rollout.

AT&T merger be damned, T-Mobile is pressing on with their HSPA+ network. The latest upgrade the Magenta giant is pushing out will peg Speedtest at up to 42Mbps in Las Vegas, New York, and Orlando. Later this year, Chicago and a further expansion of New York’s HSPA+ network will drive the speed forward. According to T-Mobile, by mid-year 2011 up to 140 million Americans in 25 different markets will have access to the faster HSPA+ speeds by way of 25 new HSPA+ capable devices the company hopes to release throughout 2011. But the question sitting in the back of everyone’s mind: How will the ongoing AT&T takeover play into T-Mobile’s deals/plans? We shall see…

T-Mobile Officially Launches G2x Stock Android Phone.

Despite a pending purchase by AT&T, T-Mobile is still going strong on the Android front. This week at CTIA, the nation’s 4th largest carrier unveiled the T-Mobile G2x Android smartphone. The biggest selling points include an Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor ticking at 1GHz, 4″ 480 x 800 display, 14.4Mbps HSPA+, 8-megapixel camera (rear) and 1.3 camera (front), 1080p video capture, and Android 2.2 (Froyo). Of course, those who prefer their Android experience naked and untouched will appreciate the un-skinned nature of the G2x’s software. Release date is a vague “this spring” while price wasn’t even mentioned. Though if we had to venture out onto a limb, we’d say $199 sounds about right. Then again, depending on how the whole AT&T/T-Mobile merger plays out, this story could very well change.

HTC Pyramid Leaked Again. Possible qHD 960 x 540 Display En Route

With many hours still left until the HTC Pyramid is officially announced, we sit here yet again looking at another leaked image of the much hyped device. However, this latest leak eludes to a possible bump in screen resolution as is evident by the smaller status bar — Pyramid on left, HTC Desire HD on the right. The Desire HD has the standard 800 x 400 display, meaning the Pyramid could very well have the upgraded 960 x 540 display we’ve seen on a phone or two. Other goodies we hope to see on the Pyramid include a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and Android 2.4 (Gingerbread II). Expect more information within the week after the official nod at CTIA.

AT&T: “T-Mobile 3G Users Will Need To Replace Their Own Phones”

More bad news for T-Mobile fans a mere day after learning of AT&T’s plans to purchase T-Mobile U.S.A. According to a new article posted by Yahoo and quoting AT&T’s Ralph de la Vega, current T-Mobile 3G customers will have to replace their 3G phones after the merger and at their own cost. It was made known today the official reasoning for AT&T’s plans — they (AT&T) want to re-purpose T-Mobile’s 1700MHz AWS spectrum for LTE expansion. For T-Mobile customers, that means the wireless waves they get their speed fix on now will be incompatible later on down the road.

But according to de la Vega, this isn’t really a big deal.

There’s nothing for them to worry about … it will be done over time, in a way that’s good for customers and good for AT&T

Whether consumers will have to foot the bill or AT&T, it’s more negative press attached to an already publicly unfavorable announcement. Keep following GS for the latest on the AT&T/T-Mobile merger…

Verizon LTE Coming To Fort Wayne, Lafayette, And Indianapolis Later This Year.

After spending some time with our HTC Thunderbolt review unit, we’ve come away downright in love with LTE and the speeds it provides. Naturally, those currently not being blanketed by VZW’s LTE waves would like to know when it’s coming so they too can joy in on the wireless fun. For our fellow Indiana friends, I can at least relay that the wait is nearing an end. Specifically, residents of Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Fort Wayne will soon be able to fly around the net at 5-12Mbps speeds.

Eagle-eyed readers may chime in and point out that West Lafayette already has LTE service — but this is strictly for Purdue University and the surrounding area. The Lafayette mentioned here is a much larger swath of land. Unfortunately, we still don’t have any hard info on exact dates, though you can all be sure that once we know, you’ll know. For now, take that little nugget and cling to it.

(Keep it real, James)