I agree. Hardware-wise, it's a solid device. From what I've been reading, RIM seems on the ball with improving the software experience -- even issuing an update during launch week.
For people like, say, my mom, not having a native email client isn't a problem. She's used to navigating to the Hotmail website.
And for people who are looking at this as a business device, well if they're looking into the PlayBook, they likely have a BlackBerry they can bridge to and have access to native email in that fashion.
In a couple of months, after the issues have been ironed out, I see it as a definite contender.
