After showing off Blackberry’s answer to the iPad, RIM is reportedly considering selling the Playbook below $500 USD in an attempt to give their tablet some leverage against Apple.
Research In Motion Ltd., moving into the tablet-computer market for the first time, said it will begin selling its BlackBerry PlayBook for less than $500, suggesting RIM may try to undercut Apple Inc.’s iPad. […]
RIM may sell the Playbook through retail stores of Target Corp. and Best Buy Co. in the U.S. as well through carriers, Balsillie said.
“Looking at both channels is the likely target,†he said. (Business Week)
The reduced price makes sense considering that the Blackberry Playbook is much smaller than the iPad, which means that users will have less screen real estate to navigate (giving RIM’s tablet a more “crowded” feeling).
In order to remain competative against Apple, RIM may have to reduce the Playbook’s price by at least $100 in order to convince customers to even consider their tablet, especially considering the fact that the Playbook will only tether with Blackberry devices.
Ironically Blackberry Playbook’s success may depend upon the slew of Android tablets that will be hitting stores for the holiday season, whose prices could undercut RIM and make their cherished tablet irrelevant in the eyes of users.
(Hat Tip: Daring Fireball)
Originally posted on November 10, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
YES AND I CAN’T WAIT! I looked at the iPad and that thing is nothing but a glorified Kindle. Excited about this new Playbook. How can I get one?
RIM is being quiet about who they’re officially partnering with, but we will provide more details as we receive them.
I’m super excited about the new Playbook. And I would be standing in line for one for under $500, but ONLY if there is no monthly fee for tethering the Playbook to my BB Storm. My 2 year Verizon contract expires around the same time as the expected Playbook release date and unless Blackberry hits a home run with the Playbook, which they really failed to do with the disappointing Torch, I will be seriously looking at the available Android options.