Price drops from $299 ahead of holiday shopping

Walmart Canada is reportedly following US retailers' rumored pricing strategy for RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. A leaked flyer suggests customers in Quebec will be able to purchase the 16GB model for just $198, which is $100 less than recent discounts and $200 below the initial MSRP. The 16GB and 32GB variants are listed with $298 and $398 price tags, respectively.

A separate leak suggests Staples is preparing to offer the 16GB device for $200, though the sale is expected to be a "doorbuster" promotion limited to just six hours on Black Friday. Customers will have to visit a brick-and-mortar store to take advantage of the special pricing.

Both leaks corroborate reports pointing to lackluster sales, which have driven the manufacturer and retailers to slash pricing in an effort to bolster shipment numbers ahead of the holidays. The device has been met with strong competition from the iPad and Android tablets, while many buyers have criticized the lack of essential software features. [via TechEh]

By Electronista Staff