RIM shipping PlayBook directly at sale prices
updated 04:30 am EST, Thu November 24, 2011
RIM offering its PlayBook from $199 directly
RIM is now shipping its BlackBerry PlayBook at sale prices directly from its webstore. Users can buy up to three of the tablets in one transaction with the sale ending on December 3. Each model is being discounted by a massive $300 bringing the 16GB Wi-Fi only model down to just $199.
The 32GB PlayBook can be had for just $299, down from $599, while the 64GB version is now shipping for $399, down from $699. Users can expect their order to ship within one to two business days. The PlayBook can also be bought at Staples for the same prices in store on Black Friday. Best Buy in Canada is also offering the discount as is its sister chain Future Shop.
The discounts have been offered to the general public after RIM first tried to stimulate sales of its tablet by offering the tablet on a 2 for 1 deal to enterprise customers.
RIM has been struggling to sell the PlayBook for a number of reasons (see Electronista’s review. Along with a general lack of apps for the platform, the company shipped the device without native e-mail, calendar and contacts. Despite making repeated promises that it would bring these to the device soon after its launch early this year.
The company only recently confirmed that it will finally ship these fundamental applications on February 17 next year, after previewing them recently.
