RIM Slashes BlackBerry Playbook Prices– Again
For the second time in a month, troubled tech maker Research In Motion has dropped prices on their BlackBerry Playbook tablet, now to an unbelievable $199 for 16GB. The 32GB model can be had for $249, and the 64GB for $299.
Just a few weeks ago, the company reduced prices on all models to $299 (raising eyebrows as critics wondered why anyone would pay more for less memory). At the time, the company publicly admitted it had suffered huge losses, and was trying to move the product off shelves anyway it could. Since then, angry shareholders final pushed out the unpopular CEOs, but new head Thorstein Heins has yet to get many excited.
But is the PlayBook worth it, even at these bargain prices? And even if it is for now, is it a good idea to invest in a tablet that could be endangered? Rick Broida at CNET has concerns:
On the other hand, there’s no way to expand the available storage [of a PlayBook], as you can with, say, the $199 Lenovo IdeaPad A1…. And let’s not forget: the latter runs Android. RIM’s OS is, by most accounts, fast, fluid, and pleasant, but its future is uncertain. In short order you could find yourself with a tablet that app developers have more or less abandoned.
What do you think? Is this deal worth taking?
This is absolutely a good deal. I was not interested at all in the playbook when it debuted at $499 But when the price first dropped to 199 I got interested in it.
They sold out that time before I could get one but I had a chance in late december to purchase one and I have been very happy with it.
If you are unsure, go try one out. Buy it. For $200 it is a great deal for a great device. Also, this is an important time, buy it, get a good deal and if people do buy it, then more apps will come.
With Android support coming soon (already works in beta on mine) many more apps will be available and they run very well.
Note that Android apps must be repackaged and submitted to Blackberry App World, you can’t just run it natively but I do expect that many thousands of apps will be available this way.
Also, flash is great on this unit. It is the only mobile device with desktop like FLash support, even ESPN3.com works in it.
To sum up, I am an Apple fan that wanted an iPad, but do to cost bought a Playbook for $199 and i have not been disappointed.
Hello,
Does this bb tablet has features like that of other tablets such as samsung galaxy, ipad etc.
want to see the features in 32GB model.
Thanks,
Kemmy Okebie
I am delighted with my Playbook. I managed to get it for a great price just before Christmas and I have in no way been disappointed.
I had tried out many alternatives before my purchase, but none of them were as intuitive or user friendly as the Playbooks User Interface.
I love so many of the features that RIM have designed into the UI that just make it a real pleasure to use.
I have also found that there are many good apps available to further enhance the usability of this great device and when the OS is updated shortly to include additional Android apps there really should be little complaint.
Of course it all comes down to what you want – but for me, at these low prices, the Playbook is a very good buy.
[...] to an analyst. Research In Motion will dump its BlackBerry OS licensing plans and double down on …RIM Slashes BlackBerry Playbook Prices– AgainDrJays.com LiveFree BlackBerry PlayBook Offered for Porting Android AppsPlanet InsaneBest Apps for [...]
[...] BlackBerry app supportThe VergeBlackberry Playbook Tablet ReviewGhacks Technology NewsDigit -DrJays.com Live -CNETall 50 news [...]