When is someone going to cut Research in Motion some slack? First it has to hit back at lackluster reviews of its new 7-inch PlayBook tablet, then its co-chief executive walks out of an interview with the BBC. Following that come reports of slow sales of the device upon its North American launch on Tuesday, and now, as if all that wasn’t enough, Verizon has entered the fray.
It appears that America’s largest wireless carrier is currently undecided as to whether to enter into a deal with RIM regarding distribution of the PlayBook. That would be a real blow to the Canadian company, a blow they’ll most certainly want to avoid. It’d leave the company looking something like a little child that’s been barred from the only candy store in town, able only to look solemnly in through the window as the likes of Apple, Samsung and Motorola help themselves to all the sweets. It’s hard not to feel a bit sorry for them, isn’t it?
Reuters has reported Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Brenda Raney as saying, “We’re still evaluating the BlackBerry PlayBook and have not made a determination as to whether we’re going to distribute it.” No date was given as to when a decision was likely.
Among its range of tablets, Verizon is currently offering Samsung’s Galaxy Tab for $499.99 ($199.99 with a two-year contract), Motorola’s 10.1-inch Xoom tablet for $799.99 ($599.99 with a two-year contract) and the iPad 2 for between $629.99 and $829, depending on the model and contract.
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