Skip to main content

Verizon may not sell RIM’s PlayBook

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?

Recommended Videos

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.

Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
This one iPadOS 26 feature has me excited for the iPhone Fold
Semi-open state of a foldable iPhone concept

Samsung is set to launch the seventh generation of its Galaxy Z Fold book-style folding phone this Summer, but its biggest rival is yet to show its folding phone hand. Apple has long been expected to unveil an iPhone Fold, and the latest rumors suggest that it will launch next year.

I’ve used almost every folding phone released globally, with some exceptions for extremely obscure ones. While I've always been curious what an iPhone Fold would look like, I was fairly certain that Apple shouldn't build it, as I wasn’t sure they could deliver on one necessary feature.

Read more
These are the 4 best alternatives to the Google Pixel 9a
A person taking the Google Pixel 9a out of a pocket.

The best cheap phone race has been reignited by the Google Pixel 9a, which brings the Google Pixel 9 series experience at a significantly lower price. Starting at $449, Google’s latest Pixel offers the flagship processor of its siblings for flagship-level performance, an excellent camera, and long-term software support.

Yet, Google’s software experience won’t be for everyone; there are obvious tradeoffs in the specs sheet to enable the low price; the camera bar design is somewhat polarizing for long-term fans, and there’s no telephoto camera. 

Read more
Apple and Samsung rivalling phones, earbuds and more due at huge July event
The OnePlus Summer Launch Event has five new products, including the Nord 5 and Pad 3 Lite
Five OnePlus products launching in July 2025

OnePlus has confirmed it will host a bumper launch event on July 8, where it will announce five new products, covering phones, headphones, wearables and tablets.

The range of new devices will join the OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13R and OnePlus Pad 3 which arrived earlier this year as the Chinese firm fills out its product offering to compete against Apple, Samsung and co.

Read more