The BlackBerry PlayBook hasn't even hit shops, and it's already been dealt a serious blow by the Apple iPad 2. RIM's BlackBerry tablet is reportedly delayed for a month because Apple is hoarding all the touchscreens.
Business website DigiTimes reports touchscreen makers are whispering Apple had bought most of the touchscreens being manufactured. The screen shortage has delayed the PlayBook's launch for a month until mid-April.
The recent disasters in Japan may have been a factor in the delay, although Wired reports Apple's main supplier Hon Hai was unaffected.
Extra time spent testing the software also reportedly held up the launch. And yet the software still isn't ready -- the PlayBook won't have email, calendar and contact apps when it launches.
The PlayBook is starting to sound to us like it could be a day late and a dollar short. Sure, it's a high-specced and feature-packed device: it packs a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 3-megapixel camera on the front and a 5-megapixel snapper on the back. It also offers multi-tasking and Flash support, which the iPad can't. But those impressive specs will probably drive up the price and batter the battery.
The PlayBook launches in the US on 19 April. A UK launch is expected in June -- we'll keep you posted on the date and price. Make your play in the comments: can the PlayBook overcome the delays to give the iPad a good kicking, or is RIM's tablet all played out?
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Comments 13
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Anonymous 9 April, 2011 09:12
Okay what is it, extra time needed due to software issues or screens.
Fact is this is just an excuse to blame Apple again, I wish they could make up what one it is..
Oh waitt, it says the software is still not finished so their is your answer, it has nothing to do with Apple taking all the screens it has everything to do with a poor excuse for not having their sh** together.
If you are going to blame Apple, make sure you don't have another excuse that is more in line to why you have a problem Rim.
Anonymous 9 April, 2011 17:49
I think you mean "BlackBerry" instead of "BackBerry", right? :)
ace9988 9 April, 2011 23:59
LOL well spotted
back to topic ....its just silly blaming delays since they've announced theyre product well before apple announced ipad 2....back in december/january CES and yet nothing for customers while apple have already bought a 2nd generation of the product that led the market last year
GET ON WITH IT!
Anonymous 10 April, 2011 07:17
Apple explaining how signal is lost in smartphones, uses RIM BlackBerry as example (as well as other phones), RIM gets pissed.
RIM cant get their product out on time, blames Apple.
CLASH OF THE TITANS, MORTAL COMBAT!!!!!!
...Who cares
Naryan 10 April, 2011 07:33
This looks intentional to me. It would have been worth Apple's while to buy up all the stock just to delay a big competitor for even a short while. Also, check the spelling in the title.
Daniel Ratcliffe 10 April, 2011 10:27
"the PlayBook won't have email, calendar and contact apps when it launches."
CNET, what you don't realize is that they INTENDED it that way.
Anonymous 10 April, 2011 16:05
This is a stupid premise. The iPad has a 10" screen and the PlayBook has a 7" one. Is Apple also hoarding those 7" screens for it's iPad? Give me a break. The PlayBook was built on a completely new OS and they were late by 19 days... big deal.
anonymous 11 April, 2011 03:44
There are a few days left for the much awaited Tablet PC from Research In Motion - the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ - to be available in stores across North America for sale. BlackBerry® PlayBook™ was displayed at many events like CES 2011 and the Mobile World Congress in Spain.
Research In Motion (RIM) acquired QNX Software Unit from Harman International in April 2010 to develop Tablet OS. The 7-inch BlackBerry® PlayBook™ will run on QNX OS with 1GHz Dual Core Processor, 1GB RAM, Dual HD cameras, Adobe Flash 10.1 enabled to give no-compromise web experience and much more great hardware features to compete with Apple iPad and Apple iPad 2.
Anonymous 11 April, 2011 04:07
Shut up about the price. Its the same as the ipad 2! Do some research!
Nick Hide 11 April, 2011 09:37
@last Anonymous - the UK price hasn't yet been announced.
anonymous 11 April, 2011 10:25
@Daniel Ratcliffe
We know it's intended that way - it's still daft
@Anonymous
The screens may be different sizes but if they're made from the same materials on the same production lines then it's possible
anonymous 12 April, 2011 00:38
they don t even use the same size screen
Anonymous 26 April, 2011 11:47
Is the price of Playbook be same as that of iPad?????? Any update.....