First day BlackBerry PlayBook sales may have exceeded expectations

By Zach Epstein on Apr 20, 2011 at 10:42 AM

Amid multiple reports to the contrary, RBC Capital Markets General Manager Mike Abramsky on Wednesday said first day PlayBook sales likely exceeded analysts’ expectations. In a note to investors, Abramsky states that RIM may have moved about 50,000 PlayBook tablets on launch day alone, including pre-order sales. The analyst and his team placed calls to 70 different Best Buy, Staples and RadioShack locations to inquire about PlayBook sales performance on launch day. Reported performance ranged from light sales in some locations to sell-outs, which occurred at 11% of the stores RBC polled. RBC also used Best Buy’s online inventory tool to check stock at 180 additional locations in 10 major U.S. cities, and found that the 16GB PlayBook is unavailable at 13% of stores, the 32GB model is unavailable at 87% of stores and the 64GB model is unavailable at 91% of the locations viewed. As preliminary inventory quantities for these stores is currently unknown, this information is of little use since many stores might not have received higher-capacity PlayBook models to begin with. Finally, Abramsky notes that the PlayBook may have outperformed first-day sales of Motorola’s XOOM and even Samsung’s popular Galaxy Tab, and he believes RIM is on track to sell 500,000 PlayBook tablets in its first quarter of availability.

Tags:: BlackBerry, BlackBerry Playbook, Launch, Mike Abramsky, Playbook, QNX, RBC, RBC Capital Markets, Release, RIM, Sales, Tablet, Tablets

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Romi C87

Still a crappy tablet… Can’t change that and I’ve actually used one so it’s personal experience thing!

Anonymous

Agreed, total POS. We had one here to test out and it’s trash. The fact so many people bought it just shows you money and people are easily parted.

http://twitter.com/porf_reyes Porfirio Reyes

In what way is it a POS? While the software is lacking at the moment, the hardware and OS are better than iPadx and Honeycomb Tablets, so I wouldn’t really call it a POS in any way shape or form.
Anonymous

you just answered the question you were asking me. All the hardware is great but if the software running it is junk what’s the use? it’s like driving a ferrari with only two wheels.

the fact so many people gave you a thumbs up makes me think RIM is trolling this board pretty hard.
Romi C87

Yeah hardware is better how? I did multiple speed tests with apps and browser with flash OFF and the playbook came in second every time to the iPad 2…. The damn thing freezes on the regular and 1080P video looks comparable to 720P. It’s a sad attempt at a tablet, for now the iPad 2 stands king, then the xoom and then maybe the playbook. The dual core processor on the iPad beats the living crap out of the playbook, also battery is a FAIL compared to the iPad. Oh btw no email client? Haaaa dude my brother bought one, he’s returning it and grabbing either an iPad 2 or xoom.
Anonymous

Care to explain what makes it a crappy tablet? Just curious what you consider important.

I played with it yesterday, and I though it had the best UI of any tab on the market (love the gestures from the bezel). The display is better than anything I’ve seen. Incredibly fast. Solid, easy to hold, I feel like this thing could survive a small drop vs. the iPad that would shatter.

It’s not an iPad. It’s not a Xoom. The hardware is some of the best out there in a tablet, and the software is solid enough for a great user experience for what most people use tablets for – games, web browsing, video and e-books. And it’s quickly evolving. Plus if you have a BB – no need for another $30/month in data charges…

It’s a nice product, IMHO. So tell me again – what makes it a total POS?
Anonymous

Do you really expect any form of rational response from these people?
Senor Chang

no use arguing w/ iFan or Fandroids…they rate things by how many iterations of Angry Birds is available.
Anonymous

You work for RIM don’t you? Judging by your activity and posts in your profile I would assume you do. SO how much does RIM pay you to be a shill?
Romi C87

Correction I have an iPad 2 and my iPhone does wireless tethering with hotspot, so care to explain why I would spend $30 extra? Stop defending this poor attempt of a tablet, not to mention the software is literally a rip off of webos. I do like how portable the playbook is though…. But like I say blackberries are so behind, they have to have google help them out with apps. RIM is dead and the playbook was DOA!

P.s. Not a fanboy I own and iPhone and a nexus s (had a torch for work, hated the damn thing)
serpentor

I think the same of people who buy iPhones.
Anonymous

Serpentor you’re a dumb cunt.
http://twitter.com/mahen915 Mahen M

Name ONE tablet in the market right now that support full 1080p, H.264 High Profile video playbook as well as streaming that to an HD display either via mirroring or in presentaion mode? I’ll wait. If you don’t know what any of this means, you have a LOT to learn before blindly calling something a POS.
Anonymous

that’s great and all but I would like to check my email, oh wait that’s right I can’t. Nor can I setup appointments on the calendar.

So watching video is great and all but I want to do BASIC functions like email, not gonna happen till RIM decides to do it.
Anonymous

AMaench – I don’t work for RIM… but I’ve been in technology for 20 years. I’ve seen fads come and go, and I appreciate quality. My questions to you was what make the PB a “total POS.” While I made some points to why I like the PB, all you can do is say I must work for RIM? Answer the question if you want any credibility.

I do support RIM, but most of my posts that do so are in response to those bashing for no good reason. I’ve supported Apple and Android devices as well (when it’s deserved). I buy what I think makes the most sense for me. I don’t vote down party lines. I research the competition before making a decision.
http://twitter.com/stulaw11 Jon Klurfeld

Because of comments like these: “The display is better than anything I’ve seen.” and “The hardware is some of the best out there in a tablet”

What tablets have you exactly “seen?” The display and hardware is nearly identical to other tablets out there. there’s not whole lot of spec differences between the high end tablets out right now- similar resolutions, similar dual core processors, similar storage, similar battery life relatively.

The downsides? If you want to use it and own anything besides a BB. No email, calendar, or contacts if you own any other kind of phone. I’m sorry, but a tablet should be a self-sustained device, not an add-on to a phone where if you don’t buy that manufacturer’s phone you cant use one.

This will limit their sales right off the bat vs. something like an Android tablet or ipad which you can use 100% fully whether you have a RAZR, blackerry, iphone, android, etc etc.
Anonymous

If you hold the PB side by side to a ip2 or xoom, you’ll see a difference in the quality of the display. If you read the reviews of the actual hardware components, the true tech sites (chipworks, ifixit, etc.) are claiming the internal components are at or above what exists in the market today. Likewise, the feel of the device in hand is different. It feels more solid than the other tabs – but that’s personal preference and subjective – like most qualities of these devices.

I would use this device at home. Currently, I have a netbook at home. I don’t use a mail client, calendar client, or contacts client on that. So for my purposes, if I can get online, I have access to all the info I need. Likewise, most my contacts and e-mail are already in my phone. Why do I need it on a second device? If I want to skype, my contacts are already sync’d there.

Sorry… the tablet is not a laptop/desktop replacement. Nor will it replace my phone. So I have no need for an e-mail client on the PB today. You are obviously going to use it differently than I would, so you have more client/local needs. So you’re right, this will not work for you in its current state.

http://twitter.com/UrbanEnigma Yves

I’m pretty sure you made up your mind about the PlayBook well before you ever picked one up
Anonymous

Haha, these spats regarding brand loyalty are always fun to read!

Such opinionated people exist only to put down someone who doesn’t like the same things that they do, it’s actually quite ridiculous if you think about it.

All tablets are virtually identical anyway. Sure, one might have more applications while another can multitask or play 1080p videos but they’re all likely to disappear in the next decade as we realize how unnecessary they really are.

Thanks for the entertainment!
vznberry

What didn’t you like, can you be more specific as opposed to “crappy tablet”?
vznberry

Zach ah RIM bashing best. Where are “multiple reports to the contrary”, sources?
mercola

How is it a POS? It is so much nicer than those 10 inch tablets. I can fit this little thing in my briefcase and pull it out nice and easy.. looks sleek and not big and stupid like a 10 incher. Great for meetings!

http://www.droiddoes.com/ Norm

They sold 11? Only expecting to sell 8-10? Congrats RIM!

Anonymous

it ‘MAY’ have sold 11. It is ‘Likely’ to have exceeded expectations, which means there is a complementary likelyhood it did not meet expectations

Norm ‘may’ be giving RIM too much credit

sounds like someone Long on RIM trying to fan the embers for some heat before he sells and shorts the stock.
Anonymous

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Anonymous

Suk ma —> (_)_)///////D bawz!

Douche

RIM can rim me

Port

Ah, your names sez it all…

Pavel Bure

And where did the haters go? You know who you are…the ones that said “DOA, EPIC FAIL, BB Morons etc…”

Boy do we like it so much seeing you bitch slapped over and over. Rim just does things quietly, no fanfare just numbers to bitch slap you in the face, laughing at you.

Moto Zoom at this point roughly 100,000 and BB Playbook on opening day already at 50,000?

Let some more bitch slapping begin. Hey Max, or should we call you Max Moron, what say you?

Anonymous

An apple friends of mine asked “Where are the lines??!?”

To which I responded – when you have enough inventory at many locations and make this available for pre-order and easy pickup, no need for lines. Who the hell wants to stand in line anymore for a gadget? Especially business people.

If the reports are correct about Apple IP2 sales falling short, it’s more because of lack of inventory than anything else (and I recall even before the launch there was concern that it was being rushed to market and inventory levels would be low). Apple does a fantastic marketing job and lines look good for the company, so it’s part of their DNA to keep inventory low around launch to further inflate demand. I do applaud them for that, because it works.

QNX Please

You should have just said “Sheep don’t stand in lines”
QNX Please

Completely screwed that one up, no bloody edit button…. I mean to say “Only sheep stand in lines” came out wrong and no proof read equals epic fail :(
Anonymous

I would wager that apple had more inventory of the iPad 2 at launch than the rim did for the playbook. Also didn’t the iPad 2 sell at the apple stores, best buy, walmart etc etc? So I got to think the number of locations the device went on sale at were just as high as the playbook, if not higher. There were no lines because it only sold 45000 across Canada and the USA yesterday. The 5th avenue apple store apparently sold 7200 iPad 2’s the first day before running out. Would have to think that apple sold atleast 500000 first day. But who knows. Will find out later today with their report.
Jay for Hay

apple only sold ipad2 at 4 ny locations on opening day
Anonymous

I can’t say for new York but I googled the retail stores for iPad 2
launch and from what I understand they sold at 10000 locations across
the USA. Now best buy, walmart and the others may have only had 10-20
units each and along with not having pre orders, they may have
purposely kept the bulk of the supplies for the apple stores to get
the big lines but my point was even tho the playbook went on sale at
apparently 20000 locations across north America, there was no line ups
for the playbook because the demand is not there. Not like there is
for the iPad 2. The adequate supply issue and numerous retail
locations stated by the original poster was not the reason for no
lines IMO.
Senor Chang

Hey, who was the porn star that did like 200 guys in one day? I guess waiting in line for her makes her the most desirable woman on the planet.

http://mobilitydigest.com/ Doug Simmons

Was it just me or did this article say “Even though everything else we read said the opposite we’re going with what some schmuck we found who wants to get his name out by being the only one to report some whacky data.”

We’re definitely in the no spin RIM zone.

http://twitter.com/UrbanEnigma Yves

You mean those multiple reports that they fail to cite? Oh.
http://mobilitydigest.com/ Doug Simmons

those multiple hits from your googling that for me look all like copypasta of what this lone analyst said

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

You obviously weren’t invited to any of the Playbook Launch Parties as there was nothing quiet about them.
My ears are still ringing a week later.
http://twitter.com/stulaw11 Jon Klurfeld

50k the first QUARTER not DAY. Good try though. Its still well behind a top 3 selling tablet by far with 50k in a quarter.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7GRQRQBEAWJIER7TASQJNPLZ4U Anonymous

“RIM may have moved about 50,000 PlayBook tablets on Tuesday’s launch day alone, including online preorder sales, RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky said in a note to investors citing checks of 70 retail outlets.”

Reading comprehension? Did you fail 3rd grade?
lorem ipsum

This guy is such a douche. Same hate all the time, still no shirt on.
lorem ipsum

PS are those blond tips in your hair?

Apple Fanboy

So, they sold 5 instead of 3?
Anonymous

if RIM dont take care of the ATT problem with downloading the blackberry bridge software,
mine will go back to the store we have 15 days to do so
NO BRIDGE NO NEED FOR THISDEVICE

http://profiles.google.com/andrew.rolt Andrew Rolt

You can… try reading the website you’re commenting on – or every other tech blog for that matter. Very well documented that just because AT&T doesn’t want the software yet (it’s “testing”), doesn’t mean it’s not available to you.

Anonymous

can you help me to do it?
Thanks
http://twitter.com/whutless kamau young

take ur butt to crackberry its a available for download heck if ur nice some might even teach you how.
Anonymous

All done now thanks its also works good

http://twitter.com/porf_reyes Porfirio Reyes

You realize that you can download the Bridge app OTA to your ATT phone, don’t you? This isn’t RIM’s problem, it’s AT&T that’s blocking it.
Jay for Hay

you know there is a work around right? go to crackberry, you don’t need at&t blocking it. You can get around it with ease
Kornmatrix44

Thats not rim’s problem its att they desided to block it because there att and they always do that there greedy and im sure they are looking up a way to charge you for it so dont take it out on rim

Anonymous

if RIM dont take care of the ATT problem with downloading the blackberry bridge software,
mine will go back to the store we have 15 days to do so
NO BRIDGE NO NEED FOR THISDEVICE
Max

Including pre-orders? They’ve been collecting pre-orders for 5 months. So let’s see: 45,000 pre-orders, 5,000 day of release. Across the world. LOL. Hey if that’s a win, I wanna work for that POS company. Hey boss, I came into work at noon, had lunch, and went home. Where’s my raise? LOL. Idiots.

Anonymous

They’ve been collecting pre-orders for 5 months? It went on pre-order at the end of March.

Who’s the idiot Max?
http://twitter.com/porf_reyes Porfirio Reyes

You’re a fool, it’s only been available for pre order since March.
Anonymous

Weren’t the pre-orders just for North America as opposed to: “Across the world. LOL”….??

Anonymous

The RBC guy is a permabull and will happily sell you some RIMM stock today. Embrace him as you would the plague.

Good hardware minus limited software = doorstop.

Jay for Hay

so pretty much an ipad2 is what ur saying then

Anonymous

Like Honeycomb tablets?
http://twitter.com/UrbanEnigma Yves

I was initially skeptical, and there are some things lacking at the moment that I’m hoping are addressed soon with updates, but I’m very pleased with my PlayBook purchase. With the exception of the iPad 2, no other tablets I’ve used really compares in both hardware & software (Xoom, Galaxy Tab, G-Slate, Dell Streak). It’s definitely the second best tablet on the market right now, with very good potential to be first in the near future. I’m surprised it’s been receiving such negative feedback considering what it’s non-iPad competition is.
Anonymous

Just like Blackberry Storm line. HYPE. Now this follows. CRASH.

http://www.facebook.com/preston.scheuneman Preston Scheuneman

I have the original Storm, and I have a PlayBook. Not even close. The Storm came out with a garbage OS that got much better over time. PlayBook has a great OS, but is just lacking a few features and apps that are coming soon. They have a great foundation in place.
Anonymous

I’m with you. Same reason why I don’t buy domestic cars after the engine in my Pinto dropped while I was waiting for the light to turn green. Rediculous, ain’t it?

http://twitter.com/homescrub homescrub

50K is not alot. It just shows that SOME people were interested. Even XOOM tablets did better in first day of sales.

Ecko

Where are Xoom day 1 sales figures? All I have seen are total sales so far at ~100,000 and thats almost 2 months ago.

Anonymous

I’ve seen other estimates at 300000-400000. I think everyone is just using the 100000 cuz it’s so dramatically low. But who knows. Maybe it is only 100000. The xoom was a messed up launch. Poor price tied to a carrier and missing features.

Anonymous

So wait… there are multiple reports to the contrary, but youpublish the ONE that says they did well??? HAHAHA

Ok…

Anonymous

lol, droidScum get maaad when other products succeed!

Anonymous

LOL… Why would I personally care? Besides, the Playbook will eventually run Android apps…

Im just chasing the general thought that the BGR article itslef says that most everyone else claims different but this ONE analyst claims a huge success…

So why highlight the one analyst with high figures?

Ecko

I don’t see any other articles with numbers, just speculation based on line sizes. And one about SF only. Do you have any links to the other reports with figures?

ApplesNAndroids

I really want to purchase a PlayBook. It’s just hard to justify pricing when I can get an equlivelent larger iPad at the same cost. With that being sad though, I think the 7″ form factor would play nicer in every day to day use. I just can’t see lugging around an iPad out of the home, or even taking pictures with one.

Xoom is out of the question, so it boils down to two of them. I think I know what I want.

Jay for Hay

i bought one yesterday…i cannot begin to tell you how happy i am with it. blow’s my ipad2 outta the water…no comparison.

Ecko

I have a feeling the number is actually higher than this when you consider the business sales. I believe it was sun life that stated they ordered 1000 playbooks.

Anonymous

No sun life agreed to buy as many as 1000 playbooks. Which probably means they get a price break after 100 then another price break after 200 and so on. Or something along those lines. So I’m thinking they will test 20 or so and see what it’s capabilities are. If it suits their needs then they buy more. I would not think they would just up and buy 1000 tablets without knowing what they can do for them. Especially since the playbook is still a work in progress.

Anonymous

We just got a bunch of these for the execs at my company, and so far no one likes them. I had an opportunity to play with one all day yesterday, and the software is nice, but the fact that it is currently limited made me put it back in the box. By limited I’m just referring to the lack of built in features. In my company you have a choice of either an iPhone set up with enterprise email or a Blackberry. I use the iPhone and so do a lot of others here, but thought this new RIM tablet device would be good to have.

The few execs that I talked to yesterday all had the same issue – they hated that it didn’t have built in calendar for their appointments, and it lacked email. None of them wanted to do any tethering to their phones. They thought tethering wasn’t a good idea for the tablet. Only a few said the device was too small. As of today 4 of them gave it back and said they weren’t going to use it, and that’s out of the 10 or so that got them yesterday. Now they’re just sitting on a shelf.

So, RIM – get the message – get an update out ASAP so that these include native email, calendar, etc.

http://twitter.com/pmich Peter Michailidis

It’s an unfortunately experience. I’m disappointed in RIM bringing out the device without those native apps. For me, it’s not a big deal because I have an ipad and i even don’t use those functions on it. For others, I guess it’s important. My BB is on me all day and so i could just use the bridge anyways. I just wish RIM got their act together because i really want them to succeed.

PN009

Well said. Ive been using my 16 gig since yesterday and I seriously dont think RIMs put out a bad product. True, they dont have the apps to capitalize on the h/w yet – but we’ll have them “over the next 60 days”. I hope RIM succeeds despite all the flak they’ve got.

http://www.facebook.com/preston.scheuneman Preston Scheuneman

I picked one up yesterday and love it. You could have just setup Bridge on their BB phone and PlayBook, don’t tell them about it, and it works fine. They probably wouldn’t know the difference. I mean, they are executives, right? ;)
http://www.facebook.com/preston.scheuneman Preston Scheuneman

I picked one up yesterday and love it. You could have just setup Bridge on their BB phone and PlayBook, don’t tell them about it, and it works fine. They probably wouldn’t know the difference. I mean, they are executives, right? ;)

http://www.facebook.com/people/Edmond-Chou/598254704 Edmond Chou

EEE pad transformer FTW
Anonymous

Imagine if they actually advertised it. Loving my 32 gig one.

Anonymous

I would say they DID advertise it lol. Starting 6 months ago. They did it as cheaply as possible. No point in paying to put ads on tv radio magazines etc if u cant buy the product yet. Maybe a week or two before would work but any longer and I would think they would be wasting money. Apple advertises after the product goes on sale. All the other advertising is free.(tech sites etc) basically I’m thinking any increase of sales from early advertising is a wash when u factor in the cost.

Granadm2

Hating on RIM must be the cool thing to do now. Youd be surprised how many people hate with ignorance. I went to Radio Shack to ask if they had received any units yet. The manager said no. When I expressed interest she had a look of disgust on her face. She said, “I just dont think itll be good, I mean, isnt it running RIM?” I was like “What do you mean? RIM is the manufacturer yea”. She elaborated and actually thought it would be running the same software and hardware as her Curve 8520 that she used to hate so much, just with a bigger screen. She said,”we probably wont get any for a while anyway, they wont sell here”. Im sure its due to the salespeople they have working there though.

Anonymous

Funny, I’m sure they sold the iPad 2s they received. Salespeople didn’t seem to matter then.

Martin

RIM doesnt have the same KoolAid as Apple. I have to give mad props to Apples marketing team, even though their ads make me cringe. Apple could slap a logo on a turd and call it magical, and people would line up to get a look at it. Radio shack reps know as much about apple products as they do about anything else. Most apple customer know as much about apple products as radio shack reps. The difference is “they dont care” they just want to be cool by having something with an apple logo on it.

I didnt mention the ipad in my original post, so why did you feel the need to mention it? (also, word on the streets is they arent selling as well as you think)
Tazman69

That’s because of all the iSheep who blindly buy anything Apple because it’s the ‘cool thing’ to do. I have a Macbook and really like it and Apple does make products that are very intuitive. And they are awesome at advertising. However, I’m really over Apple. I have never had a desire for an iPad or an iPhone and never will. I had Blackberry for a couple of years and now Android and I will say although BB is definitely not flashy it has A LOT more functionality than the iPhone or Android do by a long shot. I’m also fed up with all the haters. Just because you don’t like a device doesn’t mean someone else won’t.
http://profiles.google.com/booboolala2000 Patrick Crumpler

And Apple has a very prominent display in all best buy stores. Everything else is scattered throughout the computer section. That will change when the computer section has a dedicated tablet section and people can easily see the options. End of summer will be the begining of the end of the ipad, yes just like the iPhone. People like options.

Anonymous

The marketing from RIMM was a disaster.
I went to Staples at 11 a.m. with intentions to walk out with a 32 gb Playbook. They had a display unit, but it didn’t work. Took ten minutes to get it turned on. Then they couldn’t get it registered. She said I was the first one to ask about it. They were totally clueless about the features of this device.
So I drive over to Best Buy. No display whatsover. I had to ask someone where the Playbooks were. The salesperson had to ask someone else where they were. Ended up that they had two units locked about in the mobile department. She pulls one out and tells me she couldn’t get the bridge to work since ATT was blocking it. She says “we really don’t sell many Blackberries”.
This is the worst marketing of any product in my lifetime. I think the Playbook will be a great device, but with this kind of start, I’m having my doubts. Native email and calendar should have been ironed out before release. The Bridge issue should have been worked out with the carriers before launch.
Total disaster. I may still get one, bu tit will be late summer before I make the plunge.

Anonymous

you can get around the at&t block no problem, just an fyi. Head over to crackberry…its just a simple OTA download and you bypass at&t’s dumb rules. Playbook rocks!

Anonymous

Amid multiple reports to the contrary, RBC Capital Markets General Manager Mike Abramsky on Wednesday said first day PlayBook sales likely exceeded analysts’ expectations. In a note to investors, Abramsky states that RIM may have sold a PlayBook tablet unit on launch day. The analyst and his team placed calls to 70 different Best Buy, Staples and RadioShack locations to inquire about PlayBook sales performance on launch day. One of the stores polled reported they had sold a Playbook. However, it was later returned.
Senor Chang

there’s still 2 more players to wait for: Palm and HTC. I’m very curious to see how Palm is going to compare.

Anonymous

Played with one the other day at an event from hp. It is billy ba

http://www.techhog.com Michael T. Blake

Wow, another Analyst ( or as i call them, internet-educated guessers) making claims…I love his source, they called Best Buys and probably spoke with the 18 year olds working in the mobile department. Talk about rock solid evidence.

These guys (analysts) are driving me nuts…this isn’t news….

Guest123

Mike Abramsky went to HBS.

FYI, most observers put that at least a few steps above “internet-educated”.

Just sayin’.

http://www.bignerdblog.com BigNerd

Played with one of these at a local BB.

Pretty nice actually, first thing I did was bring up Hulu to test the oh-so-controversial Flash capabilities.

The OS reminds me of WebOS, a bit strange having no hardware or software keys to control navigation but becomes intuitive with use (this of course after a few minutes of looking for any home/back/close buttons).

It’s nicely built, a bit heavy for its size (probably due to the battery) but considering its smaller screen and lower resolution, you would think it would be a bit cheaper than the iPad2. Since a Galaxy Tab 16 is at $350 for WiFi, the Playbook 16 would be better off at $399.

Amazing how Apple used to be the expensive one.

Anonymous

You have to keep in mind that the Playbook is a premium product as well. It has a very high resolution for the screen size, more RAM than the Galaxy Tab…has an HDMI out, has superior cameras, etc. I still would like to see somebody REALLY challenge Apple with price coming out a full 100 bucks cheaper; but the product is definitely a premium device from a hardware standpoint.

Companies don’t want to give the impression consumers are getting an inferior product by selecting their device. Let’s be honest, the iPad has everything beat from an overall experience standpoint. It takes time to develop the ecosystem for these devices. RIM really should have had a few more things ready to go such as the PIM situation; but it is what it is.

This is my take…at least the speakers don’t crackle on max volume like the Xoom does. And it DEFINITELY sounds better than the iPad as well.

First day BlackBerry PlayBook sales may have exceeded expectations

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