[tab name=’News’]
Rumours arose this morning that the Canadian firm Research in Motion would be cancelling the cheapest of its BlackBerry PlayBook tablets, the 16GB model.
Those rumours have now been compounded and confirmed by RIM itself, who confirmed the rumours in the following statement, released this afternoon.
RIM will no longer be making the 16 GB model of the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. The 16 GB PlayBook will continue to be available for distributors and retailers while quantities last. We continue to remain committed to the tablet space and the 32 GB and 64 GB models of the BlackBerry PlayBook continue to be available from our distributors and retailers around the world.
The BlackBerry PlayBook launched in the UK almost one year ago, on June 16th 2011. Three versions were available -16, 32 and 64GB – all with Wi-Fi connectivity. Since then the price of the tablet plummeted as RIM tried to gain a hold on the market, with the 16GB model dropping to as little as £150 new around the Christmas period.
No reason has been specified for the end of the 16GB model, despite the fact that it appears to be the most popular model due to its low price. Perhaps RIM wants to encourage people to splash out a little more for the 32 and 64GB models, or perhaps it’s set to make way for a new model.
We’ve heard about a 4G PlayBook that’s in the works, so perhaps that will replace the 16GB model. Either way, if you’ve been deliberating getting one then we suggest putting your money down for one as soon as possible, as they won’t be around for much longer.
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
Source: N4BB
[/tab]
[end_tabset]