PlayBook Gets Mixed Support From Carriers

April 20, 2011 at 3:29 pm PT

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd.’s new PlayBook tablet is running into hurdles right out of the gate, as Verizon Wireless says it hasn’t decided whether to carry the device and AT&T Inc. acknowledges it isn’t yet supporting a wireless linkup needed to get email on the tablet.

The stumbles with the two largest U.S. wireless carriers are the latest challenge for RIM and the PlayBook, which launched Tuesday to mixed reviews and criticism that the tablet was rushed to market. RIM needs a successful product to get back in the tablet race and ease concerns about the ground it is losing in the tough market for mobile devices.

The initial version of the PlayBook, unlike Apple Inc.’s iPad and Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc.’s Xoom, doesn’t offer cellular service. RIM is selling the tablet through retailers including Best Buy Co., Office Depot and OfficeMax Inc.

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Tagged with: Apple, AT&T, Blackberry, digital, frontpage, hardware, innovation, iPad, launch, Motorola, PlayBook, Research In Motion, retailers, RIM, tablet, telecom, Verizon, Xoom

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