In an unexpected turn of events, RIM has cancelled production of the 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook. Following this step, how things are expected to affect the concerned parties is something only time will say.
For now, speculations suggest that low profits associated with the 16GB memory choice could be one of the reasons. Considering that it is the lowest storage capacity, value-for-money customers may probably not be too taken by it. At present, the 32GB and 64GB PlayBooks will continue to be pushed through production lines. At launch, the slate was out in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, and it is only now that the company is officially doing away with the 16GB variant.
The presently available units of the 16GB model will be sold to potential users. However, new 16GB builds will not be manufactured anymore. Engadget has received confirmation on this front from a RIM PR person. According to the latest word, the company has indeed stopped churning out the 16GB version, primarily for shifting the focus to the higher capacity ones. RIM thinks that the 32GB and 64GB variants could appear like more of a bargain to prospective users out there.
The PlayBook is equipped with a 7-inch LCD display proffering images in resolutions of 1024 × 600p. The hardware specs are inclusive of a 1GHz dual core processor and 1GB RAM. A front-facing 3MP snapper and a 5MP camera on the flip side make the specifications sheet look quite nifty. Besides, the primary imager offers 1080p video recording capability. Connectivity options like micro-HDMI and micro-USB ports stay right in place, along with Wi-Fi.
A sinister RIM plot to get people racing to snap up the 16GB BlackBerry PlayBook? Or a genuinely well thought out production strategy?
