RIM in US the dropped the price to $199 for the 16GB model. But now in US they have increased the price - "Sale" finished.
However reports are that OS2.0 is delayed and also RIM has made a $485m write down of stock.
Sales in 1st quarter were 500000 2nd quarter 200000 and third quarter 150000. 4th quarter - obviously will be higher with reduced prices.
Guess buying any tablet, requires looking at things based on head not heart. First in with any new device on the market, based on a promise of future developments (Software OS etc) is fraught with danger and eventual cost.
Interestingly CNet has this opinion
That lesson? With the exception of Apple's iPad, it will be increasingly difficult to sell a popular tablet for more than $400. The operative word here is "popular"—as in the iPad and Fire.
Motorola will likely sell its upcoming updates to the Android-based Xoom tablet at prices above $400. But my guess is that consumers won't buy these in numbers that rival those of the iPad or Fire, if recent history is any lesson.
That said, Google (slated to become Motorola's new owner) has the wherewithal to tinker with its business model, and Motorola under Google ownership will likely outlast, and prevail over, lesser companies that don't have the stomach to stick it out in the hypercompetitive Android tablet market.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-57330695-64/at-$199-blackberry-playbook-realizes-its-actual-value/
Prediction —- Sale will recommence, although this may require importation rather than local purchase.
I'm currently trialing the BB Playbook for work and I must say I'm not impressed. Battery life for semi-regular use throughout the day is disappointing when connected to the BB 9700 via Bridge, barely lasts the train ride home.
Also, the citrix reciever for it is flaky at best. Dunno what other selling points it has aside from looking pretty and being able to read your emails on a bigger screen instead of the BB.