Analyst: RIM could halt production of PlayBook [UPDATED]

By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes July 18, 2011, 11:51am PDT
Summary
RIM may be getting ready to pull the plug on the PlayBook’s life support machine, according to an analyst with RBC Capital Markets.
Topics
Research In Motion Ltd., Plug, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Mobile Security
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology -- whether that be by learning to program, building a PC from a pile of parts, or helping them get the most from their new MP3 player or digital camera.
Adrian has authored/co-authored technical books on a variety of topics, ranging from programming to building and maintaining PCs. His most recent books include "Build the Ultimate Custom PC", "Beginning Programming" and "The PC Doctor's Fix It Yourself Guide". He has also written training manuals that have been used by a number of Fortune 500 companies.
Adrian also runs a popular blog under the name The PC Doctor, where he covers a range of computer-related topics -- from security to repairing and upgrading.
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RIM may be getting ready to pull the plug on the PlayBook’s life support machine, according to an analyst with RBC Capital Markets.
RBC Capital Markets Managing Director Mike Abramsky sent a note out to investors with the warning/prediction/guess about RIM’s tablet offering (*delete as applicable):
“Research In Motion is possibly planning to stop production of the BlackBerry PlayBook’s Wi-Fi model.”
One thing that’s not made clear is whether this would be a temporary halt of production to clear lines or a permanent one.
There have been rumors that the PlayBook tablet has been a flop going around for a while now. There have also been rumors that RIM has slashed internal sales targets of the PlayBook by a half. We also had an open letter claiming to be from an anonymous RIM employee outlining how the company could pull itself out of the tar-pit it’s found itself in.
RIM has also began a cycle of lay offs following lower than expected sales during the first quarter.
[UPDATE: RIM says that any rumor of the PlayBook being discontinued it 'pure fiction' and says there is 'no plan to discontinue' the tablet. RIM added that he PlayBook is launching in more countries 'as we speak.']
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