BlackBerry PlayBook outsells new iPad in UK channel sales
The BlackBerry PlayBook has outsold the latest iPad in Blighty’s IT distribution channel, according to an analyst.
More than 802,000 touchscreen tablets were sold in November and December compared to nearly 118,000 units in the same period of 2011 – and Apple accounted for just a quarter of this latest figure, IT distribution watcher Context estimates.
“Sub-£300 devices accounted for 76 per cent of shipments,” Context mobile guru Salman Chaudhry said. “A year ago it was 43 per cent. There has been a complete shift in the channel.
“It’s a price-driven market, but never was before. The quality of many tablets is as good as the iPad but half the price, and they have a decent software ecosystem too. It’s come a long way in a year.”
RIM fought hard to win over the affections of tech distribution channel partners, who gave the PlayBook a wide berth until its price was permanently slashed last year.
RIM shifted 160,000 of the devices in the last two months of 2012, and this was helped by giving retailers a hefty margin – the trade price was £86 but the recommended price tag for shoppers was £129.
RIM worked amazingly hard to get the PlayBook into as many hands as possible. In my family, including siblings and household, we have 8 playbooks. Also, 5 friends have purchased in the last 5 months. We love them,and I get to be the trouble shooter and trainer for them.