RIM's Playbook On Clearance

symbolset writes "Engadget reports that the much-maligned RIM Playbook tablet has hit the clearance skids. I've confirmed that all three models (16GB, 32GB, 64GB) are for sale on RIM's website for the same price: $299, or up to $400 off. The site says until February 4, but presumably that's 'or while supplies last.' If you're into clearance merch and rooting, the Engadget article includes instructions on getting Android and the Android market on the thing. If you'd rather have a tablet made for Android, the original Acer Iconia A500 may be a better choice at only a few dollars more — but without the capacious internal storage."

no native Skype = no Skype Video

[blackfrancis75]

I set up one of these for my mother-in-law over Christmas. The #1 use she had for it would be video-calling her grandkids on Skype. Guess what? No native Skype app exists for Playbook. There are crappy browser-based IM sites that enable it to chat on the Skype network, but no way to get Skype Video to work on it.

It seems RIM don't even have enough momentum behind the PB to make it worth Skype's while to make this possible.

Re:No thanks.

[JAlexoi]

$300 is a total fail. It's not clearance, because you can get a Fire for $200.

Re:No thanks.

[jjm496]

Sure, if you want half the RAM of the lowest model, no camera's instead of two, no microphones, no bluetooth, half the processor. But hey...it's android so it will have Skype...oh, wait.

I bought one. Took it back. Total bag of fail

[Stu101]

I bought one. The form factor is lovely, the feel is great. That's where the good stuff ends.

There is no calendar, no email (REALLY, TRULY - not even an app you can download, let alone a Gmail one). If you want to load android apps, you have to install the 2.0 beta (which doesn't include email and calender still in beta release but will in final one in Feb.)

The side load of android apps is poor. The core google apps don't work (at least for me) but then again, I didn't really expect them to.

I had it for about 6 hours and just took it back. If you have a BB then you may get somewhere, without, don't even bother. It will end up a glorified browser.

The app store is also pretty crap. Angry birds is £5 to install if you want it. Android it's free. The number of apps is totally cack. No firefox app, no RDC type connector app, no VDI app.

There are no ports of android underway etc, so you are stuck with QNX and it seems only the BB fanbois love it.