High iPad 2 production volumes could have delayed RIM PlayBook launch

Apple continues to beat competitors not just directly with its latest tablet, but also behind the scenes by reserving many of the common factories and supplies for itself before other companies can get a chance.

According to a Digitimes report, its sources claim RIM had to postpone shipment of its PlayBook tablet by a full month due to the high production volumes of the iPad 2. Touch screen panel manufacturers apparently had their hands full in order to meet production demands from Apple, who had already “booked up most of the available capacity.”  Other problems, such as a “delay in software testing,” were also supposedly responsible for the PlayBook setback.

Previous reports indicated that Apple was geared up for huge iPad 2 units even prior to its March 11^th launch in the U.S. Its sheer volume even caused some concerns over the short term worldwide supply of available NAND flash chips, especially after the recent factory shutdowns due to the mega-tsunami last month. Regardless, the iPad 2 still sold out during its launch day and was in very short supply during the following weeks.

Currently, the 7-inch RIM PlayBook is still set for an April 19^th launch in the U.S. and Canada for $500. The tablet is expected to be the showcase RIM device for the BlackBerry App World and the BlackBerry Tablet OS.

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