BlackBerry PlayBook Receives Massive Price Cut, Is A Corporate Shakeup Coming?

RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook hasn't exactly sold as well as the company would have liked. Now, it appears the company may be taking notes from HP: RIM has discounted the PlayBook by as much as $400. Until February 4, RIM is offering the 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB PlayBooks for $299. Given the fact that all three models are available for the same price, we have to wonder why anyone would choose the smaller models assuming the 64GB PlayBook remains in stock.

In other news, the Financial Post claims RIM is leaning towards replacing co-chairmen of the board Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie. During a corporate shake up, both company co-founders could be removed from their current board seats but will likely remain co-CEOs. If this happens, a single chairperson would likely be appointed to take their place. Citing unnamed sources, the Financial Post claims that independent director and current RIM board member Barbara Stymiest is the most likely candidate to replace Lazaridis and Balsillie. Stymiest joined RIM's board in 2007.

RIM hasn't made any comments about the potential shakeup. A committee of seven independent directors of RIM’s board has been examining the company’s board structure. The committee intends to offer a report by the end of this month.