A report by Digitimes suggests that the launch of the RIM BlackBerry PlayBook (now scheduled for April 19th) was delayed by about a month due to “a delay in software testing as well as shortage of touch panels.” Digitimes cites unnamed “sources from touch screen panel makers” for the allegation.
At first glance, this does not make much sense. The Apple iPad uses a 9.7-inch display while the PlayBook has a 7-inch display. But Digitimes suggests that the explanation lies with Apple’s component supply contracts. Apple likely placed substantial orders with the same suppliers as those used by Research In Motion to prepare for the launch of the iPad 2. In that case, the delays would have been due to suppliers simply being unable to fulfill the demands of both companies simultaneously.
Even if there had not been a display shortage, software testing alone may well have been enough to delay the release of the PlayBook.