Verizon Wireless Still Considering Whether to Distribute BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet (VZ, RIMM)

Verizon Wireless VZ is still in the process of evaluating whether to distribute the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet - made by Research in Motion RIMM - through its retail channels. The PlayBook is already being distributed through AT&T's ATT's retail network. RIM executives have said that they expect Verizon will be interested in the PlayBook tablet. "We're still evaluating the BlackBerry Playbook and have not made a determination as to whether we're going to distribute it," Verizon Wireless Spokeswoman Brenda Raney said. The BlackBerry PlayBook has been released to largely mediocre reviews by tech columnists. The device currently doesn't have access to an e-mail application, and some reviewers have complained that the tablet was released prematurely. The tablet was released to American and Canadian customers yesterday. Shares of Verizon closed higher by $0.55 on Wednesday, to $37.79. Research in Motion closed in the green as well, finishing higher by $1.24, to $54.46.