Several analysts have reacted to Research in Motion’s (RIM’s) decision to upgrade its BlackBerry PlayBook tablet with basic missing features like e-mail in February.

Several reviews on the internet claim that the tablet, which failed to attract customers since its launch 10 months ago, will continue to struggle due to its technical flaws. Industry watchers say that it is unlikely that the upgrade to the tablet will increase sales of the tablet to business customers, which was targeted by the company.

The company does not make the PlayBook work directly with its reliable global network and customers who purchase the tablet will have to rely on costly software upgrades to their computer systems to access BlackBerry e-mail. This results in the tablet being without the popular BlackBerry Messenger instant-messaging system, which is a significant seller for the company.

This is likely to have a negative impact on BlackBerry 10 operating system for the upcoming phones, which are expected to help the company increase popularity and regain its leading position in the North American market.

Customers as well as market analysts were surprised when PlayBook was launched last April without basic expected features like e-mail software or a programme for synching entries from u calendars and address books of the users. This hindered its sales and tablet was seen by many as a mere accessory to a BlackBerry device.