Research In Motion Ltd (RIM) has recalled about 1,000 of its Playbook tablets which were shipped with a flawed operating system build that could pose problems during the initial set-up.

In a statement to CrackBerry.com, the Blackberry maker said the majority of the affected devices were still in the distribution channel and had not reached customers.

"RIM determined that approximately one thousand BlackBerry PlayBook tablets (16 GB) were shipped with an OS build that may result in the devices being unable to properly load software upon initial set-up. The majority of the affected devices are still in the distribution channel and haven't reached customers. RIM is working to replace the affected devices. In the small number of cases where a customer received a PlayBook that is unable to properly load software upon initial set-up, they can contact RIM for assistance," the company said.

Tech blog Engadget.com reported on Saturday that the faulty batch was shipped to office supply chain Staples Inc. However, RIM has not confirmed this report.