With a name that sounds like something you'd use at a sporting event, the BlackBerry PlayBook is the latest – and most unique – Apple iPad 2 challenger.
Running a new OS called QNX, with quirky features like bridging to a BlackBerry phone for secure email and an oddly confusing initial setup, the PlayBook is a stark departure from the more iPad-like Motorola Xoom. Business-minded features such as built-in viewers for spreadsheets and word processing files are welcome, and the PlayBook gets extra credit for being fast and nimble on a dual-core 1GHz processor.
Throw in a 3MP front-facing camera, a 5MP rear-facing one, a bright and crisp 1200x600 resolution screen, a light 425g body and all the typical gyro, accelerometer and GPS sensors and you have the makings for a powerful 7-inch tablet.
As we discovered in our first hands on test, the PlayBook is sorely lacking third-party apps, but does show promise.
The powerful multi-tasking, where you can run a video in one window and play a game in another with both apps running concurrently, is a first of its kind for a mainstream tab.
File storage capabilities, support for an HDMI connection for playing 1080p video and a slick interface make the PlayBook an interesting anomaly. Unfortunately, the overall experience can't compete with either the iPad 2 or the Xoom, and even falters compared to the original Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Yet, we're still hopeful that Research in Motion (RIM) will keep working with developers (it gave them free PlayBooks if they created an app) and boost the device out of niche territory.
At $500 (£300) for the 16GB model we tested (there are also 32GB and 64GB versions available), the PlayBook is the same price as the entry-level 16GB Apple iPad 2.
Your comments (13) Click to add a new comment
mootz77
November 25th 2011
13. Just purchased the Playbook. What is the reason many apps are not available for the device? For instance, it says the TSN app is available, but when go to download, it says not available. Finally, will BB ever have Skype???
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compassvb
August 9th 2011
12. not too shabby... but the non-existant apps makes this unbearable
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fiko
July 21st 2011
11. I tried Playbook for 3 days had to send back all 3 devices and ordered IPAD2. the reason was the bridge was disconnecting itself and it was very difficult to re-set it. As if oyu can not bridge with your Blackberry you can not access to e-mails, etc. Believe me, you want to stay away from this device. What on earth these guys at Blackberry were thinking. this is surely a disaster. I did not want to choose I Pad as it does not operate with Flash etc but they have pushed me very hard to do it. As a business customer very very but very dissapointed.
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tombutcher1990
June 27th 2011
10. how about stop putting the advert on the home screen? starting to get quite annoying now.
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fridgeraider
May 21st 2011
9. Through my work I've been fortunate enough to be able to test out the Xoom, Flyer and Playbook, and currently own an iPad 2.
I'm happy with that decision, but of the others the Playbook is definitely in 2nd place for me.. It's really speedy, and is fine as a tablet in its own right without pairing with a blackberry phone. The Xoom is too heavy and I don't like their interpretation of Android 3.0. It needs something like HTC's Sense. The Flyer, meanwhile, is too expensive.
One thing I would mention that the review seems to have omitted entirely is support for Android 2.3 apps (through virtualisation), though I'm not sure this has been implemented yet. The main issue is that it won't have direct access to the Android Market, so developers have to submit apps to RIM to be added to the App World. That will take a little time for everything to trickle down.
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pjlcoops
May 9th 2011
8. Just brought my 64GB PlayBook from the USA. Really nice OS, easy to use and great when paired with my blackberry. Apps are very limited at the moment but if the reports that more are on the way is correct, then ipad, watch out!
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klauskinski
May 6th 2011
7. Reviewer,
I would rather have fewer functions than a 0.7 Mp camera. Functions can be added in via software, hardware cannot be changed.
People wil have a "problem" with a home button? Give the working populace some credit, it would take all of five minutes to adapt to a (better) system. Ask any Palm Pre owner. Apple are reported to be ditching their home button for gestures, will you be marking them down for that? **** argument mate.
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hang
May 1st 2011
6. So in terms of all these promising things that are likely to come to Playbook - should I buy it now and wait for these things? Or is their a chance that these features would never happen to this version of the Playbook?
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jbrandonbb
April 27th 2011
5. Klauskinski, this is the reviewer. The cam quality might be okay but there are very few functions. Have you tried the zoom? It is terrible. As for a hardware home button, I think it will be a problem for many users. Also, when a market is four mainstream tablets, there are no sub-genres.
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michelle259
April 27th 2011
4. Great review! I like the part about being able to open multiple tabs, even while watching a movie! :) And it must be lighter at 435gms , than the Xoom. I want it. Waiting for the best mobile deals to get my hands on this amazing tablet!
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georgeyboy99
April 26th 2011
3. I've got one and after a lot of use I found it highly irratating and I wish I stuck to my first generation iPad, the PlayBook, I'm afraid is not in the same league.
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klauskinski
April 26th 2011
2. I have to say I find this review highly inaccurate. Why would you WANT a home button when a swipe will do the job? It's far nicer and more intuitive. The camera is FAR better than the iPad2 and the apps are coming along. I have one, I know what I'm talking about.
This isn't the iPad, nor is it competing in the same market. review it as such.
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itsupportguru
April 26th 2011
1. Don't see this being a big player at all! I think these companies would be better off pooling their resources into developing products that Apple hasn't already got a stranglehold on, rather just offering an alternative.
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