BlackBerry PlayBook
The basics
We're more used to seeing business orientated smartphones from BlackBerry, but RIM – the company behind BlackBerry – wants the new BlackBerry PlayBook to take on Apple's iPad head to head.
The good
One of the things we love about the BlackBerry PlayBook is the fact that it's among the smaller tablets, with the 7-inch screen making it portable enough to take wherever you go. The compact screen also leads to a light weight, with the 425g body easily light enough to hold comfortably in one hand for long periods of time.
Despite having a compact screen, the BlackBerry PlayBook goes one better than a lot of its 7-inch rivals, boasting a sharp 1200 x 600-pixel resolution. There's easily enough space onscreen to view webpages without having to zoom out or scroll.
The BlackBerry PlayBook is also a capable device, with its 1GHz processor making light work of most tasks, and even being capable of playing back 1080p video.
The bad
The biggest problem with the BlackBerry PlayBook is a lack of apps. The Apple iPad 2, RIM's biggest rival, features loads of apps specifically designed for the tablet form factor, and the PlayBook really struggles to compete without them.
The bottom line
The BlackBerry PlayBook is a neat, compact and capable tablet. We like it, but sadly that isn't enough, as the lack of apps severely lets it down. Without apps, you'll often find yourself wondering what to do with this tablet – a problem you'd never have with the iPad 2. That said, it's still a good option if web browsing or flicking through your photographs sit at the top of your requirements.
User comments (13)
Leave a comment
freddy11 June 2011
the problem is app but android app will be available for it in the future probably the end of this summer
Report as inappropriateNick Southorn04 July 2011
This is a fairly weak review it has to be said. In fact the main 'bad' point is soon to be sorted by the compatability of Android apps later this summer. It wont be the full Android experience but developers are lining up to make PlayBook specific apps via the Android platform. Some have complained that the lack of a native e-mail or calender is also a major fault but if you bridge it to your blackberry smartphone this is sorted. Also, for those who wanted 3G - well you can teather it to your phone and away you go - saves £100 on the iPad equiv 3G version. I also hear that native e-mail and calender app are on the way too. It still lacks the 'funky' factor that the iPad has - but as for power and functionality this is the tablet for you. Essentially, this has certain teething issues that need to be ironed out. I'm not a BlackBerry addict but I have made the change from iPhone 4 to the BB Torch and found it to be a whole better experience, plus I'm not suffering from the Apple withdrawal symptoms that stops most people going cold turkey from Apple.
Report as inappropriateStu08 July 2011
Seriously....... the advert for this thing says it all...... the only point they make is it plays flash!!!! Whats the point, Flash is being phased out anyway on websites!
Report as inappropriatechris parsons 02 September 2011
I like your program
Report as inappropriatenick05 November 2011
The playbook is initially a wow due to the slick interface and beautiful graphic capabilities. Then you wonder what to do with it as here are few apps. however that is changing fast. every day now there are more and more apps, and the price of the tablet just dropped by £150.00. Time to buy a playbook folks. i love mine.
Report as inappropriatebigmac11 November 2011
I love my playbook I take it with me everywhere and having it link with my blackberry bold is a bonus Im writing this review on it,I like the keyboard and the glass screen I can store music and photographs surf the internet what more could you ask for oh! it also has two camera's as well.
Report as inappropriateAlex 21 December 2011
does anyone know if it costs any extra on your mobile price plan to use the internet on the playbook through your phone
Report as inappropriateGina31 December 2011
Got one for Xmas :) Would love to know how to get the android apps on it!? Also interested about mobile charges..... Happy playbooking people :)
Report as inappropriateJordan05 January 2012
i have a blackberry playbook infact i posted this comment using it, and i think that it is a functionall compact tablet.
Report as inappropriatepukeyboy05 January 2012
@Gina the android apps are in the new update in febuary and @Alex it only cost the same as if u were using the internet on ur phone
Report as inappropriateDavid15 February 2012
I'm waiting for mine to come through the post looking forward to it was thinking of the ipad but its cheaper for the playbook looking forward to use it, and blackberry app world are getting more apps for it so its just a atter of them coming but the android games on the playbook is a massive bonus
Report as inappropriatechris09 April 2012
I love my playbook. I've been a devotee of all things mac for years. I wanted a tablet for studying and tried all sorts, including the ipad 2. I always thought I'd go for an ipad, but after trying the playbook and seeing the price of only £170 it was a no brainer. Yes the ipad will always have more apps, but it's a quality machine with good performance and os2.0 is phenomenal. Just get one. They're superb.
Report as inappropriateDB28 April 2012
HI, Anybody have spotify running on the playbook?? or streaming music from pc?
Report as inappropriateJoin Channel 5
Creating an account is free, will only take a few moments and will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of 5FWD and Channel 5:
Leave a comment