Conclusion
BlackBerry’s PlayBook is an unusual entry into the tablet market. Its matte plastic and blocky design makes it clear this tablet isn’t designed to compete with others on by wowing consumers with its must-have aesthetics.
That would be fine – preferable, even – if the device had other strengths that made it superior to the competition. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. The internal hardware is absolutely par for the course, so it isn’t able to stand out from the crowd because of what’s inside. Packing a dual-core processor with a decent GPU and a LCD is what everyone serious about their tablet does, and Apple’s iPad 2 continues to be the leader, thanks to a brilliant display and shockingly quick graphics solution.
Then there’s the software. It’s a disaster. Using BlackBerry’s App World after the App Store or Android Marketplace is like hoping in a time machine to a time where the entire concept of an “app store” was bright, shiny and new. But the deeper problem is the likelihood that this particular store will never grow into maturity.
One thing about using an
One thing about using an instant messenger: imo.im ||| You can use imo.im by using the Browser. I’ve used it for Skype, and even used it for a Skype Video call. Save a shortcut to the Home Screen and it’s as good as a native app.
Thanks for the tip! I did not
Thanks for the tip! I did not realize that, as I use it on Android.
I’ll admit that it does
I’ll admit that it does certainly look nice!
Agreed. Holding it and using
Agreed. Holding it and using it I feel that it is the best form factor for a tablet, even over the iPad.
I’m not sure what video issue
I’m not sure what video issue you had and why you didn’t compare it to the iPad’s anemic video and audio.
Most reviewes that I’ve seen note that the audio is best in class and the video is great. I’ve taken quite a few videos on my Playbook and also copied some onto it that were taken on a Blackberry or with a digital camera and everybody that I show it to remarks how clear and good the video is. I usually have brightness set to about 50% too.
The lack of a camera flash is a problem for sure, but with enough ambient light, they pictures sure look good.
Maybe I missed it, but did you note how easy it is to transfer files back and forth via USB or even via WiFi in another room?
You also mention in passing the Blackberry Bridge, like it’s nothing important. The ability to hand a Playbook off to someone else and switch their PIM stuff to their Blackberry is a Plus in many situations and if I lose mine or it’s stolen, my email and stuff is not on it.
Are you aware of the Bridge Browser and Tethering?
For sure, we need a few more apps for the Playbook, but it’s still quite useful as is. I was camping a couple of weeks ago and came down from the mountains into town. I tethered to my Blackberry and VNC’d into my server to make a change and fix a little glitch.