RIM BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet Review

The tablet race has mostly been between Apple's iPad and tablets with Google's Android OS.  Back in July 2010, TabletConnect first reported that Research In Motion (RIM) was launching its own tablet to compete against the iPad and other Android tablets.  Initially, it was to launch for the holiday season but was delayed by almost 5 months.  Apparently software development, battery issues and insufficient supplies of touchscreens (thanks to Apple) were the rumored causes for the delay.
    
     What attracted us to the PlayBook was its true multi-tasking capabilities with the ability to easily switch among open apps plus be able to view all open apps simultaneously.  This is one area where Android still cannot compete.  The real question though is can the PlayBook compete in this crowded tablet market?  Does the lack of apps put it at a disadvantage?  And more importantly is the PlayBook a consumer or corporate device?  Let's find out.

Survey Results: Motorola Xoom is Winner

I know I am a little late on this as the survey closed several days ago.  The question of the month was "Which tablet are you looking forward to?"  The winner: Motorola Xoom.  No surprise there.  Who were the others?

RIM PlayBook Will Support Android Apps

As we tweeted earlier today: Although we have heard this rumor before, we are actually surprised (in a good way) that RIM has confirmed that its upcoming PlayBook will support Android Apps.  This is a both a win and a loss for RIM.  Its a win because consumers can access the 200,000+ Android apps.  The PlayBook will be a strong challenger to Motorola's Xoom for the non-iPad tablet crown.  On the other hand, it is a loss because RIM may feel that its own apps (25,000+ Blackberry Java) are not strong enough to compete with Android or Apple's iOS AppStore. 

RIM PlayBook Launching on April 19th $499 for 16GB model

As we mentioned earlier today on Twitter, RIM has announced today that the PlayBook will launch on April 19th.  The pricing will be as follows:

• 16GB WiFi, $499
• 32GB WiFi, $599
• 64GB WiFi, $699

This puts the PlayBook competitively priced against the iPad.  You can actually pre-order the device now through Best Buy.  In addition, the PlayBook will be available at the following retailers:

RIM PlayBook Gets FCC Approval

RIM's PlayBook is one step closer to being launched.  The FCC has approved all three WiFi variations (16GB, 32GB & 64GB).  At this point in time, the rumored scheduled launch is for April 10th.  Based on the FCC filings, RIM has requested Confidentiality meaning that photos & user manual are not to be publicly made available until 3/31/11, which is an interesting date.  Maybe it will launch before April 10th?

RIM Demos PlayBook Sync With BlackBerry

RIM released a video demonstrating how the Playbook syncs effortlessly with a BlackBerry.  For example when you read an email on the PlayBook, the BlackBerry will show the email unread immediately.  This allows an easy adaptation by IT folks since no additional configuration or additional data lines are required.  See video after the break:

RIM Confirms There Are No Battery Issues With The PlayBook

We posted a blog on Tuesday that an analyst was stating that RIM's PlayBook will be delayed due to battery issues.  Well, seems that RIM is squashing that analyst's statement.  RIM has given an official response to the statement.
"Any testing or observation of battery life to date by anyone outside of RIM would have been performed using pre-beta units that were built without power management implemented," RIM explains. "RIM is on track with its schedule to optimize the BlackBerry PlayBook’s battery life and looks forward to providing customers with a professional grade tablet that offers superior performance with comparable battery life."

RIM's PlayBook Battery Issue Delays Launch

Shaw Wu, an analyst with Kaufman Bros., informed investors on Tuesday that RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook could cause delays due to insufficient battery life.  Apparently, Playbook's "relatively poor battery life of a few hours" will need improvement.  With the leader in battery life, Apple's iPad gets an average 10 hours while the Cruz Tablet has average 9+ hours.  We are not clear what "few hours" mean but a tablet should last at least 5 hours.  Because of the battery issue, RIM is pushing to launch the PlayBook to the May 2011 quarter.  According to Wu, these battery problems have arisen partly because "QNX wasn't originally designed for mobile environments."

Image via CrunchBase

Blackberry PlayBook Rumored Pricing

Mobility Insider is reporting that they have the yet-to-be-announced pricing for the RIM Blackberry PlayBook.  According to their insider, the PlayBook will be priced according to the memory storage.  The rumored pricing will be:

• 8GB: $399
• 16GB: $499
• 32GB: $599

BlackBerry PlayBook Video

Courtesy of Engadget, RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie demonstrated the PlayBook in private to Engadget.  The more we see videos, the more we believe that this tablet is the true "iPad killer."  Current Android tablets are no match for this potential powerhouse.  Check out video.

RIM Blackberry PlayBook Priced Under $500

Bloomberg BusinessWeek has reported that Research in Motion will sell its Blackberry PlayBook for under $500.  This pricing point puts it below the $600 Samsung Galaxy Tab (which is overpriced) but matches Apple's iPad.  "The product will be very competitively priced,” according to co-Chief Executive Officer, Jim Balsillie.

The PlayBook is scheduled to be launched in North America in first quarter 2011.

RIM Shows Off its Blackberry Playbook At Adobe's MAX

We have videos of Blackberry Playbook that was demonstrated at Adobe's MAX show.  It looks really impressive especially the multi-tasking capabilities.  Apps can run not only in the background but you can see a thumbview of app still running.  Anyhow, check out the video after the break.

Research In Motion (RIM) Announces its Tablet - The Blackberry PlayBook

Yesterday, Research In Motion (RIM) introduced its long awaited tablet - the PlayBook. Guess the BlackPad name was not in their game plan which is fine by us.  Like some other tablets, the specs appear to be impressive but we want to see actual performance.  The PlayBook will have Flash 10.1 as well as Adobe AIR apps.  RIM is aiming the PlayBook towards professionals as noted by RIM's CEO Mike Lazaridis.