BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet
So a Xoom, iPad, and PlayBook Walk into a Bar
The Tablet
The BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet is yet another tablet vying for a share of the tablet market. Instead of trying to attack the iPad 2 and Motorola XOOM head on, it is trying to reach the ever-loyal BlackBerry market. The PlayBook boasts a number of integrations with your BlackBerry that even the illustrious iPad can't match (yet). If you're a BlackBerry fan and are looking to keep your products all in the family, then you're definitely going to want to give this tablet a long, hard look.
In terms of tablet technology the BlackBerry PlayBook can hang with the big boys. A 1 GHz dual-core processor with 1 GB RAM means it can handle advanced programs and apps, and has the capability to multitask efficiently. It's basically a small computer. It uses the BlackBerry Tablet Operating System, which is specially designed to integrate well with smartphones. It has Adobe Flash Player 10.1 which lets you browse the Internet the way you want to. Don't worry about certain websites not functioning properly, or special mobile webpages having to load. What you see at home on your desktop or laptop is what you'll see when browsing on the BlackBerry PlayBook.
As opposed to the 720p iPad 2, the BlackBerry PlayBook can give you full 1080p resolution in either portrait or landscape view. The 7" screen is the minimum standard for the major tablets, but it also has a frame surrounding the touch screen. The frame is where you perform actions like flicking or dragging to navigate through certain menus. This prevents the screen from being cluttered up, and allows for a certain amount of multitasking.
The power button is along the top, as is the volume keys and a button that lets you play/pause/mute when playing music or movies. There is a headphone jack in case you want to plug in your favorite headphones, or route the audio to a set of external speakers. There is a MicroHDMI port for connecting to HDTV's, and a MicroUSB port which can be used to transfer files to and from your computer or BlackBerry. The power port lets you plug a 3 prong power adapter into any AC power outlet.
There are 2 cameras on the BlackBerry PlayBook. The first is a front-facing 3 megapixel camera useful for video conferencing, video recording, and picture taking. The second is a 5 megapixel, 1080p video recording rear-facing camera. This is the camera you're going to want to use optimal video quality is desired.
The BlackBerry PlayBook is Bluetooth capable. It supports a connection with Bluetooth enabled devices such as smartphones, headphones, speakers, car kits and home stereo systems. It also has 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi technology to connect to your at-home wireless router or free Wi-Fi at Starbucks, the public library, etc. If a mobile broadband network is more your thing, you can use your BlackBerry smartphone as a 3G modem using a mobile hotspot.
The big piece of software which lets you communicate easily with your BlackBerry smartphone is called BlackBerry Bridge. It is software which opens a browser-based secure window into a paired BlackBerry smartphone. It allows the tablet to read, respond to e-mail and BlackBerry Messenger messages, download and view attachments, access an address book, calendar, task list, or memo pad. BlackBerry wants you to be able to use your smartphone for smaller tasks, but have the option to whip out the tablet for more complex tasks which might demand the use of a full keyboard or browser. This level of integration trumps the XOOM, and is slightly more advanced than the iPad 2. As I stated previously, it remains to be seen how the iPad 2 will evolve, so this advantage might not last forever.
The BlackBerry PlayBook also functions as a Kobo e-Reader. It comes pre-loaded, and has access to 2.2 million more titles. There is a day and night reading mode which alters the level of light emitted from the screen to accommodate differing light levels in the environment. Use the 7digital music download store to download music from BlackBerry's own online store.
The tablet is also perfect for gaming, both single and multiplayer. The processor and amount of RAM will let you play sophisticated games with beautiful graphics. Social networking is also possible on the tablet with the use of special apps or through the browser. With BlackBerry Messenger you can talk to your friends who also have a BlackBerry in real-time. Interested in something other than these features? Use BlackBerry App World to shop through the thousands of apps available.
The Accessories
There are many cases, skins, and sleeves which help protect the BlackBerry PlayBook and make it easier to carry. There is also a BlackBerry Rapid Charger which comes as a charging pad or travel charger and doubles the charging speed of a normal charger of competing tablets. Purchase the BlackBerry MicroHDMI Cable to port the screen of the table to your HDTV so you can view movies or photos, or just have a larger viewing screen to share with friends. Lastly, the BlackBerry Mini Bluetooth Keyboard is a wireless keyboard utilizing Bluetooth technology for when you want the feel of a real keyboard, not one on the screen.
The Cost
The BlackBerry PlayBook comes in a 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB model. These are $500, $600, and $700 respectively.
If you liked this article please follow me on Twitter @mattschirano to receive updates whenever I post a new review!
Sources:
http://us.blackberry.com/playbook-tablet/
http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/blackberry-playbook-16gb/4505-3126_7-34185051.html
The BlackBerry PlayBook Tablet is yet another tablet vying for a share of the tablet market. Instead of trying to attack the iPad 2 and Motorola XOOM head on, it is trying to reach the ever-loyal BlackBerry market. The PlayBook boasts a number of integrations with your BlackBerry that even the illustrious iPad can't match (yet). If you're a BlackBerry fan and are looking to keep your products all in the family, then you're definitely going to want to give this tablet a long, hard look.
In terms of tablet technology the BlackBerry PlayBook can hang with the big boys. A 1 GHz dual-core processor with 1 GB RAM means it can handle advanced programs and apps, and has the capability to multitask efficiently. It's basically a small computer. It uses the BlackBerry Tablet Operating System, which is specially designed to integrate well with smartphones. It has Adobe Flash Player 10.1 which lets you browse the Internet the way you want to. Don't worry about certain websites not functioning properly, or special mobile webpages having to load. What you see at home on your desktop or laptop is what you'll see when browsing on the BlackBerry PlayBook.
As opposed to the 720p iPad 2, the BlackBerry PlayBook can give you full 1080p resolution in either portrait or landscape view. The 7" screen is the minimum standard for the major tablets, but it also has a frame surrounding the touch screen. The frame is where you perform actions like flicking or dragging to navigate through certain menus. This prevents the screen from being cluttered up, and allows for a certain amount of multitasking.
The power button is along the top, as is the volume keys and a button that lets you play/pause/mute when playing music or movies. There is a headphone jack in case you want to plug in your favorite headphones, or route the audio to a set of external speakers. There is a MicroHDMI port for connecting to HDTV's, and a MicroUSB port which can be used to transfer files to and from your computer or BlackBerry. The power port lets you plug a 3 prong power adapter into any AC power outlet.
There are 2 cameras on the BlackBerry PlayBook. The first is a front-facing 3 megapixel camera useful for video conferencing, video recording, and picture taking. The second is a 5 megapixel, 1080p video recording rear-facing camera. This is the camera you're going to want to use optimal video quality is desired.
The BlackBerry PlayBook is Bluetooth capable. It supports a connection with Bluetooth enabled devices such as smartphones, headphones, speakers, car kits and home stereo systems. It also has 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi technology to connect to your at-home wireless router or free Wi-Fi at Starbucks, the public library, etc. If a mobile broadband network is more your thing, you can use your BlackBerry smartphone as a 3G modem using a mobile hotspot.
The big piece of software which lets you communicate easily with your BlackBerry smartphone is called BlackBerry Bridge. It is software which opens a browser-based secure window into a paired BlackBerry smartphone. It allows the tablet to read, respond to e-mail and BlackBerry Messenger messages, download and view attachments, access an address book, calendar, task list, or memo pad. BlackBerry wants you to be able to use your smartphone for smaller tasks, but have the option to whip out the tablet for more complex tasks which might demand the use of a full keyboard or browser. This level of integration trumps the XOOM, and is slightly more advanced than the iPad 2. As I stated previously, it remains to be seen how the iPad 2 will evolve, so this advantage might not last forever.
The BlackBerry PlayBook also functions as a Kobo e-Reader. It comes pre-loaded, and has access to 2.2 million more titles. There is a day and night reading mode which alters the level of light emitted from the screen to accommodate differing light levels in the environment. Use the 7digital music download store to download music from BlackBerry's own online store.
The tablet is also perfect for gaming, both single and multiplayer. The processor and amount of RAM will let you play sophisticated games with beautiful graphics. Social networking is also possible on the tablet with the use of special apps or through the browser. With BlackBerry Messenger you can talk to your friends who also have a BlackBerry in real-time. Interested in something other than these features? Use BlackBerry App World to shop through the thousands of apps available.
The Accessories
There are many cases, skins, and sleeves which help protect the BlackBerry PlayBook and make it easier to carry. There is also a BlackBerry Rapid Charger which comes as a charging pad or travel charger and doubles the charging speed of a normal charger of competing tablets. Purchase the BlackBerry MicroHDMI Cable to port the screen of the table to your HDTV so you can view movies or photos, or just have a larger viewing screen to share with friends. Lastly, the BlackBerry Mini Bluetooth Keyboard is a wireless keyboard utilizing Bluetooth technology for when you want the feel of a real keyboard, not one on the screen.
The Cost
The BlackBerry PlayBook comes in a 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB model. These are $500, $600, and $700 respectively.
If you liked this article please follow me on Twitter @mattschirano to receive updates whenever I post a new review!
Sources:
http://us.blackberry.com/playbook-tablet/
http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/blackberry-playbook-16gb/4505-3126_7-34185051.html
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Matt Schirano
Matt Schirano is a freelance writer living in Glendale, Arizona. He has a Bachelor's in Journalism and a Masters in Library Science. View profile
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