Returning the BlackBerry PlayBook
by Volker Weber
Photo: vowe
I have had the PlayBook for a week now, and today it's going back for the next person to test it. No editor-refuses-to-give-it-back award although I did like it much more than I was expecting. You have to have a BlackBerry. And even then, BlackBerry Bridge isn't perfect. I have had issues reconnecting. Bluetooth is not as robust as you would like it to be.
It's an impressive media device. The display is crystal clear and I was able to play everything but .mkv containers. The stereo speakers are much better than any of the other tablets, and the cameras are certainly good enough (unlike the iPad 2 cameras). I like the UI. It's both pretty and powerful. It reminds me a lot of webOS; same gestures for switching between apps and stopping those you don't need.
And yet, the PlayBook does not have a snowball's chance in hell to replace my iPad 2. It's the software I am missing.
Comments
I had an opportunity to "have a go" with the Playbook over this past weekend when my sister and brood along with boyfriend and girlfriend arrived from Oz, one of whom had managed to acquire a Playbook somehow (I don't think they are available in the UK yet).
I agree with your comments esp the display which is lovely and clear. I remain to be convinced about the dimensions though (mind you I still prefer the 4:3 format than the 16:9 of the playbook). It was very easy to use as well but I was glad to get back to my iPad.
By the way following your review of the iPad 2 we are now looking to get one to go with the iPad "Classic" we already have, purely for the presentation possibilities. You have got to stop reviewing tech stuff - you're costing me a fortune. :-)
