PlayBook is getting pretty cool
by Volker Weber
This does not exist yet. Well it does, but you can't download it yet. It's a small program that connects a BlackBerry to a PlayBook. Not only can you access stuff on the BlackBerry from PlayBook, it now works the other way as well. Here is a use case:
Somebody sends you a presentation (or you have it already). Display it on PlayBook. Connect the PlayBook HDMI-out to a beamer or TV. Then use your BlackBerry as a remote. It works as a trackpad, you can use the keyboard to type on the PlayBook, you can go into presenter mode where you just click your slides forward and backwards. You don't need anything but your BlackBerry and your PlayBook. No dongles, no Wifi, no network access, no line of sight. And in a small group, not even a TV or a beamer. Just prop it up and then go through your presentation without touching the screen.
Here is a small secret: this works with PlayBook 1.0.8. You only need Bridge 2.0. I am sure you find it somewhere on the Internet.
And next month we will see what PlayBook can do for people without a BlackBerry. And it's equally cool. I have seen it already. ;-)
Comments
Not so cool is that RIM still wants €499 for their tablet in Germany while in the US they sell it for $299. That is ridiculous. What a pity that Apple will probably announce the iPad 3 soon.
Maybe they don't have any stock to clear in Germany. The cheapest way to get one is next week's BB Devcon in Amsterdam. A business partner should be able to register you for a two digit fee. And, you have to show up in person. They are checking ID.
Volker, do you know/are you able to tell me, if the new OS 2.0 will allow a playbook to talk to BES Express directly for Mail/Cal/Tasks from Domino?
Thanks,
Eric
No, the PlayBook will not be able to talk to a BES Express. The solution is twofold:
The PlayBook with OS 2.0 will use ActiveSync to access the mail server. Any version of Lotus Notes
Traveler is supported.
If you want to administrate the PlayBook (deploy software, assign IT policies, rollout email profiles etc.) you will need to deploy a PlayBook Administration Service server. This server is the MDM component for the PlayBook devices.
As far as I know, this MDM component will be free of charge.
the prices are dropping in good old germany:
167,23 + Tax = 199,00
That's ok, and I ordered one.
In den Debitel-Shops hat man schon welche für 149 Euro gesehen.
