Blackberry Playbook

Goes on sale, at least here, on April 19. Thoughts? It is a slightly different target than the Ipad, having a 7" screen (though with better resolution ppi-wise than the ipads). The 16gb is 499, 599 for 32gb, 699 for 64gb. Wifi out, video calling, nice design. Reactions?



For me, I will say it now: I am buying one. I use a blackberry for work and this is simply going to be much more functional for me than an ipad. However, I will NOT buy one until it has independent cellular connectivity - which is supposed to be released later this year. At that point, the playbook will probably utterly obsolete my traditional blackberry and I will rely on it exclusively. I want to handle one in person to determine whether it will also obsolete my wish for an ipad (which I want to own primarily because it would be a lighter version of the income tax act).

dude, you don't want to make calls on that ******. I was at the movies the other night, saw a twink making a call on his Galaxy Tab... just about the single dorkiest thing I've ever seen in my life. To me, the tablets aren't particularly hard-working or functional beyond laying in bed or lounging around and watching TV or videos, checking my facebook or SF once in awhile, but a good smart phone has been immensely useful. I'd never try to combine them, one at 3.5" and one at 7"+ (I'd rather the iPad at 10" though) is the right split IMO.

I don't really use my blackberry for phone calls. I use it for work, which means a ton of email. I also use it to pull up documents, the internet etc and a 7" screen would be WAY better. It's also more manageable than the larger Ibook which isn't much of a phone alternative. Finally, if I do need to make a call, I will just use a bluetooth headset.

I am looking at it as a life-changer, if it's actually pulled off.

This is going to be the main market segment to compete with the iPad. They've pretty much got the 10" sector sewn up. The 7", on the other hand, could become quite popular. I'll definitely take a look at it when it comes out.

I'll buy one.

This is why...

The iPad is a hopped up iPhone (I own both... say what you will) to which operate *mostly* with mutual exclusivity.

The same goes for the Samsung Galaxy and the Samsung Tab.

Now... Lets face it... Blackberries are slightly behind the curve in terms of operating system, and file accessibility.
I frequently have to resort to a computer to open excel embedded documents, etc... Where on the iPhone, I don't.

This is where I see the Playbook excelling. It will do the things my Torch cannot... Where the iPhone and iPad do basically the same thing.

Apparently the OS RIM bought for this thing blows BB's current phone OS out of the water, according to a review I read. A lot like WebOS. I agree with you on the stuff about needing a computer to do a lot of things where my phone can't, the screen is too small to make a lot of things manageable. If this sucker actually has a phone in it and I can just bluetooth to a headset I don't see why I'll need to carry a phone, side from it being more compact.

I will get one as fast as I possibly can.

If it turns out to be relatively useless, I will try something else.

Originally Posted by AR_Six

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I don't really use my blackberry for phone calls. I use it for work, which means a ton of email. I also use it to pull up documents, the internet etc and a 7" screen would be WAY better. It's also more manageable than the larger Ibook which isn't much of a phone alternative. Finally, if I do need to make a call, I will just use a bluetooth headset.

I am looking at it as a life-changer, if it's actually pulled off.

you can't be serious????

Originally Posted by ter1413

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you can't be serious????
Yes, perhaps a bit hyperbolic I guess but I'm a lawyer. Walk into a downtown restaurant, if you see a table full of people who occasionally and without warning stop talking to each other and start frantically typing away on their blackberries, that is a table of lawyers. The thing is a ball and chain but it is the most important device I own and it is used for hours every day. A total paradigm shift in this department would have a significant effect on my work and thus my day.

I am wondering how efficient one can type on a touchpad keyboard. Every demo video I've seen shows people typing with one finger, maybe two. Anyone with a tablet care to enlighten me on the ease of use of the touchscreen keyboard?

As ridiculous as this might sound, I've heard rumours that you don't have a native email or calendar functionality on the playbook. Instead, you have to sync it with your existing blackberry.

I won't buy it. I used to be a fan of RIM and their products, but they are always behind the times so to speak.

Originally Posted by TRINI

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As ridiculous as this might sound, I've heard rumours that you don't have a native email or calendar functionality on the playbook. Instead, you have to sync it with your existing blackberry.

As ridiculous as that is, and taking into account how many customers that would alienate from this product....
As I posted above... I see this as an add-on for existing blackberry users, as opposed to a stand alone device.
Therefore, sync me up Tony.

This is going to be a memorable flop

Originally Posted by gdl203

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This is going to be a memorable flop

Memorable may be a bit generous.