Rim Blackberry Playbook WiFi (1GB + 32GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The CNET review of the 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook highlights it as a high-performance, compact device running a sophisticated QNX operating system with true multitasking capabilities. Key hardware strengths include a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, high-definition cameras, and a sharp screen, alongside a very capable web browser with Flash support. However, significant drawbacks mentioned include a lack of native email and calendar apps, requiring a "BlackBerry Bridge" for full functionality, along with a limited app ecosystem.

The WIRED review characterizes the 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook as well-built "business chic" hardware that is visually appealing and highly portable. While the QNX-based operating system offers responsive multitasking, the device is considered unfinished due to a critical lack of native apps. Notable pros include an excellent display, strong stereo speakers, high-quality cameras, and a micro-HDMI port. Major cons center on the requirement to tether a BlackBerry phone for email and calendar functionality, combined with a weak app ecosystem and poor Flash performance. WIRED

In his October 2011 review for The Verge, Joshua Topolsky described the BlackBerry PlayBook as a device of contradictions, combining "top-tier" hardware with "half-baked" software. While the tablet was praised for its excellent build quality, compact design, and a bright, sharp 7-inch display, the QNX-based operating system was noted for its elegant, true multitasking gesture interface. However, critical flaws were identified, most notably the complete lack of native email, calendar, or contact apps, requiring a "bridge" to a BlackBerry smartphone for these essential functions. The review, which noted other drawbacks like a hard-to-use power button and cameras lacking autofocus, concluded that the PlayBook was rushed to market, with an "anemic" third-party app ecosystem. Ultimately, the device was deemed a beta product that could not be recommended in its current state.

The MobileTechReview of the BlackBerry PlayBook highlights its superb, high-quality hardware and a bright, 7-inch capacitive display that balances portability with usability. The device excels with its fast, multitasking QNX-based OS, intuitive gesture controls, and a robust browser with full Flash support. However, the tablet was considered rushed to market, lacking native email and PIM apps, forcing reliance on a "BlackBerry Bridge" connection, while also suffering from a thin third-party app ecosystem.

The SheGeeks review characterises the BlackBerry PlayBook as a "work in progress," praising its high-quality, compact hardware and fast, gesture-based QNX operating system. Pros include a responsive 1GHz dual-core processor, a capable web browser with Flash support, and 1080p cameras, creating a strong multimedia foundation. However, the tablet is hindered by major software limitations, such as the lack of native email and calendar apps at launch, forcing reliance on a browser prone to crashing with multiple tabs. Cons further include a very slow startup time and a poorly designed physical power button. Ultimately, the review finds the PlayBook's ecosystem too immature for most users, suggesting that only those willing to wait for updates or use the cumbersome BlackBerry Bridge should consider it. It is deemed a "half-baked" product, lacking the necessary native apps found on competing tablets. SheGeeks

The Guardian's June 2011 review describes the 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook as a solid, "business chic" device with a capable gesture-based QNX operating system. Praised for its thin design and excellent 1080p video playback, the tablet boasts strong multitasking capabilities and a Micro HDMI port for external displays. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including wide screen bezels and a critical lack of native apps for email, contacts, and calendar. A major con is the forced "tethering" via BlackBerry Bridge to a phone for core functionalities, making it feel incomplete. The review ultimately labels the device a "half-baked" product, concluding that the "drought" of third-party apps and confusing gesture interface prevent a strong recommendation, despite its potential.

The official CrackBerry review by Kevin Michaluk describes the BlackBerry PlayBook as a high-performance 7-inch tablet featuring a robust design, a QNX-based OS, and true multitasking. Key advantages include a top-tier web browser with full Flash support, superior hardware cameras, and the BlackBerry Bridge feature for securing connectivity. However, the device is criticized for lacking native email and app ecosystem limitations, as well as an poorly designed physical power button.

In April 2011, Business Insider described the BlackBerry PlayBook as a device featuring high-quality hardware, including an excellent 7-inch display, superior resolution, and responsive touch input. Despite these physical design strengths, the review heavily criticized the "half-baked" software, noting a severe lack of native apps, such as email and calendar, which undermined the overall experience. The review ultimately deemed the device a rushed experiment that failed to justify its existence, advising against purchase until essential features were added.

The RIM BlackBerry PlayBook is praised for its solid, compact hardware, high-resolution display, and fast QNX operating system featuring intuitive gesture controls. Key strengths include excellent multitasking capabilities and a superior browser with robust Adobe Flash support, offering a strong, productive web experience. However, the device suffered at launch from significant software limitations, most notably the lack of native email and calendar apps, which required bridging to a separate BlackBerry phone. Further downsides included a very limited selection of apps in the BlackBerry App World, making it less versatile than competitors like the iPad. Ultimately, while the tablet boasts top-tier hardware, the review concludes it was an unfinished, "work in progress" product heavily reliant on future software updates, making it currently best suited for web browsing and media consumption.

Trusted Reviews describes the BlackBerry PlayBook as a high-quality, 7-inch tablet featuring excellent hardware, including a bright 1024 x 600 display, robust build, and powerful speakers. The QNX-based operating system provides fluid multitasking and gesture-based navigation, complemented by a highly capable browser with full Flash support. However, the device is severely limited by a lack of native email, calendar, and contact apps, forcing reliance on "BlackBerry Bridge" for a paired smartphone, alongside a weak app ecosystem.

The RIM BlackBerry PlayBook is a 7-inch tablet praised for its high-quality, portable hardware, featuring a 1024-by-600-pixel display, a 1GHz dual-core processor, and excellent multitasking via a card-based interface. Key pros include superior web browsing with full Adobe Flash support, dual HD cameras, and a "business chic" rubberized finish. Despite strong hardware, the initial launch was marred by a lack of native email, calendar, and contacts apps, requiring a "bridge" connection to a BlackBerry phone. This, along with a limited app ecosystem and occasional software glitches, made the device feel unfinished at release. PlayBook OS 2.0 addressed these issues by adding native apps and limited Android app support, turning it into a viable standalone device. Following a significant price drop, it became a competitive, budget-friendly alternative for media consumption, though it failed to gain significant market share against Apple and Android alternatives.