Rim Blackberry Playbook Cellular 3G (1GB + 32GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The RedUSERS review positions the 7-inch BlackBerry PlayBook as a robust, professional-grade tablet driven by a QNX-based OS, noted for its superior multitasking and high-quality construction. Key strengths include a vibrant 1024x600 display, excellent stereo speakers, full Adobe Flash support, and 1080p video recording capabilities. However, the device is hindered by the lack of native email/contacts without a "BlackBerry Bridge" connection to a phone, a limited app ecosystem, and a small, difficult-to-use power button.

The BlackBerry PlayBook is a "professional grade," 7-inch tablet with a high-quality build, boasting a 1GHz dual-core processor, bright display, and excellent, intuitive gesture-based multitasking, according to a review from Zona Movilidad. Its standout pros include a fluid, "snappy" user experience, strong stereo speakers, and a powerful browser supporting full Adobe Flash and HTML5. However, the tablet is limited by a "half-baked" software experience that lacks native email, calendar, and contacts applications, forcing users to rely on a Bluetooth "BlackBerry Bridge" connection to a smartphone for these features. Additional cons include a limited app ecosystem, a lack of expandable storage, and an awkward, recessed power button. Ultimately, while the hardware is top-tier, the review concludes that the PlayBook feels like a "work in progress" at launch.

The Zona Movilidad review highlights the BlackBerry PlayBook as a compact 7-inch tablet featuring high-end performance, a durable design, and a robust QNX-based operating system capable of true multitasking. Key pros include the superior web browser with Flash support, excellent multimedia speakers, and the BlackBerry Bridge functionality for seamless connectivity with phones. However, significant drawbacks included a limited native app ecosystem and the lack of native email or calendar applications, forcing reliance on the Bridge feature.

The BlackBerry PlayBook review describes the device as a powerful but incomplete 7-inch tablet that attempts to bridge the gap between professional and consumer needs. Featuring a high-quality matte plastic design and weighing only 0.9 pounds, the tablet boasts a bright, colorful display and exceptional performance powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor. The QNX-based operating system provides true, smooth multitasking, while the browser supports full Adobe Flash 10.1 and HTML5 for a premium web experience. However, the review highlights significant limitations, notably the absence of native email, calendar, and contact apps, requiring a "bridge" to a BlackBerry smartphone for these functions. Further cons include a small, hard-to-use power button, limited applications in the App World, and a lack of built-in cellular data. Despite the robust hardware, the software omissions rendered it a "half-baked" product at launch.

The Revista Byte review highlights the BlackBerry PlayBook as a compact, 7-inch tablet with a robust QNX operating system designed for superior multitasking and high-definition multimedia, making it a viable early competitor to the iPad. Key advantages include its fast performance and professional-grade build, though it faced significant limitations, such as the lack of native 3G connectivity and reliance on "BlackBerry Bridge" for email and contacts. Ultimately, while the PlayBook demonstrated immense professional potential, its success was hindered by a small initial app ecosystem and dependencies on smartphone tethering, according to the analysis. Revista Byte TI

The 2011 BlackBerry PlayBook was a high-performance 7-inch tablet featuring a QNX-based operating system, solid build quality, and a sharp 1024x600 display. It utilized a 1 GHz dual-core processor to offer robust multitasking and an intuitive gesture-driven interface. Strengths included an excellent web browser with full Flash support, 1080p video recording, and an HDMI port. However, significant criticisms focused on the lack of native email and calendar apps, requiring a "BlackBerry Bridge" to a phone, along with a severely limited app ecosystem and awkward power button.

Based on the Xataka review from CES 2011, the BlackBerry PlayBook impressed with high-quality hardware, featuring a 7-inch display, a fast dual-core processor, and a smooth, gesture-driven OS. Key advantages highlighted included its fluid multitasking capabilities and a capable web browser with full Adobe Flash support. However, the tablet was criticized for lacking native email, calendar, and contact apps, forcing users to tether a BlackBerry phone via "Bridge" technology. Reviewers described the app ecosystem as extremely limited, and the overall software experience felt unfinished and rushed to market. Despite these drawbacks, the device was praised for its "business chic" design and 1080p video recording capabilities. Ultimately, the review suggested that high-performance hardware was held back by inadequate software and critical functional gaps.

The Xataka review highlights the BlackBerry PlayBook as a hardware powerhouse with a 7-inch display, a fluid, gesture-based QNX operating system, and true multitasking. However, the device launched with significant software limitations, including no native email or calendar, forcing reliance on a "bridge" connection to a BlackBerry phone. Despite featuring high-end 1080p cameras, excellent web browsing, and a portable, professional design, the review notes the lack of app ecosystem made it feel unfinished.