Rim Blackberry Playbook (1GB + 64GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The 2011 WIRED review praised the BlackBerry PlayBook for its well-constructed, minimalist design, a brilliant 7-inch display, and an intuitive multitasking system. While the hardware was solid and featured capable cameras, the device was severely hampered by the absence of native email, calendar, and contacts applications, forcing reliance on a BlackBerry phone via the "BlackBerry Bridge". Ultimately, despite its strong media capabilities and HDMI output, the lack of a mature app ecosystem and significant software gaps made the tablet hard to recommend at launch.

The official CrackBerry review praises the BlackBerry PlayBook's high-quality 7-inch hardware, vibrant display, and powerful QNX-based gesture interface, which acts as a major pro. While the browser and 1080p video recording capabilities are top-tier, the device suffered at launch from missing native email and PIM apps, requiring a "BlackBerry Bridge" connection to a phone. Ultimately, the review defines the tablet as a promising but rushed device, recommended primarily for existing BlackBerry users due to its current software limitations.

The CNET review of the BlackBerry PlayBook highlights its exceptionally fast, 1GHz dual-core processor and "buttery smooth" QNX-based operating system, featuring a high-quality 7-inch display and strong multitasking capabilities. However, the tablet was severely criticized for lacking native apps, such as email and calendar, forcing users to tether to a BlackBerry phone, while the app ecosystem lagged behind competitors. Despite later software updates, the device was ultimately considered a powerful but "half-baked" product at launch due to these essential deficiencies.