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BlackBerry PlayBook announced!

By Kevin Michaluk on 27 Sep 2010 04:32 pm
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Watch the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet preview video!

Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow. This is purely awesome. Seriously, we've been talking about the QNX OS and BlackBerry tablet rumors for months now, yet somehow I wasn't convinced we'd actually get to see the tablet get announced at BlackBerry DevCon this year.  But wow, did it get announced, and WOW.. is it frack'n awesome. The BlackBerry PlayBook is the OS and the type of product we've been wanting to see from Research In Motion for a long time now.  And it looks like it's going to deliver. An operating system that delivers EVERYTHING... awesome web, gaming, video experience. Awesome hardware specs. It doesn't sacrifice the BlackBerry enterprise heritage. The future of BlackBerry looks promising once again!

Key features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook include:

  • 7" LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support
  • BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
  • 1 GHz dual-core processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • Memory: 16GB, 32GB and 64GBB versions to be available
  • 5300mAh battery
  • Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing), supports 1080p HD video recording
  • Video playback: 1080p HD Video, H.264, MPEG, DivX, WMV
  • Audio playback: MP3, AAC, WMA
  • HDMI video output
  • Wi-Fi - 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Connectors: microHDMI, microUSB, charging contacts
  • Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL, Java
  • Ultra thin and portable:
    • Measures 5.1"x7.6"x0.4" (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
    • Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
  • Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.

* RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.

Watch the video preview above and check out the full press release below. You can also visit blackberry.com/playbook for more info.  Excited yet? How about that name PlayBook? I'm LOVING it. Drop us a comment with your thoughts or talk about in our BlackBerry PlayBook forum.


Press Release

RIM Unveils The BlackBerry PlayBook

New Professional-Grade Tablet Delivers Unmatched Power and Web Performance

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 27, 2010) - BlackBerry DEVCON 2010 - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) today redefined the possibilities for mobile computing with the unveiling of its new professional-grade BlackBerry® PlayBook tablet and BlackBerry® Tablet OS.

Perfect for either large organizations or an "army of one", the BlackBerry PlayBook is designed to give users what they want, including uncompromised web browsing, true multitasking and high performance multimedia, while also providing advanced security features, out-of-the-box enterprise support and a breakthrough development platform for IT departments and developers. The incredibly powerful and innovative BlackBerry PlayBook is truly a game-changing product in the growing tablet marketplace.

"RIM set out to engineer the best professional-grade tablet in the industry with cutting-edge hardware features and one of the world's most robust and flexible operating systems," said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at Research In Motion. "The BlackBerry PlayBook solidly hits the mark with industry leading power, true multitasking, uncompromised web browsing and high performance multimedia."

The Tablet You'll Want to Take Everywhere

This beautifully designed and incredibly powerful tablet is ultra portable, ultra thin and super convenient for both work and play. Measuring less than half an inch thick and weighing less than a pound, the BlackBerry PlayBook features a vivid 7" high resolution display that looks and feels great in your hand. With such a unique mix of utility, performance and portability, you'll want to take it everywhere.

The New Benchmark in Tablet Performance

At its heart, the BlackBerry PlayBook is a multitasking powerhouse. Its groundbreaking performance is jointly fueled by a 1 GHz dual-core processor and the new BlackBerry Tablet OS which supports true symmetric multiprocessing. Together, the abundant processing power and highly sophisticated OS enable the BlackBerry PlayBook to provide users with true multitasking and a highly-responsive and fluid touch screen experience for apps and content services.

Uncompromised Web Browsing

With support for Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, Adobe® Mobile AIR® and HTML-5, the BlackBerry PlayBook provides customers with an uncompromised, high-fidelity web experience and offers them the ability to enjoy all of the sites, games and media on the web. For more than a decade, the mobile industry has worked to bridge the gap between the "real web" and mobile devices through various apps and technologies and, in fact, a significant number of mobile apps today still simply serve as a proxy for web content that already exists on the web. The BlackBerry PlayBook closes that gap and brings the real, full web experience to mobile users while also opening new and more exciting opportunities for developers and content publishers.

High Performance Multimedia

The BlackBerry PlayBook features premium multimedia features to support high-quality mobile experiences. It includes dual HD cameras for video capture and video conferencing that can both record HD video at the same time, and an HDMI-out port for presenting one's creations on external displays. The BlackBerry PlayBook also offers rich stereo sound and a media player that rivals the best in the industry.

BlackBerry Integration

For those BlackBerry PlayBook users who carry a BlackBerry smartphone*, it will also be possible to pair their tablet and smartphone using a secure Bluetooth® connection. This means they can opt to use the larger tablet display to seamlessly and securely view any of the email, BBMTM, calendar, tasks, documents and other content that resides on (or is accessible through) their smartphone. They can also use their tablet and smartphone interchangeably without worrying about syncing or duplicating data. This secure integration of BlackBerry tablets and smartphones is a particularly useful feature for those business users who want to leave their laptop behind.

Enterprise Ready

Thanks to the seamless and secure Bluetooth pairing experience and the highly secure underlying OS architecture, the BlackBerry PlayBook is enterprise ready and compatible (out-of-the-box) with BlackBerry® Enterprise Server. When connected over Bluetooth, the smartphone content is viewable on the tablet, but the content actually remains stored on the BlackBerry smartphone and is only temporarily cached on the tablet (and subject to IT policy controls). With this approach to information security, IT departments can deploy the BlackBerry PlayBook to employees out-of-the-box without worrying about all the security and manageability issues that arise when corporate data is stored on yet another device.

QNX Neutrino Reliability

The BlackBerry Tablet OS is built upon the QNX® Neutrino® microkernel architecture, one of the most reliable, secure and robust operating system architectures in the world. Neutrino has been field hardened for years and is being used to support mission-critical applications in everything from planes, trains and automobiles to medical equipment and the largest core routers that run the Internet. The new BlackBerry Tablet OS leverages and builds upon the many proven strengths of this QNX Neutrino architecture to support a professional grade tablet experience and to redefine the possibilities for mobile computing.

An OS Built for Developers

The Neutrino based microkernel architecture in the BlackBerry Tablet OS delivers exceptional performance, high scalability, Common Criteria EAL 4+ security, and support for industry standard tools that are already familiar to hundreds of thousands of developers. The OS is fully POSIX compliant enabling easy portability of C-based code, supports Open GL for 2D and 3D graphics intensive applications like gaming, and will run applications built in Adobe Mobile AIR as well as the new BlackBerry® WebWorksTM app platform announced today (which will allow apps to be written to run on BlackBerry PlayBook tablets as well as BlackBerry smartphones with BlackBerry® 6). The BlackBerry Tablet OS will also support Java enabling developers to easily bring their existing BlackBerry 6 Java applications to the BlackBerry Tablet OS environment.

Key features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook include:

  • 7" LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support
  • BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
  • 1 GHz dual-core processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing), supports 1080p HD video recording 
  • Video playback: 1080p HD Video, H.264, MPEG, DivX, WMV
  • Audio playback: MP3, AAC, WMA
  • HDMI video output
  • Wi-Fi - 802.11 a/b/g/n
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
  • Connectors: microHDMI, microUSB, charging contacts
  • Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL, Java
  • Ultra thin and portable:
    • Measures 5.1"x7.6"x0.4" (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
    • Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
  • Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.

* RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.

Availability

The BlackBerry PlayBook is expected to be available in retail outlets and other channels in the United States in early 2011 with rollouts in other international markets beginning in (calendar) Q2.

RIM will begin working with developers and select corporate customers next month to begin development and early testing efforts.

The BlackBerry Tablet OS SDK is planned for release in the coming weeks and developers can register for early access at www.blackberry.com/developers/tabletos.

For more information, visit www.blackberry.com/playbook.

More BlackBerry PlayBook Videos from @CrackBerry

Full Live BlackBerry PlayBook Video Announcement

BlackBerry PlayBook Hands-On Video

Related CrackBerry Links:


Topics: Research In Motion Commercials Video BlackBerry Tablet DevCon10 BlackBerry Playbook Device Video News & Rumors

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333 comments

josh05

You have already posted that comment about three times already. We get it! You're a troll. Having said that, I simply can't wait to try the new implemented software on the playbook. :-)

infinus

i hope it's more than 512MB, which is current senario of in BB.

Mic_Tech

Looks pretty damn awesome! I really like the name, "playbook" I'm feeling that!

ndsouza

I have been waiting for news of this for a long time, as I'm sure everyone else has. I have to admit, I was starting to rethink my blackberry days. I love my tour, but I was starting to see the light fade... Until today!!! RIM IS BACK! I will be in line for one of these and lovin' every moment of it! Keep it comin' and you have a fan for life!!!!

Bold_until_Hybrid_Comes

looking at the hardware Blackberry truly does have the better statistics. Saying its an "iPad killer" is not cliche in this case. I have never said this about any blackberry phone, but as far as this vs the ipad this appears better. Form factor is also more attractive in my opinion. How do you like them apples Jobby?????

bighatnocatl

What a coup in the naming wars! All of the concern about something-pad and they came up with a name that is pertinent in the personal and business world.

Great job so far! I can't wait to get mine!

aisell

It looks sweet!! I'm lovin the Playbook. I want one!! when can I buy one and how much is it??

Erievon

Pretty sure Steve Jobs just cr@ped himself a little. Thinking he might have to re-write the sales projections for his iPad.

Can't believe I doubted something spectacular would come out of Waterloo. (I'm ashamed to admit I gave in and bought an iPad about a month ago. However I've never wavered in my love for BB as my phone).

ScottsdaleHokie

No 3G or 4g, so this thing is basically worthless.

jjetson

lol go away troll. You're just upset this device is 4x faster with 4x the ram, actually has input/output ports, multitasks, plays Flash, will be able to handle more than 3 open browser tabs at a time, has both from and back facing cameras with 1080p, and isn't tied to a carrier.

It's got wireless tethering, your phone can be in your pocket providing you your precious 3g. Why pay a second bill every month when you don't have to.

Now what's worthless is the 1/2 spec'd galaxy tab that still isn't out and the 1/2 spec'd iPad 2 that Jobs will be releasing later this year.

ScottsdaleHokie

It has a 7" screen. Have fun trying to anything meaningful on a screen that small.

jjetson

lmao, so does the galaxy tab and the rumored iPad 2. You're absolutely clueless aren't you? But yeah I guess everyone is doing 7" screens because nobody wants them and they're useless...seriously go away, you're in above your head here.

Witmen

I think everyone has figured out that 10" is just too big for a tablet. The ipad is impractical because of it's size and Apple has figured that out, All of the latest tablets are around 7 inches and it's all but confirmed that the next ipad will also be that size. Also the ipad is missing so many things the playbook has. It's kinda pathetic when you compare the two. Apple made a big ipod touch and RIM made a serious mobile computer. The only advantage the ipad has is apps.

With that said I'm sure the ipad will blow the playbook away when it comes to sales. That's just the way the world is. It has a apple logo on it so people will buy it no matter how lacking it is compared to the competition.

ssbtech

Honestly I think BlackPad was a better name, and that even sucked.

Fisher Price "My First PlayBook"
Hugh Hefner's "PlayBook of Fantasies"

It's not even a book!

six4seven

I'm selling my iPhone and getting this.

IT SUPPORTS FLASH!!!!!

mke67

Freaking iPad drones STILL are not satisfied. And yeah no 3G.......Good, no need for another contract. If this bothers you then you have enough money to buy a couple thousand dollar AlienWare notebook and be happy.

Witmen

I agree, between Comcast and 2 Blackberry smartphones I already pay $120 a month for internet access. No way would I pay $30 more a month for 3G on a tablet.

A 3G model is coming, but I don't see why anyone with a BB would buy it. It's not like you go anywhere without your BB. So why pay for another 3G connection so you can have 2 3G devices on you at all times. Seems pointless for anyone who currently owns a BB.

Now if the 3G Playbook comes with it's on PIN and BIS connection then you'd have a reason to buy one. Hell I'd pay $30 a month to get my BB email and BBM and to always have a connection on the Playbook. I'd actually consider buying a 3G playbook and then drop my voice plan on the BB and just get a dumb phone, Maybe one of them walmart no contract jobies

ScottsdaleHokie

Last time I checked, 3G for the iPad didn't require a contract.

jjetson

but it requires more bills a month. So who cares whether it requires a contract or not.

jwmax

No but now we can laugh at them :-D Bring it on fan boys you know in your heart you are deluding yourselves!!!!

hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! @ apple fan boys the luster is gone for you.

jacktripper

Did I see in that video a projected keyboard onto the table or did I just smoke too much? I gotta watch that again. I wouldn't mind seeing this hardware slimed down and crammed into the new storm3.

Nope smoked too much. Durn you trick photography.

rynoondew

i wonder about battery life.....

infinus

What is the approximate time of release?
Can’t say anything till retail version is reviewed.
Can some one confirm …..

Storage:
Price:
Battery Life:
International availability:

whizzard

Everything OS6 lacked! Now shrink it down to a storm and re-entre the mobile game

kbr16

Nice vid, would have liked to have seen more. If this OS is on the Storm 3, I'd be buying one. I agree with whizzard. I think if they do put the OS on a phone, they'd have a serious contender (just with the browser alone, not to mention the other features).

Chas71

Was on another site but it was so good... And I quote: "Shit just got real!"

dannylill1981

wow o wow what an awesome device, this is what our phones should be doing

Rootbrian

Think about it. Shove linux on it, and you've got a fully functional netbook, but you'll need a microUSB to standard USB adapter and then, you can insert a keyboard in it. Now, you've got progress :D

tmarkt utd

Jobs must have spat his coffee when he saw the PlayBook and realised that he is now selling a BetaMax - obviously his fanbois will still buy it as they have no girlfriends and he promised them an app for that. But seriously, why would anyone want an iPad when they can have a PlayBook? It looks incredible and promises to perform that way. I'm saving already in anticipation of the 2011 Q2 release here in the UK. The PlayBook - everything the iPad wishes it was. THIS changes everything, again!

tumer

Steve jobs is a donkey!!!!!!!!!!
Why doesn't he buy a suit

psiclne

Can I order my charging pod for it now?

hawt#cb

This PlayBook makes me sad :(

Sad I don't already have one...

If it can be tethered to my phone and doesn't require it's own (won't get high speed ofc but, it be fast enough for reading news). I just don't want to have to pay... EVEN MORE.

khager

I am also very super excited about the PlayBook. I cannot wait to try one out!

mjbesen310

this is so cool!! i want this NOW!

ugotme

I Got to get me one. not sure which one but will have one.

kevinnugent

Um, nothing on battery life. Not a good sign.

wtmk81

why give Christmas away to Apple and release in Q1 2011. This looks amazing I'm sure there would be lineups to get one this holiday season. Other than that this thing will be awesome.

abolds4397

Wow, is that SWEET!!!!!! I have to get me one of those!!!!! It looks awesome! I sure hope it comes out real soon! I can see the PlayBook putting a huge dent in the tablet business!!!

jpro757

This thing is looking great. I agree with I like how RIM as kept thia hush,hush. The most exciting thing is the playbook has all the things that we want in a BB. So you can only imagine where RIM is going with this. I feel all these options will be available in phone as soon as 4g networks grow around the country. I was ready to get a evo 4g but I'm good. Just get me a torch and the playbook. No fan boys over here.

cvaria

RIM is STILL dragging behind. wt# is their problem. a tablet that looks like an ipad but shrunken... a la samsung galaxy tab. i'm so sick of RIM's mediocrity and complacence. this POS is dead in the water. android honeycomb and gingerbread will have this piss-poor OS for breakfast.

the ipad is useless, this "playbook" is trash, and the HP slate died a horrible death in development... all thats really out there are the versatile android tablets. i'm not android fanboy but facts are facts.

apple pimped the world with the first ipad by purposely staggering its lifecycle by with holding cams and other items that would be commonplace on any other product. the newer version will cause apple dummies to run out and buy ANOTHER "new" ipad w/cams and goodies. brilliant

StormJH1

I don't think there's any point in trying to change your mind - you just don't like tablets. And that's fine. But if the iPad and Apple technology are "useless", they sure have a lot of people fooled! I actually think the business/productivity applications of a tablet are MUCH clearer than what the iPad seems to market itself as, which is basically a "jumbo iPhone" to use with your apps and browser.

As for the size, I think it's perfect...Apple itself has been heavily rumored to be looking at a 7" (smaller) version of the iPad, which would be more comfortable to carry and would fit in more purses for a lot of the gals. This device is also slightly thinner than the iPad and about 50% lighter. Plus, if it ACTUALLY does Flash, the number of things you could do with this browser give it an instant tech advantage over iPad.

bill_jobs

current android OS doesn't even fit for tablets.
or maybe you don't know that teh QNX developed this new blackberry tablet OS? or maybe you don't even know QNX?

jwmax

You could have gotten away with such talk two days ago but now we all know your just whistling past the grave yard!

Seriously anyone trying to dump on this product is a fool.

The only "negative" thing one can say id we haven't see it in action yet. Fair enough, but dumping on it at this point is just silly.

I actually think this is likey what deep sixed the microsoft courier and the HP products. Those companies now know the business market is closed to them and they need to go to the consumer market.

The thing Jobs can't stand is the iPad will be viewed as a second rate consumer product compared to this battle ready beast.

soybean63

Do you know what the price tag is going to be for the playbook?

CapitalLife

What a great looking piece of kit, I love it can't wait for one to hit the UK. The specs make the iPad look weedy in comparison and bloated sizewise. Well done RIM, you've made up big time for not releasing the 9100 in the UK.

anasyakoub

OOOooooOOOOO I Want One Now :))))

LordCaesar

Dear RIM,

Add GPS to this tablet and you will own the whole market. Imagine taking iPad, Archos, Garmin, and TomTom customers. RIM will completely dominate the market with this all in on device. Just have a car port/dock accessory and a strong GPS software/hardware. You're company has all these already, all you need to do is figure out how to fit it in!

**I really hope RIM is reading this! Make it happen!**

LordCaesar

Crackberry PLEASE spread the word to RIM, thanks Kevin and team

k1stunr

if it syncs over bluetooth with os5 and up phones it might be able to share the phones gps too at least thats what i'm hoping at least until the can integrate it

ROSES5682

simply put: Great JOB RIM!

Finza

Any word on pricing?

vohkuhl

Most likely competitive to the iPad's pricing. CNBC (Asia) assumed it would be in the $300-$500 range. Now start saving!!!

jussimple

That's what a lot of market analysts are claiming. If this hits within that price point then its not a matter of "if" but "when" i am going to get this. I'll probably pre-order. I've been a long time blackberry user and this device just guaranteed that it will stay that way.

Davidart

Wow. I could never get exited about the ipad because I thought that if I was going to carry something around of that size I might as well stick with my netbook or laptop. This changes everything and I want one. Cant wait to see one in person just so I can give it a big hug!!

ScottieG59

It sounds fine and if the price were right (nowhere close to the iPad), I would buy today. That may change due to the delay to market, since I have started to consider moving from Blackberry to Android and many more products will get to market first. I doubt I will wait once one of the others meets my desire for value. The ability to work with a Blackberry phone will be a great addition and if it is acceptable to the enterprise, this will push the iPad completely into the consumer markets. We have tested iPads and I am not fully convinced they have a place for serious work, but that is not fully determined.

Announcing now is good for Blackberry, but the delays might leave us wondering what might have been.

Reagan_chan

is it just me or they just put a really bad name on the device marketed for business use.

the device is very decent i have to say however.

jwmax

Many businesses use this term for the strategies they develop.

jwmax

Said this in a reply, but it's worth saying again:

Honestly they must be shitting their pants over at apple. This is not only a great product, it just oozes sex appeal. I'm almost as happy to see the packaging than to see the on screen performance. What I mean is RIM nailed it! They nailed every aspect of it.

Bottom line... just damned good!

Man I'd feel proud to work at RIM this week. Now back to work let's stretch in the home stretch and deliver everything in that video!!!

stsys

as they continue to ship millions of iPads, work on the next gens, refine iTunes to light years ahead of App World, etc.

I have a repressed desire to see Apple stumble - call it jealousy. but the reality is they are just executing at the top of the league and RIM is scrambling around trying to figure out how the game is played. Unfortunately the game will most likely change before they figure it out.

Has come to the point where it seems like a farce of a mis-match.

BTW any undocumented half-baked leaked releases to send out for the community to waste time with?

jwmax

"the reality is they are just executing at the top of the league"

Should read

"the reality was they were just executing at the top of the league"

RIM has redefined the top, and if you think apple can ramp up technical spec to match you don't understand QNX and symmetrical multiprocessing.

and App Store puuuleease all of that is just cool graphical interface and easy programing. All of those apps will be easy to replicate on this device. AND programmers will make money doing it. They will show no allegiance to apple. In fact they'll probably have more freedom under RIM, Apple is a notorious control freak company.

Mike_is_Mike

Let's wait and see just what it can do. 7" (diagonal) is pretty small for an input screen, and no, I don't want to attach it to my keyboard - or worse, buy a folding keyboard to carry around.

MAYBE the Storm3 will deliver the second of a one-two punch for RIM.

Storm3 with QNX OS might be nice, but how many people want to carry TWO BB devices around with them all day?

Mike_is_Mike

Hey CrackBerry, get rid of the STUPID picture already on the rumored page and put up a REAL picture of the PlayBook!

I'm tired of looking that badly Photoshopped image of the guy "holding" the "Flat screen TV BlackPad."

THANK YOU.

jega

I'm not an Ipad fan...and I will never buy an Iphone...but BB is trailing behind, by the time this Playbook is released Ipad 2nd gen would not be far behind.. with the dual cams and once again out selling the playbook. The no external ram/itunes is the only thing keeping me from going 100% Ipad. BB is just simply in second place... I wish they weren't... cuz now i'll have to buy both! But Torch... you're mine!

BENZ_O

ipad KILLER!!

Mike_is_Mike

iPad is for fun, PlayBook is for business (and is too small.)

The next iPad, sadly, will leapfrog all the tablets that will just be coming to the market.

BlackBerry will forever be behind the crowd.

KI4LXH

If this links via bluetooth...do i have to pay the extra 20 bucks a month to big red for a tiny little 5gig mobile broadband plan. Or does it just use my already unlimited plan. I love verizon but there tethering rules piss me off.

Mike_is_Mike

What good is a RUMOR site if you can't even post a new and ACTUAL photo of the rumored product? Come on CB, get with it please!

edcamsjr

cant' wait for this new tablet to hit the market

edcamsjr

LoKais

Can't wait to get my Playbook, but will hope that via BT or tether that I'll be able to type via my smartphone's "physical" keyboard.

I hope RIM understands that this is the very feature that separates the berry from the cider!!

I want to look someone in the face and talk while simultaneously typing out a totally unrelated email at work!!! THIS will never happen with a virtual keyboard!!! It can't. You must look at the virtual keyboard to type on it...no way around it. So, while integrating all your features and benefits, please please please, keep this in mind. When I'm no longer able to type on a physical keyboard is when I will look to downgrade my device versus upgrade. I have tried every "virtual" keyboard there is and cannot look away while typing on it..can't type without it lit, can't type while talking or looking at something else, can't type while doing anything else!!!!

The physical keyboard will always be a must in MY BOOK!!!

tasmith411

Would it be nice if the playbook were a large version on the blackberry torch with a slide keyboard. Just a thought if the guys at RIM read this. Can't wait for it to come out. Was considering the Ipad. Went to the Apple store and read on an Ipad I was testing that RIM was introducing the Playbook (or BlackPad as it was rumored to be called).

Joe257

Wish I did but I WANNA SEE THAT PLAYBOOK AD ON TV!!!! RIM needs to sell it to the average buyer BEFORE it gets released. This is an awesome ad and should be seen across the country. I would say Superbowl ad but it is 2 minutes long :) Think of the impact of that ad if the average person were to see it on TV! Wow! I hope RIM is planning for a January 31st release date! That's a Monday!!!

mawil1013

Soo, I'll be able to access all web functions the same as a notebook surfing the web, such as watch Hulu, Netflix, full length video on say, ABC.com?

estarno

I highly doubt it does, but does this have handwriting/digitizer input with a stylus? Or native Blackberry note-taking software? That's the only thing that would prevent me from my track of buying the HP Slate. Gotta have my OneNote! (Or something equally great)

jcams12

in this topic you will be able to prepare healthy foods for you and your love ones.

iwantaplaybook

Im very interested in the Playbook.though i really don't know that much about it..can the blackberry tether with android's internet?please answer..n thnks

matyc

wow that is wicked small i was expecting it to b the size of the ipad

Joe257

Sick!!! The latest comparison video with the iPad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s72rGDUn2uo) really sheds a lot of light on the wicked performance of this PlayBook. The iPad is so fluid and fast in my tests, but the PlayBook really kicks its butt in this side-by-side comparison video by a llloonngg shot!

RIM must know that Apple is playing close attention to the PlayBook and will be looking to improve the iPad 2.0. I am certain the new iPad will be here at the same time as the PlayBook.

Apple won't have symmetric multiprocessing or flash, but they'll have some closely-held features to wow us when the iPad is released. Front facing camera to support Facetime is a no-brainer as is a mini-HDMI output and 4G support.

I find it odd that RIM didn't use an AMOLED display in the PlayBook as it will really help with battery life. This is a must for them as battery life will be a CRITICAL consideration on a dual-core device running flash!

Exciting times ahead!!!

billtech66

I'm a long time apple user. Since the apple II, and have spent hundreds of thousands on computers since they first arrived. :)
BUT, the ipad is:(quote) "The iPad is nothing more than an oversized first gen iPod touch. And techies and professionals (PlayBooks market) know this"
I one hundred percent agree.

Apple has hyped it and able to sell to millions, but, it's just a toy for kids, like the iphones. all of them.

I was and am extremely disappointed in apple.

I want a SMALL tablet, not that giant clumsy useless (to me) ipad.
The ipad cannot run software I need for my business.
the ipad is way too large to take where ever I go.
It's not near as useful as a notebook or netbook.

Personally, I want a tablet that runs actual useful software!
I want a tablet with a 5" screen! (7" is the outer limit of useful to me.)

We will see how the Playbook works out, and I'm hoping it lives up to expectations.

BTW. I don't think apple has the smarts to actually produce a useful tool that I would want.
the ipad 2 will be the same basic overhyped trash that the current one is. with more bells and whistles, but never with a 5" screen that runs actual mac programs. (Like a real database: Panorama, or iCal, etc. (oh, didn't you know that all iphones, ipads have a rolling one year search limit? yes, they do. forget about finding anything in calendar past one year ago!)

tropenman

Please Torch me out of all.

donnyhie

Does anybody know if it will support BBMessenger?

Jonathank

The Playbook is a truly perfect fit in the palm of your hand. As consumers, we wanted a device bigger than our phones but SMALLER than our laptops or notebooks. It was the Tablet that was meant to fulfill that demand. Choose a laptop if you are debating purchasing a 10+ inch screen tablet. When I saw the HD demo video on the Playbook, I didn’t feel that it needed to be bigger and I could see myself watching a movie on a plane or wherever and being content with the size. Also, the Playbook is the lightest of all the tablets and so trekking it around is much more convenient.

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