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BlackBerry PlayBook hands-on video review

#232 | 10:57 |

Gadget TV

Thursday April 21, 2011

BlackBerry has been branded with the stigma of a business device maker whose smartphones aren't looking too smart since the advent of the iPhone and later, Android smartphones. The BlackBerry PlayBook, given a chance, could turn the tide of perception. It really is a well thought out device that looks spectacular, that performs well, whose size seems perfect most of the time, that multitasks like a boss and that is generally just a well made tablet.

What holds the PlayBook back from being a good device to a really great one is the same thing that has RIM trying to figure out its next move; complete reliance on a dated and increasingly irrelevant smartphone, the traditional BlackBerry. Without a BlackBerry and what's called Bridge, you won't get access to email, contact lists or a few other mainstays. It's a definite Achilles' heel, though one that to BlackBerry smartphone-sporting business types and corporate network admins, might be a virtue.

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Show Notes

BlackBerry PlayBook
Wi-Fi only model
16GB - $499
32GB - $599
64GB - $699

Thanks to Future Shop for lending us the device.

The PlayBook feels great in the hand. It's got a slightly matte back that makes it easy to hold on to and all the buttons you need to access are reachable. The key complaint on the hardware side is a power button that is too recessed to be easily pressed and that is hard to find by touch as a result.
This small gripe aside, the PlayBook really does feel like a contender. Its screen is bright and vibrant and perfect for watching video. The bezel acts as an extension of the screen and lets you do things like access context menus (swipe down onto the screen from the bezel), switch between open apps (swipe left or right onto the screen from the bezel) and also takes you home (slide up onto the screen from the bezel). This lets the front of the BlackBerry PlayBook be blessedly free of buttons. We were a little surprised at how well this control scheme works, to be honest. Truth is, We didn't have the highest of high hopes for the PlayBook in the real world, interface wise.

Note to RIM execs: Whatever team was responsible for the PlayBook interface, get them to work on your next BlackBerry smartphone please. We'd love to see you regain some of your lost relevance...

Browser:
On the 7-inch screen, you'll be surprised to get the whole web (including Flash support). In many cases, you'll get to see sites in all their glory as opposed to being force pushed into a mobile version of the site. We love the browser interface too. The way it handles multiple tabs is excellent too. All in all, a joy to use.

App World:
This is where you'll find new apps for your PlayBook, should you buy. It's a little sparse at present and there's an overwhelming shortfall of useful, free apps. Android Market integration (of sorts) isn't on line yet, but it'll help the PlayBook's case when it finally gets here.

Copy and Paste:
It's good to see this included out of the gate. Touch and hold on text to enter selection mode. Depending where you are, you'll either get options to select all and then copy / paste / cut or two handles will appear allowing you to make a selection before copying.

Multitasking:
This feature is true, honest multitasking. You can do the usual stuff like continue to listen to music while browsing the web, but even HD video continues to play in the background while you check email or go into a browser window. Even with 10 different apps running, the PlayBook didn't seem to slow down.

BlackBerry PlayBook specs: