BlackBerry Playbook...best tablet ever?

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JoeUser

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Wow guys...after a long period full of research, price checking, testing, etc I finally decided which tablet to get.

The BlackBerry Playbook.

I have to say right off the bat that this is the best tablet I've ever had the pleasure of owning, let alone using. Besides the known lack-luster app selection I have absolutely nothing to complain about when it comes to the Playbook. The OS is blazing fast, browsing the web is blazing fast, doing anything is blazing fast! From switching between apps all the way to watching perfectly smooth 1080p Flash video on YouTube while having 11 tabs open, this thing does not skip a beat.

Build quality is utterly amazing. Solid metal chassis, ZERO flex. Speakers are actually scary good...better than the TouchPad and just blows anything else out of the water...I can actually listen to music and ENJOY what I'm hearing! The 7 inch IPS display is beautiful and crisp with great colors and good contrast. Oh did I mention it's super bright? No problems in sunlight!

The operating system. Best ever.

Having owned Android (multiple tablets and phones) and iOS (iPad 1, iPod Touch's, iPhones's) products and being very well versed and familiar with each I can say BlackBerry OS (tablet edition?) is easily the most fast, smooth, stable, and intuitive OS I've ever used. TRUE multi-tasking (programs actually run while in the background) and perfect Flash integration is a feat unmatched by any other mobile OS. Full Android app support is coming later this month as well.

Bah...could go on and on...

Look, having used both major mobile OS's, having used many devices on these OS's (both owned and countless hours spent on other devices when researching) I just can't get over how awesome and perfect this tablet is. I mean really and I'm not even a BlackBerry fanboy! I just simply did my research and this is the best.

I also must say that I wrote this purely because most reviews I've read were very negative and focused more on the lack of apps than the actual good things...which is 99% of whats left out. If you are looking for a tablet and can look past it being BlackBerry or some OS you don't feel the need to try then you are definitely missing out. Period. Spend an hour or so playing with one, use the web browser, listen to music, check build quality, do whatever...you'll end up wanting one. I promise! ;-)
 
This was very informative, thanks a bunch. I think the bottom line is that there are tangible benefits to having one hardware platform for an OS. Android can't approach the level of smoothness you are describing. The NookTab has the same specs as the Playbook, no one describes it as "blazing fast" in everything, like you did. I already have a netbook so I can't justify spending $200 on a tablet for putzing around on the Internet, but if I could I think the PlayBook would be my choice too. Don't forget that it also has 5MP/3MP cameras, and the webcam does 1080p.
 
Funny you mention the Nook Tablet as, believe it or not, I bought one last night and was not at all impressed. Thats why it was returned this morning before I bought this 64GB Playbook at Office Depot for the same $250 price tag. Still patting myself on the back for that decision.

Speaking of the NookTab I can say that it was inferioir when it came to web browser, Flash speed and quality (only could handle 720p and Flash video "flickered"...was odd), media playback, speaker quality, build quality was pretty bad, app selection was low, etc...
 
I've been considering the Playbook for my tablet, so your review popped up at just the right time. I think I'll stop by Office Depot, next week, and see if they've got it for $250. Excellent price!
 
Can we have some sort of benchmark to prove how "blazing fast" this thing is. The web browser that is?
Maybe when OS10 rolls around if Rim is still around I would take a serious look at the thing. QNX got potential on there.
Full Android app support. LOL!!!
 
Yeah I can benchmark it by using the "go try one yourself instead of acting like an ass" app.
 
JoeUser said:
Yeah I can benchmark it by using the "go try one yourself instead of acting like an ass" app.
Click to expand...

Is that the only app available on the playbook? Dont think I have heard of it on Android market nor the AppStore
 
Friend said you need a BB in order to use it with email and everythig else, no BB account = pretty much a paper weight and your paying $199 for a screen...
 
True you need a BlackBerry account but you don't need a actual BlackBerry phone to create one...just like making an account for anything else, like these forums for example.

Now earlier you needed a BlackBerry phone to tether but you don't anymore as it now supports all phones with bluetooth.
 
Besides the known lack-luster app selection.....
Click to expand...

You had better convince yourself that it is the best thing since sliced bread otherwise you spent $250 on a brick....
 
Dude OS 2.0 supports Android apps...did you even bother to read the review and/or educate yourself on the topic?

Secondly, as I've already said, it already does what I want it to do so I personally don't give a damn about how many apps it has.

But thank you for your ill-gotten uneducated opinion!
 
Hey, hey, cool it guys. I think it's fair to say that what works for one person may not be great to another. Differences are part of being human. Let it be.

@JoeUser: I have a couple questions. Yes, I could probably answer these with a little footwork and some googling, but TBH I live in a small town that doesn't have a BorkedBuy store. Can you tell me:
(1) if there is a Kindle app for the Playbook
(2) what the range is on the wireless on it -- ie if I'm 40ft or so from a WiFi-G (not N!) router, will the Playbook find it and surf well?
(3) how the web browser behaves. This is kind of a weird one -- the Android web browser on my current "eReader" craptab (don't ask, I got it at Borders about a year ago) thinks that it's on a phone, and is stuck in "mobile browser" mode despite the 7" screen. What I want to know is if the Playbook browser displays "mobile web" pages like what I've already got, or "you're on a real computer" pages like what I'd rather have.
 
starhawk said:
Hey, hey, cool it guys. I think it's fair to say that what works for one person may not be great to another. Differences are part of being human. Let it be.

@JoeUser: I have a couple questions. Yes, I could probably answer these with a little footwork and some googling, but TBH I live in a small town that doesn't have a BorkedBuy store. Can you tell me:
(1) if there is a Kindle app for the Playbook
(2) what the range is on the wireless on it -- ie if I'm 40ft or so from a WiFi-G (not N!) router, will the Playbook find it and surf well?
(3) how the web browser behaves. This is kind of a weird one -- the Android web browser on my current "eReader" craptab (don't ask, I got it at Borders about a year ago) thinks that it's on a phone, and is stuck in "mobile browser" mode despite the 7" screen. What I want to know is if the Playbook browser displays "mobile web" pages like what I've already got, or "you're on a real computer" pages like what I'd rather have.
Click to expand...

No Kindle app yet naively...but you can side load it from the Android version our wait for OS 2.0 later this month.

WiFi is excellent...as to be expected from a RIM device. I actually use some cheap Netgear G router and have no issues even outside around my house. Solid.

Web browser is the best. Period. All webpages load as the full page...haven't seen a single mobile site since I started using it. Unlimited tabs, flawless smooth Flash support, intuitive UI, etc...just awesome dude. And I've used most mobile browsers on all platforms...Safari, Mozilla, Opera, Bolt, Dolphin, etc.

If you got one and were disappointed then you have to just be hating ;-)
 
Think I'll wait. Was really looking to get it for my mother; her birthday's in March.

My WiFi "router" is a Verizon-branded MiFi2200 ;)

Don't know what "side loading" is, but I should be able to find out on gooooooooogle -- I *think* I'm good enough with keywords for that... (yes I am a tablet n00b).
 
Good job on ignoring the RIM-bashing and by picking up the device. My very, very picky colleagues all got one.

OS 2.0 is scheduled to be released Feb 17 or 19. This coming week! Finally. I had this device since April 2011.

When compared to Nook or kindle fire, this device is more free and more functional. You can also attach a BT keyboard/mouse to the device.

I've tried OS 2.0 beta and my comments are:
* better menu system - uses folders, not groups
* android player (not all apps will be accepted in app world because of security/stricter UI requirements
* Faster browser / more stable
* Improved OFFICE to go (book mark, word count)

I don't know if they will raise the prices after 2.0. It's worth more than the reading devices. 4G will also be coming out and that will cost more than the original playbook.
 
chrispycrunch said:
Good job on ignoring the RIM-bashing and by picking up the device. My very, very picky colleagues all got one.

OS 2.0 is scheduled to be released Feb 17 or 19. This coming week! Finally. I had this device since April 2011.

When compared to Nook or kindle fire, this device is more free and more functional. You can also attach a BT keyboard/mouse to the device.

I've tried OS 2.0 beta and my comments are:
* better menu system - uses folders, not groups
* android player (not all apps will be accepted in app world because of security/stricter UI requirements
* Faster browser / more stable
* Improved OFFICE to go (book mark, word count)

I don't know if they will raise the prices after 2.0. It's worth more than the reading devices. 4G will also be coming out and that will cost more than the original playbook.
Click to expand...

Hell yeah it is a pretty awesome device! And no bashing...owned a BlackBerry 8530 and absolutely loved it!
 
I have to defend the OP here I got a playbook a few months ago, and my Asus Transformer (with keyboard dock) quickly began to collect dust. The Blackberry Playbook is an amazing piece of hardware, with a great underutilized and misunderstood operating system running at its core. I admit I usually just use it for web browsing, and it does that amazingly well. The flash player is embedded into the browser not a stand alone app like on Android, and the overall web experience on the device is very smooth. I have to say I think the blackberry playbook and its OS make a really good tablet. I've updated mine with v2.0 and have put several android apps on it, but I still find myself just using that great web browser.
 
Found a program called "FruitBat" that allows me to install Android apps and .bar (BlackBerry apps) perfectly fine!

Just installed the Kindle app and everything works perfectly...can download from Amazon, copied some books I had fine, etc.

Just a heads up to people out there! Loving this Playbook more and more!!!
 
Well, you're making me think more. I'm still looking for a good 7" tablet. Either they have sucky screens, weak internals, or are locked down with no developer support.
 
Interesting. When 2.0 comes out does that mean it'll be able to use the mail and calendaring apps from Google? If so, it's possible I'll look into one of these...
 
No one ever answered and I thought I'd ask this again. I don't have a blackberry and I want to know if the Playbook will now let me get Gmail, Google Calendar and other email accounts mail. Trying to decide whether to get a Fire, Playbook or wait for Asus to release their 7" tablet for ~$250.
 
wtburnette said:
No one ever answered and I thought I'd ask this again. I don't have a blackberry and I want to know if the Playbook will now let me get Gmail, Google Calendar and other email accounts mail. Trying to decide whether to get a Fire, Playbook or wait for Asus to release their 7" tablet for ~$250.
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I have one and yes it will. I love this tablet, hdmi out for playback of 1080 mp4 rips or streaming from Amazon Prime while at friends' houses has been a killer feature for me.
 
Just picked one of these up about 2 hours ago. So far I love it, though I haven't gotten to play with it too much yet.

I had intended to purchase the Lenovo Ideapad A1 but the screen on the Playbook just blew me away. After playing around with both and the other options at two different stores I decided that the Playbook would be the one to try, despite some of the reviews I'd read.

I was glad to come back home and find this review -- I don't care much about app availability, especially if many of the Android ones will be available here at some point, but instead I'm concerned with watching TV, browsing, etc. Seems like this is the best low cost option.

Thanks
 
Amazon prime streaming has been a huuuge plus when I'm not around my computer. I love this tablet!
 
R-Type said:
I have one and yes it will. I love this tablet, hdmi out for playback of 1080 mp4 rips or streaming from Amazon Prime while at friends' houses has been a killer feature for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks. So now that I can use Android apps, I can use their gmail client, google calendar client and all of that? Does the Android Netflix app work as well? Still holding out until I have all the answers... :D
 
On another note, the Playbook doesn't really come with a good User's Guide. I had difficulty figuring out how to move apps, re-arrange things, etc.

But there is one -- Blackberry Playbook Users Guide

It's in PDF form and it's answered all of my questions (so far). I'm sure I'll come up with a question that it doesn't answer sooner or later, but for someone new to Tablets who has never owned a Smartphone it was great.
 
The build quality is pretty phenomenal on the PB and if it wasn't for the spotty QC I would've kept mine (multiple exchanges for stuck/dead pixels/debris under the screen). It very much reminds me of Nokia smartphones - good hardware crippled by rather poor software. The 2.0 updates and current pricing might be enough to sway me to give it another chance however - would be a great browser/video device.
 
wtburnette said:
Thanks. So now that I can use Android apps, I can use their gmail client, google calendar client and all of that? Does the Android Netflix app work as well? Still holding out until I have all the answers... :D
Click to expand...

No and no. Gmail and google calendar integrate into the native email and calendar apps. Android apps have to be ported or hacked, netflix in particular isn't even available on all android platforms due to the drm. The browser however supports full html 5 and flash so sites like amazon prime video work for streaming.
 
Thanks for the reply and information! Still debating getting one of these or waiting for the Asus Meemo...
 
I own 2x Playbook 64GBs, one of my best purchases of the year.
 
What are some good apps/games for this that you guys have found to be of high quality? I can try free things to my heart's content, but if I'm going to buy something I want to know it's going to be pretty good. I'd prefer things designed for the PB rather than for a smartphone, but whatever works.

Haven't seen a good poker game yet, nor something for Urbanspoon or Directions, which were some of the first things I looked for.

Edit: Yeah, ok -- so I'm seeing that now with this update to 2.0 for the OS that we are supposed to be able to use Android apps... but damned if I can figure out how to do that. I tried to find out via Google, but it says that most of them are easily accessible through Blackberry App World -- yet when I look at a list of the "Top 10 most downloaded Android Apps for the Playbook" none of the ones listed are in AppWorld that I can tell.

What am I missing?
 
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OrangeWolf said:
What are some good apps/games for this that you guys have found to be of high quality? I can try free things to my heart's content, but if I'm going to buy something I want to know it's going to be pretty good. I'd prefer things designed for the PB rather than for a smartphone, but whatever works.

Haven't seen a good poker game yet, nor something for Urbanspoon or Directions, which were some of the first things I looked for.

Edit: Yeah, ok -- so I'm seeing that now with this update to 2.0 for the OS that we are supposed to be able to use Android apps... but damned if I can figure out how to do that. I tried to find out via Google, but it says that most of them are easily accessible through Blackberry App World -- yet when I look at a list of the "Top 10 most downloaded Android Apps for the Playbook" none of the ones listed are in AppWorld that I can tell.

What am I missing?
Click to expand...

Cut The Rope, Plants Vs Zombies, Angry Birds, and Sim City are all great. Gameloft also has a bunch of decent titles that are .99 cents on there, two of them are free in the games section of the market right now.
 
Thanks man -- good recommendations. I've played PvZ before and loved it. I've heard about Angry Birds, and all good things. :D

When I see articles like this that talk about the most popular apps for the Blackberry Playbook are they talking about sideloading? Because while it sounds like they are talking about official apps I can't find any of the ones they speak of in AppWorld -- I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or what.
 
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