BlackBerry PlayBook 4G LTE

“One of the most important features of the PlayBook is its ability to seamlessly integrate with a BlackBerry smartphone, but unfortunately, we did not have a device on hand to test this functionality. RIM has managed to fix the Bridge issue since we last reviewed it, so the PlayBook no longer requires tethering to a BlackBerry device in order to be fully usable. However, it is still lacking some functionality which other tablets have, like Skype video chatting abilities and an instant messaging application, which doesn't cater just to the BlackBerry's PIM users. As we mentioned in our initial review, it would have been handy to have some native Dropbox integration make its way to the PlayBook. Though it's possible to access and manage third-party cloud storage services like Dropbox and Box.net, it's taxing to have to download a document, edit it in the PlayBook's included Docs To Go app, and then manually re-upload it. Back in its heyday, RIM was successful because of how well the BlackBerry cloud services integrated with the enterprise, but it's time for RIM to evolve and integrate with other services besides Microsoft Office. This is especially important if RIM wants to lure back those who have switched from BlackBerry to a more widely used mobile operating system like Android or iOS. Admittedly, with the near-total market dominance of Android and iOS over mobile handsets, RIM has a lot to contend with. The PlayBook is a decent device, but it had a plethora of problems at launch which severely hurt its entry into the game, and eighteen months later, many of those problems are still present. If the PlayBook wants its mojo back, RIM needs to act fast. In order to become marketable again, the company needs to continue to push the PlayBook as a standalone device—something that will cater to enterprises and business-oriented consumers. With BlackBerry 10 targeted to hit soon, this could be RIM's chance to start over with a clean slate.”

“The RIM’s BlackBerry Playbook is a great entry into Tablet market and surely is successful. Two HD camera’s, 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, stereo speakers and microphone, HDMI connectivity, etc. makes it powerful and competitive with Apple and Samsung. Its 7 inch screen size is less in comparison to present available tablets in the market. The built quality of playbook is strong but the keys on its Top are very small and hard to press.”

“RIM's ecosystem isn't huge and it doesn't have as many apps available as Android or iOS but there is more to buying a tablet than just games and apps. The experience as a whole has to be considered and for what the 4G LTE PlayBook offers it's an option that shouldn't be dismissed.”

“With 4G connectivity, a faster processor and NFC, the 4G PlayBook is a rock-solid upgrade from the original PlayBook. I’m actually surprised they didn’t call it the PlayBook 2, or the new PlayBook for that matter. The processor is a straight-up beast, the build is still solid, the LTE speeds are very fast. It’s a very future-proof tablet solution, provided BlackBerry 10 does deliver the complete software package. With a large price gap between the two PlayBook models, it’s not the most worthwhile upgrade for the money. What the PlayBook needs more than anything else is software, software that empowers the user to accomplish complex tasks with the least amount of work. Hence the reason for BlackBerry 10. Sometime in mid-2013, the PlayBook series of tablets should receive the upgrade to BlackBerry 10, which should offer a comprehensive tablet solution for consumers. The 4G PlayBook, as it stands, should appeal to enterprise customers who are looking for a professional, secure, always-connected tablet without the company swimming in red ink. For the average consumer, the original PlayBook is much more of a steal and still is quite fast and capable, especially with a paired BlackBerry smartphone. Overall, this tablet improves on the Wi-Fi PlayBook in many ways, including some that you’d never expect. With these hardware improvements, the software weaknesses are also more glaring than they were before. Looking at the negatives, you’re not going to be as impressed with the display and the HSPA+ will drain that battery quick. But the latter part was expected. Its lighter and faster, but I’d rather more of that weight go to a larger battery. We all know that the iPad sells because it has the selection of apps, elegance, and the simplified user experience that many consumers want. Unfortunately, the 4G PlayBook won’t be a best-seller, or even on the podium for that matter. It will likely appeal mostly to enterprise customers looking for that portable, powerful, secure tablet solution. Ignoring software, it truly is a no-compromises tablet. However, the software on the 4G PlayBook is still unchanged from the original PlayBook. Realizing a 4G PlayBook running a complete version of BlackBerry 10 would have been a great success f0r RIM. Remember the potential of the original PlayBook? Double that and you have completely described the 4G PlayBook.”