First Looks: RIM Playbook

I got up early yesterday and joined the hordes in line for a new RIM Playbook.  Well, actually, I went out at lunch time to pick one up and the guy at the store said it was the first one he'd sold.   So, the launch of a new RIM product doesn't generate the silly hype that surrounds each new Apple product iteration.   But, that's not a bad thing.  I suspect RIM isn't targeting the people who do line up at 6:00 am for new tech products.   I've only had it a day but here's what I think so far.

On the plus side, the browser is fully functional.  It's not like the mobile browsers on smart phones or the flash-inhibited Safari browser on the Apple iPad.   That's nice.  It means you can go to nearly any website and get what you'd expect to see on the website.    I like the small size.  It's only 7" (as opposed to the 10" iPad) and weighs less than a pound.  That means it will fit in my jacket pocket and slide easily into my laptop bag.   The high definition display is terrific.   Apparently, you can also hook into projectors and do presentations - but I haven't figured that out yet so don't quote me on that one.     The user interface is a little different that the iPad but it is fairly intuitive and easy to use.  

On the down side... you do need a Blackberry smart phone (not an old dinosaur Blackberry like I have) in order to view your mail, contacts and calendar on the Playbook.  Apparently, this is a "security" feature but the "feature" is going to be "fixed" in an upcoming software update.   You also must "bridge" the Playbook with your smart phone Blackberry in order to get 3G Internet access.   Without that it's just wi-fi.  Also, there aren't many apps yet and the Facebook, Twitter, GMail, etc "apps" that are there are really just browser links.   

Overall... the negatives aren't too serious.  I can use the browser (via Outlook Web Access) to get at my e-mail, calendar and contacts.   I don't really want 3G access anyways  because nearly every place I go has wi-fi these days and I don't need another monthly bill.   I can wait for more apps to appear... I really only wanted it for browser access.  

So, all in all, I like the Playbook very much.  If you have a Blackberry smart phone already then it probably does make sense for you.   If I had to make a recommendation between a Playbook and an iPad I would advise to first figure out what you want to do with a tablet device, then determine which apps you need, then buy the tablet with those apps.  

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.