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Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Does this 7 inch device have what it takes to win hearts and minds in the tablet market?

By Chris Jager on May 31 2011, 10:17AM

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Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Yesterday we got our hands on the BlackBerry PlayBook - a 7in tablet which has been generating a lot of buzz. Check out the rest of the gallery to see the unboxing and a recap of our first impressions.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

RIM are marketing the PlayBook as “professional grade” rather than pushing it specifically at businesses in the hope of attracting regular consumers as well.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

This is what greets you when you lift the outer lid. Can you feel the excitement?

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Cables, documents and accessories are stored beneath the plastic inlay that contains the tablet.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The box contents include the PlayBook tablet, USB and power cables, a carry pouch, various instruction manuals and a cleaning cloth. Unfortunately, you'll need to supply a BlackBerry phone yourself, which is currently required to process emails on the PlayBook (a software update is expected to rectify this limitation later in the year).

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The carry pouch is made of neoprene; the same material used to make wetsuits. It seems curiously undersized for the PlayBook, but can be stretched to accommodate the tablet's bulk.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

At seven inches wide, the BlackBerry PlayBook is significantly smaller than the Apple iPad 2 (9.7 inches). It shares roughly the same dimensions as the original Samsung Galaxy Tab. Subsequently, it is significantly more portable than most other tablets, while still providing a large viewing experience (compared to smartphones).

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The device takes a little longer to boot up than some other tablet we've tested, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v. Still, at least you get some pretty moving lights.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The PlayBook's design is muted and understated, but with the feel of a quality build. It's clear that RIM is attempting to appeal to business users with this device; personally, we think the no-nonsense aesthetic looks pleasing.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Connectivity options include micro HDMI, micro USB, Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) and Blutooth. Like most tablet devices, the PlayBook lacks a memory card slot, which means you're limited to the 16GB of onboard memory (32GB and 64GB models are also available).

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The PlayBook keeps the physical buttons to a minimum; you're limited to a power button, play/pause and volume. All other controls are implemented through the touch screen. (You can see the effect that fingers have on the display in this photo: it's a good thing that RIM provided a cleaning cloth).

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The BlackBerry Tablet OS looks clean and attractive. It follows the same basic template as Apple iOS4 and Android Gingerbread.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

RIM has made the bezel of the PlayBook touch sensitive as well as the screen – you pull up the virtual keyboard by flicking the lower left corner diagonally, for example. This can take some getting used to, especially if you're a regular iPad user.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

In our brief play, we found the multi-tasking to be extremely impressive, with any running apps appearing in a ribbon-like interface. We had a 1080p HD movie, a photo gallery, a music player and the PC & Tech Authority website all happily running at the same time with no noticeable sluggishness – quite an achievement.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Like all tablet devices, the PlayBook can be flipped between 'horizontal' and 'portrait' modes, depending on what best suits the application at hand. Most tasks favour a horizontal arrangement.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The WiFi only model is intended to be tethered to a BlackBerry phone for internet access as well as real time access to email, calendar, address book and even BlackBerry Messenger.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

One of the PlayBook's strengths over the Apple iPad 2 is its five megapixel camera (pictured).

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The PlayBook camera in action.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The PlayBook camera comes with a handful of photography modes, including 'Whiteboard'; an obvious nod to its business leanings.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

We were fairly impressed by the PlayBook camera's output: images appeared crisp and vibrant even with moderate indoor lighting. It has been argued that cameras are an unenecessary addition to the tablet platform, but we quite like them: the plus-sized display makes it easy to frame shots and preview with friends.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

The BlackBerry PlayBook has a tentative release date of June 1st in Australia. Pricing has not yet been announced, but should hopefully fall in line with the US ($700 for the 64GB WiFi only model).

To see how the BlackBerry PlayBook compares to the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Acer Iconia A500, click here.

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

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Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Does this 7 inch device have what it takes to win hearts and minds in the tablet market?

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Unboxed: BlackBerry PlayBook tablet

Related articles

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Photos: The 2024 IoT Awards winners

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