RIM BlackBerry PlayBook review

RIM’s BlackBerry handsets have forged their own path in the smartphone world, with their secure email appealing to business users and BlackBerry Messenger finding an unexpected market amongst teenagers. It’s no surprise then to see that RIM’s tablet, the Blackberry PlayBook, has a unique operating system and a novel approach to tablets.

The QNX operating system the PlayBook runs was first released in 1982, and during its lifetime has mainly been used as a real-time operating embedded in industrial machinery, so it has an outstanding pedigree. In use, however, it behaves much like HP’s (formerly Palm’s) WebOS, although with an interesting twist: the screen’s bezel (the area surrounding the screen) is also touch sensitive.

The QNX operating system is capable of some impressive multi-tasking – running multiple 1080p video streams and games simultaneously

Swiping from the side of the screen moves to the next open application; swiping from underneath the screen brings up all the open applications (much like WebOS’s Card view); and swiping from above the screen brings up the menu for the current application. A swipe in a top corner brings down the system menu, while the bottom corner controls the keyboard. Note that the PlayBook recognises when you’re in portrait mode, and adjusts accordingly. This mechanism is smooth and quick, and the screen’s oleophobic coating means it’s always slick and responsive.

The 7in screen has a 1,024×600 resolution, which is plenty of room for web browsing. The IPS panel is bright and colourful, with excellent viewing angles, although its glossy finish means that under bright sunlight you’ll have to angle it to avoid reflecting the bright sky. Overall image quality was superb, however, with great contrast and vibrant colours.

That smaller screen makes the PlayBook stand out amongst its main competitors. The Apple iPad 2 and HP TouchPad both use (roughly) 10in displays, as do all of the current Android 3.0 devices. If you want Android on a smaller tablet, there’s the original Samsung Galaxy Tab, the HTC Flyer and Dell Streak 7 – but all these run older, non-tablet specific, versions of Android. There are 7in Android 3.0 devices in the pipeline – such as the Acer Iconia Tab A100 – but they’re currently delayed until Google irons out some issues with running the operating system on smaller displays.

There are 3-megapixel front and 5-megapixel rear cameras

Performance from the dual-core 1GHz processor was superb, and a dedicated graphics chip provides plenty of 3D power too. Coupled with the excellent multi-tasking, this is probably the only tablet where you can switch quickly from watching a full-screen HD video to another application and back again without a hitch in the video. Strangely, iPlayer’s HD files were jerky, but YouTube’s 1080p videos were fine.

In line with its business roots, the PlayBook is solidly built, with a practical rubberised finish on the case which makes it easier to grip and looks smart, too. It’s thin and light, at only 425g. Micro USB and micro HDMI ports sit next to a docking port along the bottom edge, while the power button and volume rocker are on the opposite edge – the power button is a bit small, which is annoying when you want to wake the device. A headphone port sits at the top-right corner, although sound from the two speakers is also clear and loud.

Micro HDMI (left of centre) allows for easy video output to a larger display – Click on the image to enlarge it

BlackBerry smartphones have always weathered complaints about a lack of apps by relying on their secure email and Messenger, but sadly these aren’t yet available on the PlayBook yet. However RIM has another ace up its sleeve: you can link your BlackBerry to the PlayBook using the Bluetooth-based BlackBerry Bridge, and get all your emails, tasks and calendars on the tablet with dedicated apps for the larger screen. This way, all your data remains securely on your phone.

As well as volume controls, there’s a dedicated play/pause button for media playback (centre) – Click on the image to enlarge it

Another ace up the sleeve is QNX’s support for Android applications, which means developers can easily re-package their Android apps for the PlayBook. There’s already a decent selection of pre-installed apps: Kobo Books for eBooks, a decent Music Store from 7 Digital and a selection of games are available for down-time, while work duties are catered for by full versions of Word To Go, Sheet To Go and Slideshow To Go, plus Adobe Acrobat Reader. Facebook and Twitter apps handle social networking, and there are apps for all major webmail providers.

Synchronising with your PC or laptop is easy, too. The Blackberry Desktop Software is a large download, but lets you synchronise documents, photos, music and videos easily, and schedule backups. You can connect via Bluetooth as well as USB, which is handy if your laptop has limited USB ports. The PlayBook lasted for almost 11 hours in our video-playing test, far higher than most tablets, so there’s less cause to worry about enabling power-draining Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when needed.

Samsung’s 7in Galaxy Tab is lighter and has the wealth of the Android Market behind it, but the PlayBook should soon see a large proportion of these apps in its own store. It’s also faster and has a battery that lasts longer, and if you already own a Blackberry phone, there’s no reason to look elsewhere. We much preferred the PlayBook’s design, too, so it wins our Best Buy award.