MWC 2011: RIM BlackBerry PlayBook review - first look video

News
By Jennifer Scott
published

With the launch reportedly only weeks away, we get some hands on time with RIM’s first tablet.

BlackBerry PlayBook

Research in Motion (RIM) has long been the choice for corporate users when it comes to smartphones thanks to the features of its BlackBerry handsets.

However, as Apple and Google continue to encroach on its lead, RIM is taking on their territory with the launch of its first tablet, the BlackBerry PlayBook.

A seven inch screen, 1024 x 600 resolution, a touch sensitive bezel and two cameras one rear facing, one front facing make the device appealing but it is the handset tie-up that makes the PlayBook stand out.

Users can link their BlackBerry smartphone to the device to share contacts and documents between the two. However, when the link is broken, the tablet wipes the data, adding much needed security to the often compromised business network.

But can it compete aesthetically as well? We got some hands on time with the PlayBook at Mobile World Congress so take a look at our video below to find out.

Verdict

Processor: Dual-core 1GHz Storage: 16GB or 32GB Display: Seven inches 1024 x 600 resolution Features: RIM OS, BlackBerry tethering, 5mp back-mounted camera, 3mp front-facing camera, multitasking. Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – 3G model coming later in the year Dimensions: 130mm x 194mm x 10mm Weight: 400g

Jennifer Scott
Jennifer Scott

Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.

Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.