Critics Finding Issues with RIM (RIMM) PlayBook Tablet Ahead of Launch
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Research In Motion's (NASDAQ: RIMM) BlackBerry PlayBook tablet is set to debut next Tuesday, but some prominent reviewers are finding it hard to recommend the device out of the gate due to a rushed feel.
Critics found many things positive to say about the 7-inch tablet, but are concerned about the glaring absence of critical email and calendar applications for a device which has been touted as being optimized for the corporate world.
David Pogue of The New York Times said the device "looks and feels great," but pointed out the lack of applications ready for the device at launch, saying the company's motto should be, "There's no app for that." Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
"RIM has just shipped a BlackBerry product that cannot do e-mail. It must be skating season in hell," Pogue wrote.
RIM will have 3,000 apps designed for tablet use at launch, and has promised an emulator for the Android 2.3 market place, but this has not been made available for reviewers. By comparison, the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPad has 65,000 apps tablet optimized in its App Store.
"Does it make sense to buy a fledgling tablet with no built-in e-mail or calendar, no cellular connection, no Skype, no Notes app, no GPS app, no videochat, no Pandora radio and no Angry Birds?"
The Wall Street Journal technology expert Walt Mossberg praised the user interface, but would not recommend the PlayBook to any user that does not always have a BlackBerry at their side.
"In my view, even though Bridge is a neat technical feat, it makes the PlayBook a companion to a BlackBerry phone rather than a fully independent device," wrote Mossberg.
Mossberg also points out the battery life leaves a lot to be desired. With the brightness at 75 percent and the Wi-Fi on, he was only getting about 5 hours of use, compared to 10 for the iPad.
"I recommend waiting on the PlayBook until more independently usable versions with the promised additions are available," Mossberg added.
USA Today's Edward Baig did praise the PlayBook's ability to run Adobe Flash right out of the box, but also suggested the device will have a tough time securing market share from Apple.
"I’ve been testing PlayBook for about a week, and for the most part like it a lot, though the not-quite-final software in my evaluation unit got a little cranky at times," said Baig.
The PlayBook hits stores April 19 and will be priced in line with the Apple iPad, starting at $499 for 16GB and Wi-Fi.
Critics found many things positive to say about the 7-inch tablet, but are concerned about the glaring absence of critical email and calendar applications for a device which has been touted as being optimized for the corporate world.
David Pogue of The New York Times said the device "looks and feels great," but pointed out the lack of applications ready for the device at launch, saying the company's motto should be, "There's no app for that." Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
"RIM has just shipped a BlackBerry product that cannot do e-mail. It must be skating season in hell," Pogue wrote.
RIM will have 3,000 apps designed for tablet use at launch, and has promised an emulator for the Android 2.3 market place, but this has not been made available for reviewers. By comparison, the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPad has 65,000 apps tablet optimized in its App Store.
"Does it make sense to buy a fledgling tablet with no built-in e-mail or calendar, no cellular connection, no Skype, no Notes app, no GPS app, no videochat, no Pandora radio and no Angry Birds?"
The Wall Street Journal technology expert Walt Mossberg praised the user interface, but would not recommend the PlayBook to any user that does not always have a BlackBerry at their side.
"In my view, even though Bridge is a neat technical feat, it makes the PlayBook a companion to a BlackBerry phone rather than a fully independent device," wrote Mossberg.
Mossberg also points out the battery life leaves a lot to be desired. With the brightness at 75 percent and the Wi-Fi on, he was only getting about 5 hours of use, compared to 10 for the iPad.
"I recommend waiting on the PlayBook until more independently usable versions with the promised additions are available," Mossberg added.
USA Today's Edward Baig did praise the PlayBook's ability to run Adobe Flash right out of the box, but also suggested the device will have a tough time securing market share from Apple.
"I’ve been testing PlayBook for about a week, and for the most part like it a lot, though the not-quite-final software in my evaluation unit got a little cranky at times," said Baig.
The PlayBook hits stores April 19 and will be priced in line with the Apple iPad, starting at $499 for 16GB and Wi-Fi.
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