RIM - PlayBook

[Mel81x]

So, I was talking with a friend today and he sent me a video of RIMs supposed Playbook and all that it offers. I wonder how they are planning to market this as a tack-on for a Blackberry but the guy talking seemed very optimistic stating that 3G and 4G versions were also coming along. For a company that has been ostracised by mobile service providers over the past few months this is a good move, the question is can they let go of the total BB requirement and make it a stand-alone

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39396039#39396039

 

P.S. I am glad that the rumor name of BlackPad is gone lol because that would have been so cheesey

[Right]

Well...there is no information about GPU yet.

No good GPU = fail.

[Mel81x]

If they are looking at a 300 - 400 range I don't think the GPU is going to be shabby. I am still curious how they plan to sell this thing with a need for a tack-on to a BB. I mean doesn't that limit the user-base? I figure if you force people to get a BB to use this thing initially that might be a total turn-off to possible users. Now, I know that Enterprises will like the subsidized aspect of being able to add new functionality to existing BBs [Although that is still not final yet] but what about new users?

[Shantz]

 

btw i'd have liked the name "BlackBook" more...

[Cash]

i posted it before you in apple thread.

[Shantz]

^^ and why would you post it in the apple thread?

[Death Stryke]

The device is pretty powerful. Lazaridis was emphasizing on the gaming prowess of the device several times so I am sure there is a very capable GPU under the good. As regards not launched the 3G version along with the wifi one, well it worked quite well in Apple's case as they launched the 3G one almost 2 months after the wifi model

 

But then again, that was Apple. This is BB, whose main audience is just suits who might not find the need for a tablet.

[Right]

My feeling about Tablets is that its hard to imitate iPad in terms of sales. While iPad carries the appeal to the users, one of the reason being apple's fanbase, it doesn't necessarily create a need for a handy computing device in general.

So as an avid apple fan, one might look forward to buy an iPad out of the apple affection but at the same time a user who is looking for cheap computing option more likely to settle with a laptop/netbook than a tablet like one of these.

 

I'm seeing a lot of good tablets being planned/launched, but doesn't look like anything can match iPad.

[Shantz]

^^ Very true

[Mel81x]

I double agree there. They paved the way very neatly in short steps. First the iPhone and the Touch then they introduced the iPad and who knows the iBoard next? But that said I like the RIM finally decided to get into the game. They have good phones and sure they haven't really captured the touch-based computing market very well but they are great in the Enterprise environment and with people trying to switch over to other providers due to lack of tech this is a good move by them. Maybe the technology will pave the way for better touch devices from BB who knows

[Mel81x]

CNET review with some specs

 

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20017966-1.html