RIM BlackBerry PlayBook review

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.