Blackberry Playbook - Your thoughts

[Baggravation]

I just bought the 16 GB BB Playbook but I don't know whether to keep it or return it. I've been reading mixed reviews online. If anyone owns one, could you please tell me your opinion? Thanks.

[bhlombardy]

Blackberry has been struggling with getting their Playbooks into the market. They have their own proprietary OS and closed app market.

HP's Touchpad (which also had a proprietary OS and closed market), failed miserably in only a couple of months after they launched. They basically had a fire sale because they couldnt compete with iPads and the Android based tablets.

Blackberry price-drops a few months ago seemed to indicate that they are headed in the same direction, but RIM seem more reluctant to throw in the towel just yet.

For me, as a blackberry (phone) owner, it was hard for me to not consider the playbook, but I wound up with an Asus Transformer Prime, and couldnt be happier with the wide-level of support and app availability on the Android market.

I've since changed my phone to an Android based phone as well -- and while I can't say that owning a tablet didnt have any influence that decision somewhat, I'm also happier with it than I am my former Blackberry.

I would say that if you're still within the window to return it, especially if you're doubting your purchase, then focus on an Android based tablet. While I love my Prime, it's a bit on a pricy side ($499 for the entry level 32gb or $599 for the 64gb)

The Sony Tablet S is also an excellent tablet, and can be had for around $399 for the 16gb (or $499 for the 32) and has some features exclusive to Sony (such as PsOne playable games via the PSN).

[Teresa2008]

I love my Playbook! With the release of the new operating system just about a week ago it is even better. There is now access to alot of Android based apps and it is expanding all the time.

Think about what you want to do with it, how you will use it and then you will know if it will be a good tablet for you.

Teresa

[scrapbookingoasis]

We have a playbook and love it so much we bought a 2nd one! Like Teresa said - there is access to a lot of android based apps. DH has said even though there are fewer apps, so far what we have put on are 'good' ones and we don't need to go sort through the junk apps to find a good one.

[seylz_gurl]

got one at xmas. we enjoy it. lightning fast.

[Baggravation]

Thank you everyone for your responses! I'm not tech savy at all so I'm quite unknowledgeable about these things. I just have one more question. Can I open powerpoint presentations and word documents on the Playbook? I was thinking of using it for class. Would I be able to take hand written notes on it with a stylus pen? I saw my friend doing this on her iPad so I'm curious to know if this can be done on the Playbook.

[roseofblack25]

I have had my blackberry for awhile since I bought it during their big sales. I could never get a 16gb one so I bought a 32gb. For me I wanted an ipad but the lack of flash kept me from spending money, not to mention how ridiculously expensive they are. I love the blackberry for what I actually need it for which is basically checking emails/facebook when I am on vacation or away for a few days and don't want to take a computer with me. I also have a love for the kobo book app. I have downloaded so many free books to read!

I'm also an android phone user so I'm not tied to a specific brand and the blackberry won for me because it was cheap mainly, and I can actually do more with it then if I had an ipad.

[Baggravation]

I have had my blackberry for awhile since I bought it during their big sales. I could never get a 16gb one so I bought a 32gb. For me I wanted an ipad but the lack of flash kept me from spending money, not to mention how ridiculously expensive they are. I love the blackberry for what I actually need it for which is basically checking emails/facebook when I am on vacation or away for a few days and don't want to take a computer with me. I also have a love for the kobo book app. I have downloaded so many free books to read!

I'm also an android phone user so I'm not tied to a specific brand and the blackberry won for me because it was cheap mainly, and I can actually do more with it then if I had an ipad.

Thanks for your input! :D

[robin1234s]

I love the Playbook. I use it for surfing the net, watching videos and playing games. It's much more convenient (portable and wakes up fast) than the laptop. I've never had any other tablet or smart phone though so I can't offer a comparison.

[pippinelkhound]

I had an inexpensive tablet for about a year before I got the PB. PB is superior.

Easy to travel with, fits in most handbags (yup, I'm female) when an apple won't.

The apps fit my needs. For some reason, there are a lot of european apps for PB and if you like UK newspapers and magazines there are tons.

[Baggravation]

Thanks everyone! This will my my first tablet as well !

[ChrisRich]

Just curious...what do people use these most for. Seems like a wired space between a smart phone and a laptop. I want one...yet I don't know why. Love to hear some opinions. Thanks!

[scrapbookingoasis]

kids watch videos in the van on it, use it for games, browsing the internet, read books etc

[pippinelkhound]

Just curious...what do people use these most for. Seems like a wired space between a smart phone and a laptop. I want one...yet I don't know why. Love to hear some opinions. Thanks!

PB comes with KOBO preloaded so it can be your e-reader (and it picks up other epub types).

With the OS upgrade you can have all your emails read on one page.

It's great for websurfing.

If you know anyone with a PB you can cyber chat with video via wifi and save on your phone bills when you are away from home.

It's a toy. It's easier to travel with than a laptop.

[Baggravation]

PB comes with KOBO preloaded so it can be your e-reader (and it picks up other epub types).

With the OS upgrade you can have all your emails read on one page.

It's great for websurfing.

If you know anyone with a PB you can cyber chat with video via wifi and save on your phone bills when you are away from home.

It's a toy. It's easier to travel with than a laptop.

Is there any way to skype on the playbook?