If you’ve been chomping at the bit for a tablet that, despite brandishing the BlackBerry logo and harnessing a dual-core processor, doesn’t even do email yet and are prepared to pay about five bills for the privilege, stores across the US and Canada are now prepared to meet your needs. Especially if those needs don’t include any Android apps, they’re not available yet either.
You also might want to give it a skip if you’re not already in the BlackBerry camp smartphone-wise, as some of the tablet’s functionality will only spring forth from a BlackBerry handset, at least until those nosy hacker types get a hold of the thing. And while we did mention the $500 stores are charging for the 16GB model, for those of you with more bourgeois storage needs, you can go all the way up to 32GB, or even 64GB for $600 and $700 respectively.
BlackBerry PlayBook Features and Limitations
The BlackBerry PlayBook, despite its sleek design and powerful dual-core processor, comes with a few caveats that potential buyers should be aware of. One of the most significant limitations is its inability to handle native email applications out of the box. This is a surprising omission for a device from BlackBerry, a brand historically synonymous with mobile email. Users will need to tether the PlayBook to a BlackBerry smartphone to access email, calendar, and contacts, which could be a deal-breaker for those who do not already own a BlackBerry handset.
Moreover, the PlayBook does not support Android apps at launch. This limitation significantly reduces the number of available applications, making it less versatile compared to other tablets on the market. However, BlackBerry has promised future updates that will enable Android app compatibility, which could make the PlayBook a more attractive option down the line.
Storage Options and Pricing
When it comes to storage, the PlayBook offers three different models to cater to varying needs. The base model comes with 16GB of storage and is priced at $500. For those who require more space for apps, media, and documents, there are 32GB and 64GB models available for $600 and $700, respectively. While these prices are competitive with other high-end tablets, the lack of expandable storage options means that users will need to choose their model carefully based on their storage needs.
The PlayBook’s pricing strategy positions it as a premium device, but the initial lack of essential features like native email and Android app support may make potential buyers hesitant. However, for those already invested in the BlackBerry ecosystem, the PlayBook offers seamless integration with BlackBerry smartphones, which could be a significant advantage.
Take a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
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