BlackBerry PlayBook Distinct from the Crowd
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5. Choosing Sprint makes sense
Some
might wonder why RIM decided to bring its 4G tablet to Sprint's network
rather than, say, Verizon's. As one might expect, RIM isn't saying why. Further
inspection, however, reveals that it might make some sense. Sprint currently
has 4G available in approximately 71 markets-nearly double what Verizon is
offering right now. That lead could be gone by the end of 2011. But as Verizon
adds more cities to its 4G service, Sprint will do the same. Simply put, opting
to work closely with the current market leader appears to be the right thing to
do.
6. Consider tethering
As mentioned, the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook only includes 4G and Wi-Fi
connectivity support. It won't ship with 3G built-in. But RIM has a solution: Users
can tether their BlackBerry smartphones to the device to access a 3G network
from the tablet. Is it the best solution? No. But it's another option, and,
given how heavily invested the corporate world is in BlackBerry smartphones,
the functionality should be enough for enterprise customers to opt for that
product rather than a competing tablet.
7. It won't run Android
Android is all the rage at the Consumer Electronics Show this year. But the
customers RIM is targeting-enterprise users-aren't all that keen on that mobile
OS. In fact,
Android lacks the kind of corporate appeal right now that even Apple's iOS platform
has, due to concerns over security and IT control. That could change with
updates to the OS this year, but, at least for now, it's a good thing that RIM's
tablet is running its own operating system. The mobile company is trusted by
the enterprise, and it can capitalize on that.
8. Enterprise features galore
The BlackBerry 4G PlayBook will boast several enterprise features when it launches
later this year. In addition to the connectivity options, PlayBook comes with
access to BlackBerry Enterprise Server. It also will provide IT managers with
more management features than they're accustomed to on other tablets. The
BlackBerry 4G PlayBook should combine the enterprise-friendly features of a
BlackBerry smartphone with the convenience of a tablet. That could benefit RIM
greatly.
9. There's nothing quite like it
Uniqueness is integral to the success of any device in the technology
industry, and if the
BlackBerry 4G PlayBook is anything, it's unique. It combines 4G
connectivity, something that is sorely lacking in the tablet space, with a
level of enterprise functionality that could be difficult to match by the
competition. Will the BlackBerry 4G PlayBook be more successful than the iPad?
Not a chance. But it's not meant to be. Its uniqueness will help it stand out
and be a success in the corporate market, not necessarily in the consumer
space.
10. It has one main competitor
So far, RIM's BlackBerry 4G PlayBook has one worrisome competitor: the Cisco
Cius. That device will ship with Android and feature the ability to integrate
with existing Cisco network infrastructure in the enterprise. Other than that,
RIM isn't facing much competition for corporate dollars. The iPad is always a
consideration, but it's still a consumer device. Considering RIM has just one
main competitor to beat, its chances of being a success are much higher than it
is for multiple Android-based devices hoping for a piece of the finite market
share Apple hasn't already taken with its iPad.
