In Search of a Killer Feature
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5. Apps could be a problem
RIM has said that its BlackBerry PlayBook will support applications. That's
a good thing. However, the chances of RIM coming close to matching the 65,000
apps available to the iPad 2 seem awfully slim right now. Over time, RIM might
be able to catch up. But until its platform can match the iPad 2 in the total
number of available apps, it's probably best to skip the BlackBerry PlayBook.
6. Android-based devices are compelling
There are some folks out there who have no interest in getting an iPad 2.
But rather than pick the BlackBerry PlayBook, they might be better off with an
Android-based tablet. Devices like the Motorola Xoom come with Android 3.0 "Honeycomb,"
an operating system that bridges the gap between the desktop and mobile markets
with full tabbed browsing, an Action Bar for better productivity and more.
Plus, the slate of Samsung Galaxy Tab units, including one with a 10.1-inch
display and
another with an 8.9-inch screen, looks awfully compelling, as well. Simply
put, the other iPad alternatives look to be even more impressive than the
BlackBerry PlayBook.
7. The timing is off
One
of the biggest issues with the BlackBerry PlayBook is the timing of its
launch. The device will be made available more than a month after the iPad 2
and just weeks and months before some of its more compelling alternatives. RIM
should have either released the tablet earlier or done more to impress the
market and launched it later. This in-between time could come back to haunt
RIM.
8. The corporate world might prefer the Cius
Though it might be the first enterprise-focused tablet to the market, the
BlackBerry PlayBook won't be the last. The upcoming Cisco Cius could prove to
be the device the enterprise is after. It will run Android, feature the same
7-inch display as the BlackBerry Playbook and, according to Cisco, deliver even
more enterprise-friendly features. Some companies would be smart to wait and see
the Cius in person before opting for the BlackBerry PlayBook.
9. It's pricey
The cheapest BlackBerry PlayBook, which includes 16GB of storage, will be
on-sale for $499. Those who want the 32GB or 64GB options will need to pay $599
and $699, respectively. The only issue is,
the devices are priced the same as Apple's WiFi-only iPad 2. And as
mentioned above, Apple's alternative offers much more value to customers. Based
on that, it would seem that the BlackBerry PlayBook is overpriced. And that won't
help its sales.
10. What's the key killer feature?
Take
a look at the BlackBerry PlayBook's specifications and try to find a single
feature to point to that will sell customers on the device. The iPad 2 has iOS.
The Motorola Xoom has its large display. The BlackBerry PlayBook has, well,
nothing that can best any of the others. It's a huge issue for RIM. And it's
arguably the biggest reason the average customer should skip the BlackBerry
PlayBook and find something else worth buying.
