BlackBerry PlayBook Is RIMs Big Enterprise Maneuver into Tablet Computing

by Michelle Maisto

RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook features an operating system based on QNX technology—not the company’s newly launched BlackBerry 6 OS. Navigating appears rather straightforward from the home screen, and the device offers what RIM calls true multitasking.

A view of an e-mail application on the PlayBook, which comes with WiFi connectivity. Users have access to 3G connectivity, but only through their BlackBerry smartphone’s service plan- given they already have one.

The PlayBook supports BlackBerry Messaging, seen at left, as well as push technology for e-mail, calendar, tasks and office documents. Corporate data access is said to be as secure as on a BlackBerry smartphone.

Another point for the PlayBook that leaves the iPad in the dust: front and back cameras for video conferencing. The camera on the front is 3 megapixels, while the one on the back is 5 megapixels.

Even enterprise users like a nice photo gallery. The 7-inch display offers a resolution that’s 1,024 by 600. The device in total measures 7.6 by 5.1 by 0.4 inches and weighs 0.9 pounds.

A view of the PlayBook’s calendar application. The tablet can simultaneously sync with a users BlackBerry handset. RIM has yet to announce a release date—and more importantly, pricing details—for the PlayBook.