[tomorrowsphere]

Well, it has been almost 11 months from the day I purchased my 64gb PlayBook. This is just a list of things that have worked and not worked. Firstly, I am not a power user, I do not own any other RIM products. I purchased the PlayBook mainly for portability, web, email and entertainment. So far it has delivered a pretty good experience.
With in my immediate family there is a cornucopia of tablets from Ipad 2, Kindle fire, several Nook e-readers (1st gen, Simple Touch) a Nook Color and a Nabi 2. I have played with them all and seen both the good and bad of each.

The good:
Overall I really like the feel of the PlayBook, it feels solid and nice to hold. I have cases, but with out the case is better in my opinion. As for design, I don't mind it just being a black rectangle, it is what it is. Sometimes simple is better The speakers are great and the locations is a plus. Louder than all the other tablets in our home.

I like stock web browser, it works well for my needs, I have had no issues with wifi and once in a great while the browser will shut down, but it has never been frustrating. The email, contact and calendar app are simple and does what I need them to do. The screen is quite nice for viewing hd movies and I have at least 20 on it now. I use handbrake to convert files. The stock music player works well, but I did opt to get a player with an equalizer and it has improved the sound quality when wearing headphones.
I have side loaded only two apps and have had no problems and games on the PlayBook are fun, but sometimes limited with the 7" display.

Now the bad, hardware challenges
Sketchy microphone issue, I think it has been there for awhile, but since I rarely use it (don't shoot video or note take) Still it would like it to work properly. I think it is a lose connection, it works on occasion. Battery life, I think it could be better. I rarely have the screen brightness more than 45% and bluetooth is always shut off. Just feels like it could last longer, but hey, I can always plug it in. Occasional sound issue, just once in awhile, there will be no sound, I just restart and it comes back, maybe twice in 11 months.

Improvements: These are my dream PlayBook
Sd or micro sd card reader is a must have.
Wider support for video codecs Webm video etc.
Browser support password saving
Faster Os updates
Better selection of apps.

My conclusion: Overall I am pleased, could it be better? Yes, but I have to say it works well for my use. When people ask me about the PlayBook I tell them my experiences, but they need to try it out. In a world dominated by Apple and Android, it is kind of nice to be different.

[uncle_numpty]

A fair and balanced summary - pretty much mirroring my own findings.

Oh - and I too prefer it without a case, i've got blackberrys own booklet style case and it makes the PB way bigger.

[FF22]

Good overall review. I wish I trusted my grip and balance - mine is in the bombproof and thick and heavy Otterbox!

At 11 months, you still have a warranty so you could try getting the speakers/intermittent sound fixed.

The PB has a one year warranty to the original purchaser. It also has 90 free Tech support. I do not know how Rim deals with "quasi-tech support v. warranty"

Rim Support
Tel:
Canada Toll Free: 1-877-644-8405
United States Toll Free: 1-877-644-8410
Puerto Rico Toll Free: 1-855-651-4936
Email: [email protected] (this route generally does not work and a call is necessary)

(UK Support) 0800 096 2805

Playbook French Support
Smartphones BlackBerry Z10 - Tous les T�l�phones Portables BlackBerry - FR - France
Phone : 0800 914 533 (within 90 days from activation)

BlackBerry� Customer Support Center
Austria:0800-297-476
Belgium:800-77-980
RIM (Brasil Support toll free number): 0800-022-3161
Bulgaria: 00800-118-1115
Denmark: 802-50198
France: 800-914-533
Germany: 800-181-6530
Italy: 800-789-272
Luxembourg: 800-2-2187
Netherlands: 800-022-7316
Norway: 00-1-647-426-7058
Poland: 00-800-112-43-59
Portugal: 800-827-760
Russia: 8-800-100-9643
South Africa: 0800988892
Spain: 900-866-969
Sweden: 02-079-4448
Switzerland: 0-800-802-492
United Kingdom: 08000962805

Phone-Numbers of BlackBerry PLAYBOOK- Helpdesks...

Germany: 0800 1816530 (Geb�hrenfrei)

North-America: 1 877 255 2377 (Toll Free)

UK: 0808 100 7466 (Toll Free UK only)

Outside UK: +44 1753 558400

Worldwide: 1 519 888 6181

[email protected]

(BTW: Helpdesk for BlackBerry devices -except PlayBook- for Germany:
0180 3302626)

[tomorrowsphere]

Thanks, I will let you know what happens

[rkennedy01]

Which media player app for PB has an equalizer? Neutron?

RCK

Sent from my BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps using Tapatalk 2

[pacoman03]

Which media player app for PB has an equalizer? Neutron?

Yes.

[tomorrowsphere]

Yes, Neutron and it has been recently updated.

[rkennedy01]

A bit pricey for a music-only player.

Opinions on whether it's worth it?

RCK

Sent from my BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps using Tapatalk 2

[punterab80]

Just curious what hand brake
Settings you use for movies on the PlayBook.

Posted via CB10

[Carl Estes]

A bit pricey for a music-only player.

Opinions on whether it's worth it?

RCK

Sent from my BlackBerry Runtime for Android Apps using Tapatalk 2

Yes it is worth it.

C