[G550Pilot]

I loved the idea....but after a week with it I had to return it.

Here was my issues, maybe I was doing something wrong?

- pdf. the default pdf would not open the majority of pdfs I got over email. I sideloaded Repligo but this just added another step (open repligo, go to downloads) Why wont a tablet open/save a pdf accurately? I bought this primarily for storing pdfs for work, to grab on the go and use in a plane cockpit.

- weak wifi. It was always dead or searching when my phones/iPad/laptop still had strong signals. A known issue?

- Bridge. Couldn't download a file/pdf from my blackberry and save on playbook (they wont render on native pdf) Would have loved this as I could grab files overseas for small charges. Since that didnt appear to work it left me wondering what in the world is the use of bridge? to look at your email on a bigger screen?

Not bashing the unit, I love the size as compared to iPad...just got frustrated. I'm not a big app user so could care less about tons of games or fart apps...but such a pathetic pdf viewer? I hope someone at RIM knows they are lost until they can match something like GoodReader.

Anyhow - back to the store it went. Maybe I will give it another go as it evolves. Would love to ditch the iPad.

[stevendsnyder]

The only PDF I have ever had issues opening are ones that are password protected. I use them daily with my Playbook at work and have even used a utility to convert other files into PDF to make it easier to view on the Playbook. Are you sure you had the Adobe PDF viewer installed ?

[edu3110]

I have read a ton of pdfs on my PB even those sent through email. Did you get an error message or something?

[G550Pilot]

No, no error messages....just the first 4-8 pages OK, then blank for the remaining 50-100 pages.

These come from a service as a flight plan made into a pdf.

I had no problems with the large (2000+ pages) pdfs I loaded manually....but without the ability to quickly download and view/save accurately from emails, It just wont work (for me) I think this is a basic, needed function of any tablet.

I really wanted to ditch the iPad, but cant give up GoodReader (or similar)

Anyhow, hopefully take another look soon - I was impressed for $199!

[dusdal]

That is odd.

There are some inherent weaknesses with the native PDF reader, though I cant recall not being able to open a PDF on it yet.

I have been using qPDF and it adds plenty of functionality, such as annotations. I use it primarily for school texts. So often plenty of pages with graphics on them. It has handled them like a champ, particularly with the continued updates.

One of their reps is quite active on the qPDF thread.

[dusdal]

I should also say, I think the bridge is one of the most underrated functions of the BB PB combo.

The uses are:

• 3G internet for your PB
• "open on" for many things, emails, email attachments, websites, pictures, documents etc
• Use your BB as a remote control. Which seems gimmicky until you start discovering amazing uses for it
• notifications from your phone popup on the PB(bbm, email, calendar, incoming calls) this is stellar in certain use cases such as your phone is across the room or hooked up to the big screen or is on the car seat beside you while your PB is on your windshield mount as a navigator

I love BB bridge haha

[gravymonster]

While this isn't going to help you because you returned it. I have notice sometimes if you download an attatchment, it helps if you close out of the email and then go into Adobe/docs to go/etc. and load the attatchment that way. This is annoying and they should fix it.

[rotorwrench]

I'm confused too. We are using large count pdfs almost in your same situation. We even email pdf charts and flight mission orders to our pilots in the field through bridge with no issues. I'm not sure what was going on, but we've been very impressed with the PB.

I wish you had checked in before you gave up. Sorry you couldn't work it out.

[bungaboy]

OP first and only 2 posts about unit not working yet no posts for help or assistance before it was taken back?

Doesn't seem like a fair shake in light of other's positive experiences.

[G550Pilot]

OP first and only 2 posts about unit not working yet no posts for help or assistance before it was taken back?

Doesn't seem like a fair shake in light of other's positive experiences.

A fair shake?

Do you really think the average few million people who buy tablets will put up with these issues? post on boards to get help and try goofy workarounds/sideloads?

I really wanted it to work as I have 3 Blackberrys now and love them....but am amazed RIM would release such a lacking device that cant open half the pdfs I get, has no skype, has no netflix. Admittingly I should have done more homework I suppose..

I did join/post looking to see if I was doing something wrong and would happily buy another if the issues were my fault. A quick search shows the blank pdf issue is not just me. That type of issue in unacceptable IMO, these things should just work today.

FWIW Id pay 2X the $199 for a device that has these simple basics. Until then I wont carry a woefully lacking device just to shun the mac crowd!!!

[F2]

The native pdf viewer is an embarrassment. And it definitely can have problems with pdf files created by some 3rd party apps that "print to pdf" or create pdf files using 3rd party apps.

I, too, am surprised you did not seek a bit of assistance before returning it but that's what it is.

[jacknewp]

Have never had a problem opening pdf's here......have only received 20-30 pdf's so far, but seems to work just fine. No Skype?? No Netflix?? I don't care personally.......Of course, I knew that going in because I investigated the product I was purchasing!! Love my PlayBooks - both of 'em!!!!

OP- might want to re-look at the PlayBook in 5-6 months after BB10 comes out - might be a better user experience for you!! .....hopefully for all of us!!!

[inamar]

I had the same problems you did, opening large pdf files. What I did was download the attachment, and open it with Smart Office 2. For me, this program handles large PDF's pretty well (Can't annotate though )

Understand your decision though. Hope you come back to the PB soon, birds of a feather flock together.

[Marty_LK]

Mine doesn't seem to handle PDFs all that well...at least the PDF Creator I was trying to make a PDF with. But that's the fault of the app not the PB. I tried to add a text doc to the PDF and it wouldn't find it. I have a Docs to Go document saved (created with DtG on the PB) and it won't find it either. The PDF Creator is basically totally useless and worthless. If that's what you were using, find a different app.

[llllBULLSEYE]

Hmmmm so you returned the PB then joined CrackBerry to
complain about it. Instead of Joining CrackBerry to see
if there was a solution to you're problems before returning the unit.
Interesting stuff I tell ya

[samab]

The native pdf viewer is an embarrassment.

The official Adobe pdf viewer is an embarrassment for all mobile platforms, not just on the playbook.

[Chrysalis1156]

RIM has acknowledged the problem with viewing some pdfs on the Playbook but gave no estimated date for a fix. While I find the problem aggravating at times, it wasn't a deal breaker for me...but then again, I don't need those pdfs for school or work. Different people have different needs. Hopefully there will be some kind of resolution to this issue in the near future...but I'm not holding my breath.

[Tomcat_Alley]

Buy Product.
Find Fault, Try to work it out and actually have it cross your mind that YOU may be doing something wrong
Don't turn to knowledgeable database to ask if you are doing something wrong and see if this is a known issue with a simple fix
Send item back
Then turn to Knowledgeable database to ask if you were doing something wrong and to say how disappointed you were in it...

Isn't that like seeing a marriage councillor after you divorce?

Tell me again what the point of this thread was?

[Brianflys]

G550, Understand your concern, but have to agree with the others. Quit and then complain is a waste of time.

I am a pilot and use these tablets for manuals, checklists, and GPS nav systems. Lobbying Control Vision to port AnywhereMap over to PlayBok because that device is so solid.

Do you cancel a flight without investigating a squawk or getting the MX crew involved? Or just complain to the dispatcher that the plane is "broke".

qPDF Notes is an excellent PDF reader and has worked for the largest and most complex filesI throw at it. One mode I would like to ses is setting the default app like pdf reader so it does not open the crappy pdf reader that is installed on the PlayBook. But opening the files within qPDF is fast and reliable.

Suck it up and try the PlayBook again. If not, see ya.

[calles]

I find it's a great idea to do a little research before buying most electronics ...and i usually give things more than a week to determine their usefulness ...anyway, good luck with your next purchase.

[cleveland216]

when i needed help with my Avalanche - I found an Avalanche forum
when i needed help with my Mac - I found a Mac forum
when i needed help with my iPad - I found an iPad forum
...

then you come to Crackberry.com (IMO the most helpful of all forums I might add) and ANNOUNCE your're returning it! Why even bother???

Have fun with your iPad

some people

[jafobabe]

Now this thread is gonna make me think twice about stepping on an airplane and wondering if this OP is the pilot.... would just hate it if he was flying .... didn't like the coffee, and ditched the plane with all on board...

[Zildjian71]

I have noticed that large file sized pdf's take a while to render past page 30+. Maybe you could wait for the pdf reader to catch up in memory.

Worth a try.