[fe342185]

I am not here to bash the product especially that it has many features that i liked better than the ipad.
Out of the box everything updated,installed and configured without a problem. I was able to bridge and use the bridge browser with a verizon bb bold to connect to my companies intranet.
My issues:
* I get an error from bridge browser "Cannot download corporate files". It happens when i click a link that is supposed to open a word doc in a browser. This works fine on IE.

* Another corporate website that i use often to look up client data does not work. I usually type an acct num and after pressing search a second window is supposed to open. The screen flashes but goes no where. I did turn off the popup blocker in the options. This works fine on the bb bold browser.

* Insufficient amount of entertainment apps to keep me occupied when commuting. Looking for netflix, slingbox, sports apps for highlights.

* It looks like the bridge internet connection only works with the bridge browser when bridged. This means the apps that require the internet such as the future netflix, sling, poynt apps will not work unless the player is accessible within the bridge browser.

* I downloaded 6 random apps from the app store and a few just did not work. When i tried to run them, they flashed a splash screen and it looked like it was about to start then it just closed with no errors.

* No DNLA support. I was hoping it will work like the ps3 or xbox360 where i can search the network for servers sharing files and play them. I have a NAS that shares all my media.

Bottomline is in my opinion at this time the playbook is a $600 browser but definitely has potential to be more. For corporate use it failed for me so back to the store it goes.

[amboy83]

Ithink that is fair. it simply didnt do what u needed it to do. maybe u can reconsider down the road sometime.

to me it is just a gadget so i can afford to go through some growing pains.

[Intosh]

My 600$ browser can play NFS, take pictures and videos and output media to a TV set. Nice browser!

[mavricxx]

I feel you fe342185, I am such a fan but I am already bored with it because there aren't enough entertainment apps to keep me going with it. I would of liked to see a ESPN app, an app that lets you listen live to MLB games, NFL, Soccer etc...live. Also, Def would of liked to see Video call apps like OoVoo, Yahoo Messenger, BBM or Skype but none are there. I also noticed that with the bridge I couln't see the text messages and I couldn't see the media I have on my phone or even transfer it to the PB. Another is that Tetris has a problem closing and with the orientation. A couple things I'd like to see also are: Swype to type faster, Universal search, and Free turn-by-turn guided Nav. Lastly, I would like to see a dock that has Full size HDMI and USB out and if possible SD card slot to transfer media to the tablet. For now I'm just gonna stick to it and wait till it matures with more updates and more apps.

[1812dave]

I feel you fe342185, I am such a fan but I am already bored with it because there aren't enough entertainment apps to keep me going with it. I would of liked to see a ESPN app, an app that lets you listen live to MLB games, NFL, Soccer etc...live. Also, Def would of liked to see Video call apps like OoVoo, Yahoo Messenger, BBM or Skype but none are there. I also noticed that with the bridge I couln't see the text messages and I couldn't see the media I have on my phone or even transfer it to the PB. Another is that Tetris has a problem closing and with the orientation. A couple things I'd like to see also are: Swype to type faster, Universal search, and Free turn-by-turn guided Nav. Lastly, I would like to see a dock that has Full size HDMI and USB out and if possible SD card slot to transfer media to the tablet. For now I'm just gonna stick to it and wait till it matures with more updates and more apps.

Since Android apps are supposed to be coming, you might get your wish for turn by turn with voice (Google Maps)

[JDukeOSBB]

Day one and such conclusions. Fair enough, but plan for a new OS build every week for a couple weeks with small but important updates and bug fixes. And apps will start populating App World more and more each day (remember this OS platform did not exist 6 months ago and neither did the Playbook)

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[Smiley88]

I feel you fe342185, I am such a fan but I am already bored with it because there aren't enough entertainment apps to keep me going with it. I would of liked to see a ESPN app, an app that lets you listen live to MLB games, NFL, Soccer etc...live. Also, Def would of liked to see Video call apps like OoVoo, Yahoo Messenger, BBM or Skype but none are there. I also noticed that with the bridge I couln't see the text messages and I couldn't see the media I have on my phone or even transfer it to the PB. Another is that Tetris has a problem closing and with the orientation. A couple things I'd like to see also are: Swype to type faster, Universal search, and Free turn-by-turn guided Nav. Lastly, I would like to see a dock that has Full size HDMI and USB out and if possible SD card slot to transfer media to the tablet. For now I'm just gonna stick to it and wait till it matures with more updates and more apps.

if you so bored then why dont you surf porn. that will keep you entertained.

[enixon]

You knew about all of those "downfalls" before you bought it, except your website.

[Tony2255]

No one wants to spend $600 on something that doesn't work right with only hopes that the bugs actually get fixed.

I agree but anyone htat has followed the playbook since its inception knew that it would be like this. Did you happen to try any other new device when it first came out? I had an ipad for over a year and it still does not do many things that I would like but I still have it. I also have a playbook which so far I find is superior to the ipad...for what I do. That is the difference everyone had to remember it depends on what you do with these devices as to how happy you will be.

I just wish people could think before they buy..read up on the reviews...and make the proper decision on purchase instead of buying it thinking it is gold and finding out its really not, which would be perfectly ok if they would keep it to themselves. We all knew the playbook would be like this and that there would be no apps on day one, remember the iphone??, and we still bought it so I say its an awsome device, or it will be, for those that find ways to use it. Just as every other device out there. I come back to my ipad which I bought because it was a new tech device and I think I have used my playbook more than I have the ipad over the past year and I have only have the playbook for less than 12 hours.

to each their own...it will come

[dandbj13]

I am not here to bash the product especially that it has many features that i liked better than the ipad.
Out of the box everything updated,installed and configured without a problem. I was able to bridge and use the bridge browser with a verizon bb bold to connect to my companies intranet.
My issues:
* I get an error from bridge browser "Cannot download corporate files". It happens when i click a link that is supposed to open a word doc in a browser. This works fine on IE.

* Another corporate website that i use often to look up client data does not work. I usually type an acct num and after pressing search a second window is supposed to open. The screen flashes but goes no where. I did turn off the popup blocker in the options. This works fine on the bb bold browser.

* Insufficient amount of entertainment apps to keep me occupied when commuting. Looking for netflix, slingbox, sports apps for highlights.

* It looks like the bridge internet connection only works with the bridge browser when bridged. This means the apps that require the internet such as the future netflix, sling, poynt apps will not work unless the player is accessible within the bridge browser.

* I downloaded 6 random apps from the app store and a few just did not work. When i tried to run them, they flashed a splash screen and it looked like it was about to start then it just closed with no errors.

* No DNLA support. I was hoping it will work like the ps3 or xbox360 where i can search the network for servers sharing files and play them. I have a NAS that shares all my media.

Bottomline is in my opinion at this time the playbook is a $600 browser but definitely has potential to be more. For corporate use it failed for me so back to the store it goes.

Honest question, why didn't you just get an iPad? Citrix on an iPad takes care of most of your corporate needs, if not all. Entertainment apps, no comparison. Work and play are covered, and you don't need an iPhone to make it all work. Given your expressed needs and disappointments, why didn't you just get an iPad? Is if for love of RIM, or hate of Apple, or something else?

[Najo]

Yeah, I am not seeing why you would give up so easily after waiting this long. There really are no surprises here, we knew what we were getting into. A brand new OS, brand new developer platform, these things will come and likely come very fast. I actually look forward to growing with this tablet, and seeing all the cool things that are developed over time but I am a techy geek, as my wife says, so what may be fun for me may not be for you. If you want a solid, albeit aging OS, with all the games and entertainment you need, yep I agree with dandbj, go buy an iPad.

[shankeith]

i agree with the browser part, but i'd add portable media player as well, it supports easy drag and rop without having to install itunes and it supports alot of formats built in unlike the ipad. and the camera is amazing (comparitvely speaking)

however the amount of things missing is ridiculous, but not enough for me to return it, updates are coming

[psyke45]

* It looks like the bridge internet connection only works with the bridge browser when bridged. This means the apps that require the internet such as the future netflix, sling, poynt apps will not work unless the player is accessible within the bridge browser.

I think this demonstrates the bridging vs tethering differences perfectly. Bridging is principally a means to allow you to access your BB and certain apps on it. One of those apps is an internet browser. Any applications outside the bridge, require either a Wi-fi connection, or a tethering package, which will allow you to use your BB as a 3g modem. This is very clearly explained here.

There's is speculation by reviewers and fans that RIM might expand the use of the bridge, but that's all it is, speculation.

cheers!

[Stonedicator]

I stopped by Best Buy last night and played with one for 20 minutes. I went through all the features but after 20 min I seemed to be thinking... so now what else can I do? I gave it back to the BB employee and walked out.

If they can get android apps working smoothly on the PB I will buy it the next day gauranteed. I have no faith in BB being able to create an app store that is worth a damn... and I am not alone in this boat.

[Kerms]

What do you guys mean there's no entertainment apps. This thing has over a million apps,flash

Ok seriously the low number of apps should be expected. Look at the Xoom although I think it can use some of the phone apps still it's going to take a while to get apps. That's part of being on the cutting edge.

You can't fault anyone for buying, trying it and returning it.

Yesterday I called my brother who works for Office Depot and told him I was thinking about getting one, give him the money and let him get it for me. His last day is Saturday so I wanted to use his discount to save $50 before he quit and a $30 coupon I had. Was going to leave it unopened for 2 weeks(OD return period) and see if any updates came but this morning realized I would be wasting my time because it's going to be a while before the native PIM stuff comes and it still might not support activesync or it would be a while before a update comes to fix some of the issues so I would be returning it & having to buy it at the higher price anyway

[Kerms]

I stopped by Best Buy last night and played with one for 20 minutes. I went through all the features but after 20 min I seemed to be thinking... so now what else can I do? I gave it back to the BB employee and walked out.

If they can get android apps working smoothly on the PB I will buy it the next day gauranteed. I have no faith in BB being able to create an app store that is worth a damn... and I am not alone in this boat.

Question. Why would you want Android on the PB? Well I know it would add to the app selection but I want to see native stuff that can really take advantage of what the OS and hardware have to offer. A repackaged Android app isn't going to do that and I also think it's going to slow down the develop of native apps to where the PB may just wind up being an emulator. Don't get me wrong. It would be nice to have the android apps on there but I think I'd want native apps first.

People call the iPad a big iPod, the PB is going to be called a bootleg Android device

[ADGrant]

I also have a playbook which so far I find is superior to the ipad...for what I do. That is the difference everyone had to remember it depends on what you do with these devices as to how happy you will be.

...

I come back to my ipad which I bought because it was a new tech device and I think I have used my playbook more than I have the ipad over the past year and I have only have the playbook for less than 12 hours.

What are you using your playbook for that you could not use the iPad for?

[newcollector]

What are you using your playbook for that you could not use the iPad for?

I am using my Playbook to surf the web without purchasing a 3g or 4g version of it. I am using my Playbook to drag and drop pictures and music on my phone to my Playbook. I can play Flash supported videos without having to go to the mobile version...full website perusal is mine...just like on my computer (when connected to wifi). Can't do that with iPad.

I can download songs and books without having to purchase them from iTunes store.

I can truly multi-task.

That is all for now, but more is coming.

[Kerms]

I am using my Playbook to surf the web without purchasing a 3g or 4g version of it. I am using my Playbook to drag and drop pictures and music on my phone to my Playbook. I can play Flash supported videos without having to go to the mobile version...full website perusal is mine...just like on my computer (when connected to wifi). Can't do that with iPad.

I can download songs and books without having to purchase them from iTunes store.

I can truly multi-task.

That is all for now, but more is coming.

You can have two different applications split screened on the PB?

[PineappleUnderTheSea]

Honest question, why didn't you just get an iPad? Citrix on an iPad takes care of most of your corporate needs, if not all. Entertainment apps, no comparison. Work and play are covered, and you don't need an iPhone to make it all work. Given your expressed needs and disappointments, why didn't you just get an iPad? Is if for love of RIM, or hate of Apple, or something else?

That's what I was about to post. At our company, we can now access our corporate emails and more through iPads, and all the entertainment stuff he wants is covered as well. That's assuming that his IT dept will support an iPad.

But that's the beauty of the PB, though, being able to Bridge to your BB and do your emails that way without having to pay to tether. That's the main selling point for me.

[psyke45]

You can have two different applications split screened on the PB?

screen size is a limiting factor here I believe, but you can do it via HDMI and have one application working in presentation mode (if supported) and another on the Playbook itself

[Stonedicator]

Question. Why would you want Android on the PB? Well I know it would add to the app selection but I want to see native stuff that can really take advantage of what the OS and hardware have to offer. A repackaged Android app isn't going to do that and I also think it's going to slow down the develop of native apps to where the PB may just wind up being an emulator. Don't get me wrong. It would be nice to have the android apps on there but I think I'd want native apps first.

People call the iPad a big iPod, the PB is going to be called a bootleg Android device

I don't want Android on the PB... I just want Android Apps to be able to be ported over and ran on the BB Tablet OS.

I would love to have amazing native apps for QNX but do you really think that is going to happen? I think it foolish to look forward without realizing the past and BB's App World is really lagging behind the other app stores.

My case and point would be the Kindle App for the PB. Why is that not available? If Amazon is not taking the PB and the PB App World seriously I doubt any other developers are. I would guess that when BB annoucned its intent to port Android Apps over that Amazon stopped working on a native PB app. I could very well be wrong here though just an assumption.

After reading what I just wrote and your response is would seem we are in agreement on almost everything. I would like some killer native apps for Kindle, MLB.tv, and Email... as all I REALLY need the PB to do is work, watch baseball, and be a portable reader. I would look for the ported android apps to fill in gaps around those three main purposes.

[Intosh]

Honest question, why didn't you just get an iPad? Citrix on an iPad takes care of most of your corporate needs, if not all. Entertainment apps, no comparison. Work and play are covered, and you don't need an iPhone to make it all work. Given your expressed needs and disappointments, why didn't you just get an iPad? Is if for love of RIM, or hate of Apple, or something else?

Size?

10 char.

[Tony2255]

I am using my Playbook to surf the web without purchasing a 3g or 4g version of it. I am using my Playbook to drag and drop pictures and music on my phone to my Playbook. I can play Flash supported videos without having to go to the mobile version...full website perusal is mine...just like on my computer (when connected to wifi). Can't do that with iPad.

I can download songs and books without having to purchase them from iTunes store.

I can truly multi-task.

That is all for now, but more is coming.

Exactly plus I find it easier to use and navigate. Maybe just a personal preference but thats what the devices are for...if they were all the same it would be boring

[adubrovs]

* No DNLA support. I was hoping it will work like the ps3 or xbox360 where i can search the network for servers sharing files and play them. I have a NAS that shares all my media.

I'm also disappointed that there's no DLNA support, even though earlier sources had it listed as a feature.

RIM's BlackBerry Playbook To Hit Market On April 19