Research in Motion’s PlayBook Tablet Not Playing Games

It was only a matter of time before other large manufacturers got into the tablet race. While Apple was out of the gate first with its iPad, Samsung quickly followed suit with an Android OS-based device, the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

While we at Vernon Computer Source are more than happy to offer up iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs for rental, this is a rapidly shifting market.

And now Research in Motion (RIM) is keeping the terrain shifting. RIM, the creator of the popular BlackBerry smartphone, is now on the bandwagon with the release of its “PlayBook” tablet.

Before continuing any further, I should proffer a disclaimer: I am a BlackBerry user. In fact, I always use my meager tech connections to ensure I have the latest and greatest model – sometimes, even before they are released to the public (one of the only benefits of being a tech writer or editor).

So, now that my allegiances are clear, let me continue.

RIM’s PlayBook runs on a QNX kernel and will rely on WiFi for its Internet access. Initially, it will not offer voice access.

But the PlayBooks do “bridge” with existing BlackBerry smartphones, allowing users to access corporate email, address books, calendars and other features via BlackBerry Messenger. The PlayBook also works as a mobile hotspot.

Even with all of these benefits, I was initially appalled – why on earth would anyone design a tablet without a voice mechanism?

But then it became clear, thanks to an article over at The Globe and Mail.

The PlayBook’s lack of voice mechanics has something to do with a feature that BlackBerry is famous for: security. By favoring a “bridge” method, BlackBerry taps into its already secure smartphone platform – which should appeal to security-focused corporations.

One of TMC’s editors, Stefanie Mosca, recently visited RIM headquarters for a pre-release sneak peek at the BlackBerry Playbook(yet another benefit of being a tech editor/writer).

She commended a few of the PlayBook’s features from standing out from the tablet crowd – it weighs only a single pound, is relatively anti-glare and has a keyboard that is possible to use while holding the tablet naturally.

In conclusion, it would seem like the PlayBook is in the game, for now – and a very viable option for BlackBerry users.