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http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=6283
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My take is:
1. I believe they have called it Playbook (as awful as it may sound) because it is a CnO toy where n stands for E,F,I,T, etc. Just like the iPad. Personally, I would have kept the name as Blackberry Pad or Blackpad but hey, there must be some marketing science behind their choice.
2. Specs wise, it is rather good. The three key features that impressed me are:
- It has cameras (1st gen iPad doesn't),
- It has the first Dual Core processor (1st gen iPad doesn't)
- The screen is smaller than the iPad at 7" and that makes me think both Dell (their Streak started at 5") and Apple (at 9.7") got it wrong with the screen size.
At the end of the day, more choice, more competition. And that is great news for us consumers.
1. I believe they have called it Playbook (as awful as it may sound) because it is a CnO toy where n stands for E,F,I,T, etc. Just like the iPad. Personally, I would have kept the name as Blackberry Pad or Blackpad but hey, there must be some marketing science behind their choice.
2. Specs wise, it is rather good. The three key features that impressed me are:
- It has cameras (1st gen iPad doesn't),
- It has the first Dual Core processor (1st gen iPad doesn't)
- The screen is smaller than the iPad at 7" and that makes me think both Dell (their Streak started at 5") and Apple (at 9.7") got it wrong with the screen size.
At the end of the day, more choice, more competition. And that is great news for us consumers.
Typical C level buzz word taken straight form a focus group that serves caviar and single malt instead of sandwiches and pop. No, I am not claiming to be one of those guys (far from it!), but have spent a lot of time working in their market and it is humbling as well as sickening. It used to be a small niche but these days they are everywhere.
There is another niche even above that market level, where Apple and RIM won't even think to venture, but the four or five players that dominate the $5K+ device world will always thrive.
Where there's a device there's a marketplace, it's just so far over OUR heads that we don't see it.
There is another niche even above that market level, where Apple and RIM won't even think to venture, but the four or five players that dominate the $5K+ device world will always thrive.
Where there's a device there's a marketplace, it's just so far over OUR heads that we don't see it.
As was said in the blog, RIM does a lot of things right but if they do what Apple did with the touch and keep the prices out of reach this will be another huge failure. I liked the idea of keep Blackpad as the name and I like the specs but I'm afraid pricing might be a big issue.
It is aimed at a totally different market segment, not the consumer.
They sell FAR more expensive devices very easily, where i-Pad doesn't even make it to the consideration list.
Would you buy a $3500.00 smart phone with a $300 battery? Of course not. But they sell THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of them to the right marketplace, where again standard smartphones/i-Phones aren't even in for consideration.
Not everything has to appeal to the mass consumer market in order to be successful.
They sell FAR more expensive devices very easily, where i-Pad doesn't even make it to the consideration list.
Would you buy a $3500.00 smart phone with a $300 battery? Of course not. But they sell THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of them to the right marketplace, where again standard smartphones/i-Phones aren't even in for consideration.
Not everything has to appeal to the mass consumer market in order to be successful.
Not too sure about the screen size of the Playbook.
The screen size of the iPad is ideal, depending on what you're using it for. For instance, when reading a book, you get much more real estate per page, and that's a good thing. It's one of the many reasons I jumped from the Sony PRS600 reader to the iPad.
I don't know what it will be like to read books on the Playbook. If it's anything like the Sony device, it'll be enough to keep me away.
Not sure "Playbook" is a good nane for it though. A lot of executives will want to purchase one, but it will be hard to defend the expense with a cheesy name like that. "Blackpad" may have been marginaly better, but you can understand why RIM didn't choose it: it would be an unconscious bow to Apple.
The screen size of the iPad is ideal, depending on what you're using it for. For instance, when reading a book, you get much more real estate per page, and that's a good thing. It's one of the many reasons I jumped from the Sony PRS600 reader to the iPad.
I don't know what it will be like to read books on the Playbook. If it's anything like the Sony device, it'll be enough to keep me away.
Not sure "Playbook" is a good nane for it though. A lot of executives will want to purchase one, but it will be hard to defend the expense with a cheesy name like that. "Blackpad" may have been marginaly better, but you can understand why RIM didn't choose it: it would be an unconscious bow to Apple.
Nope.
But this will, which is exactly the market segment it is designed for.
It seems to me that most people posting here feel that they are the pinnacle of the IT market and if a device is too expensive or too small for their needs, it has no place.
In reality, these consumer devices, i-Pad etc. are the LOW end of the market, mass consumer stuff found in retail stores.
I wouldn't expect to find GOOD devices at Future Shop, anything higher end is found through manufacturers distribution channels, outside of the big box world.
But this will, which is exactly the market segment it is designed for.
It seems to me that most people posting here feel that they are the pinnacle of the IT market and if a device is too expensive or too small for their needs, it has no place.
In reality, these consumer devices, i-Pad etc. are the LOW end of the market, mass consumer stuff found in retail stores.
I wouldn't expect to find GOOD devices at Future Shop, anything higher end is found through manufacturers distribution channels, outside of the big box world.
Again with all the "IT'S A TOY!" comments.
Despite the fact that real-world use of the iPad, in actual businesses, doing actual business-y things, has proven there is more to it than fart apps and card games.
As people are weened off the KB/mouse input model, this is a form factor that will take off in many market segments. Haven't you guys seen Star Trek?
Despite the fact that real-world use of the iPad, in actual businesses, doing actual business-y things, has proven there is more to it than fart apps and card games.
As people are weened off the KB/mouse input model, this is a form factor that will take off in many market segments. Haven't you guys seen Star Trek?
BB apps will be supported and the new SDK will allow Android and iOS app developers to easily port their apps to BB. SDK being released several months before the device hits also gives good lead time on this.
Biggest issue is not having this in by Holidays.
Biggest issue is not having this in by Holidays.
Based on RIM's statements, none of the current BlackBerry apps will work on the tablet without at least a little tinkering from the developers. However, the new HTML5 apps SDK will apparently make it pretty easy to make apps that work for both BB phones and the PlayBook.
Hmmm... still need a laptop and a Playbook. That's a problem. If RIM was smart and to get past the battery, cost, and ease-of-use issues (as compared to iPad) then it would pre-load OpenOffice, Thunderbird with Lightning add-on and Google Calendar sync, and convince the good folks at Mozilla to get the task integration of Lightning with Google Tasks DONE. Then, I don't need a laptop.
Now... then RIM is sticking it to Apple, Microsoft, Google (to a much lesser extent), and has a true value prop in the business market ... because they ain't gonna resolve the battery, apps, and usability issues "by early 2011"...
Now... then RIM is sticking it to Apple, Microsoft, Google (to a much lesser extent), and has a true value prop in the business market ... because they ain't gonna resolve the battery, apps, and usability issues "by early 2011"...
I'm as curious as you when it comes to wondering about battery life. Also, storage - what's the max we can put on it, with SD cards and the like? If it's anything less than 64 GB it's a non-starter (for me anyway).
One thing I know: if our organization adopts it, the executives won't be too happy because you know one of the first things we'll use BES to do is lock down the apps. So...count on there being no games allowed.
One thing I know: if our organization adopts it, the executives won't be too happy because you know one of the first things we'll use BES to do is lock down the apps. So...count on there being no games allowed.
Windering. They call it "PlayBook" which would say it's more for the consumer. But RIM has always been more business than consumer.
Ease of use has always been an issue with BlackBerries but if my sister-in-law [who's not much better than a computer novice] can figure things out, ease of use isn't critical.
Ofg course the downside is that it won't be out for 4+ months.
It also gives third party developers plenty of time to get PB compatible apps. As well as any kinks it needs to clear up.
[Flash dosn't work well on a smarphone? Probably not strong enough.]
Ease of use has always been an issue with BlackBerries but if my sister-in-law [who's not much better than a computer novice] can figure things out, ease of use isn't critical.
Ofg course the downside is that it won't be out for 4+ months.
It also gives third party developers plenty of time to get PB compatible apps. As well as any kinks it needs to clear up.
[Flash dosn't work well on a smarphone? Probably not strong enough.]
PlayBook could also mean strategy, as in business strategy.
I am a happy iPad owner and my company tested the iPad for end user use. The powers that be nixed it because of too much unrestricted data able to be housed on the iPad itself and lack of enterprise control like the iPhone (the iPhone is our company standard smartphone). If RIM can get the security down and make a useable interface, price may not be such a huge factor if Corporate IT is buying...
I am a happy iPad owner and my company tested the iPad for end user use. The powers that be nixed it because of too much unrestricted data able to be housed on the iPad itself and lack of enterprise control like the iPhone (the iPhone is our company standard smartphone). If RIM can get the security down and make a useable interface, price may not be such a huge factor if Corporate IT is buying...
Talk about playing Devil's advocate.
You're a fool if you think manufacturers are going to relegate themselves to single core old tech processors. Smartphones are already moving into the dual-core arena, why in the world would tablets, which are more power intensive, stick with old tech? If the tablet gets 8 hours of life instead of 10, but runs apps and completes tasks that single core processors are unable to handle smoothly, people will upgrade. One only needs to look at the smart phone evolution to witness that.
All we really know, is that we don't know much yet. But what we do know sounds great. Though I'm sure Apple with up the ante come spring with a new iPad release.
Instead of trashing a tablet for it's frankly incredible specs, let's wait and see if RIM follows through on what they are promising.
I agree with the app concerns, but every new platform has to wage this battle to attract apps: ease of development, openness, international paid app opportunities, and platform potential along with a little suaveness go a long way to jump starting this process. You cannot argue RIM isn't making a good, albeit early case for this new platform.
Please, stop with the negative outlook on things you have no idea about. None of us do. Lets wait and see, and agree RIM has passed the first stage of the PR battle.
Also, RIM would have been a fool to wait another 4 months to announce this product. This will stem some sales of the iPad, which makes this the right call. They have nothing to lose by announcing now, and everything to gain.
You're a fool if you think manufacturers are going to relegate themselves to single core old tech processors. Smartphones are already moving into the dual-core arena, why in the world would tablets, which are more power intensive, stick with old tech? If the tablet gets 8 hours of life instead of 10, but runs apps and completes tasks that single core processors are unable to handle smoothly, people will upgrade. One only needs to look at the smart phone evolution to witness that.
All we really know, is that we don't know much yet. But what we do know sounds great. Though I'm sure Apple with up the ante come spring with a new iPad release.
Instead of trashing a tablet for it's frankly incredible specs, let's wait and see if RIM follows through on what they are promising.
I agree with the app concerns, but every new platform has to wage this battle to attract apps: ease of development, openness, international paid app opportunities, and platform potential along with a little suaveness go a long way to jump starting this process. You cannot argue RIM isn't making a good, albeit early case for this new platform.
Please, stop with the negative outlook on things you have no idea about. None of us do. Lets wait and see, and agree RIM has passed the first stage of the PR battle.
Also, RIM would have been a fool to wait another 4 months to announce this product. This will stem some sales of the iPad, which makes this the right call. They have nothing to lose by announcing now, and everything to gain.
not good for the businesses that may have seen this announcement and said "this looks great, let's waits."
My job is to help them realize that this tablet is not nearly as feature-complete or potentially game-changing as RIM is promising, so that they don't fall for the "market freeze" trick and end up waiting for a product that is mostly vapor-ware at this point.
My job is to help them realize that this tablet is not nearly as feature-complete or potentially game-changing as RIM is promising, so that they don't fall for the "market freeze" trick and end up waiting for a product that is mostly vapor-ware at this point.
I agree it's not going to be something revolutionary as the iPad originally was when it released. It's not a quantum leap forward. But it's evolving in the right direction, and if the full enterprise support and bluetooth sync-to-phone features work as advertised, it could be well worth it for the professional. We just don't know yet.
This is exactly the sort of discord RIM wanted to sow among potential iPad buyers. IT departments I think would do themselves a favor by postponing any firm decisions until a full review can be made, unless a tablet pc is required *now*, which then it's a non issue.
App stores are going to be the deciding factor for many, and people will still buy the iPad for that reason alone until RIM makes a convincing case they have a marketplace that is worthy of competing... thus the iPad in the eyes of those buyers is the sure choice and this announcement doesn't mean much. But for some, it's worth the wait in my honest opinion. My 2 cents.
I apologize for the harshness of my first response.
This is exactly the sort of discord RIM wanted to sow among potential iPad buyers. IT departments I think would do themselves a favor by postponing any firm decisions until a full review can be made, unless a tablet pc is required *now*, which then it's a non issue.
App stores are going to be the deciding factor for many, and people will still buy the iPad for that reason alone until RIM makes a convincing case they have a marketplace that is worthy of competing... thus the iPad in the eyes of those buyers is the sure choice and this announcement doesn't mean much. But for some, it's worth the wait in my honest opinion. My 2 cents.
I apologize for the harshness of my first response.
RIM presented their full-on promotion, and Jason provided the caution.
I call that balanced.
I call that balanced.
I thought it was balanced. I was replying to his unnecessary defense of his article.
rather, it's a sound marketing strategy for RIM. If they have a device that seems to out-distance the iPad from a business perspective, as this device seems to do, why would they sit on their hands and allow their potential customer base to commit to the iPad. As an IT professional, I appreciate the fact that I have the information early so that I can plan accordingly. I don't just run out and grab the latest and greatest devices for my company, I need to plan and budget for such a change well in advance, and if I know there is a viable alternative coming to market in a relatively short time, I may well hold off on buying any iPads.
Whereas is it true that the device is currently vapour-ware, that is the way most ?high-tech? things are marketed these days. The nuts and bolts manufacturing can't keep up with marketing and consumer demand for information. If they hadn't made the announcement themselves and provided consumers with facts, I guarantee that in less than a month the internet chat rooms would have been awash with rumours and speculation anyway, so why not get ahead of that.
Whereas is it true that the device is currently vapour-ware, that is the way most ?high-tech? things are marketed these days. The nuts and bolts manufacturing can't keep up with marketing and consumer demand for information. If they hadn't made the announcement themselves and provided consumers with facts, I guarantee that in less than a month the internet chat rooms would have been awash with rumours and speculation anyway, so why not get ahead of that.
Seriously sounds like a worried Apple fan to me...this review sounds so lop-sided..
If he had one in his hands to play with. But the longer you are in the industry the more suspicious you become when there is a tremendous amount of hype and no shipping product.
Microsoft seems to be the expert at this type of thing - they make an announcement well before they have a product to freeze, delay or confuse the market.
Microsoft seems to be the expert at this type of thing - they make an announcement well before they have a product to freeze, delay or confuse the market.
From what I have read/seen the PlayBook is slated to offer a business centric system that meets the niches where the i-Pad falls short and i-Pad certainly falls short (as have all of Apples mobiles)in the business marketplace.
"freezing the market technique is an old trick employed effectively by others"
Including Apple.
business device cost. While you many work where the budget for such devices is limited, I have had no problems selling $5,000.00 + notebooks and $4000.00+ mobile devices to businesses worldwide.
I've sold BATTERIES for mobile computers (rugged handhelds) that cost more than either of these devices cost.
There IS a market, sure it might not be the average IT department, .com or small enterprise, but there are MASSIVE corporations who don't even flinch at the idea of dropping close to half a million on devices for their C-Level staff ever few years.
I can think of 10 companies in 5 seconds, right off the top of my head, that wouldn't even bat an eye at taking a million dollar 'test drive' to check them out.
I suppose that's why I am in sales though, there's ALWAYS a market no matter what the mainstream feel. This is not designed FOR the mainstream, but the i-Pad doesn't come close to fitting the needs of the c-Level globe trotter either.
It's one of those sell 1 million for $100 vs 1/4 million at $500 things that most common folks, like us, often just don't get. Less devices, much more revenue, fewer support calls, fewer issues due to fewer devices on the market. Profit margin vs mass marketing.
"freezing the market technique is an old trick employed effectively by others"
Including Apple.
business device cost. While you many work where the budget for such devices is limited, I have had no problems selling $5,000.00 + notebooks and $4000.00+ mobile devices to businesses worldwide.
I've sold BATTERIES for mobile computers (rugged handhelds) that cost more than either of these devices cost.
There IS a market, sure it might not be the average IT department, .com or small enterprise, but there are MASSIVE corporations who don't even flinch at the idea of dropping close to half a million on devices for their C-Level staff ever few years.
I can think of 10 companies in 5 seconds, right off the top of my head, that wouldn't even bat an eye at taking a million dollar 'test drive' to check them out.
I suppose that's why I am in sales though, there's ALWAYS a market no matter what the mainstream feel. This is not designed FOR the mainstream, but the i-Pad doesn't come close to fitting the needs of the c-Level globe trotter either.
It's one of those sell 1 million for $100 vs 1/4 million at $500 things that most common folks, like us, often just don't get. Less devices, much more revenue, fewer support calls, fewer issues due to fewer devices on the market. Profit margin vs mass marketing.
Whoa... Who really thinks an ipad is value for money? It's a toy with the odd business app, and way overpriced in my oppinion.
Lets not be negative. For a business with existing BES infrastructure this may well make fantastic sense. All depends how it ties together, and the costs.
But if this has a secure browser, doc editing, and can handle really high flying passworded docs and pdfs (you know.. the ones the ipad cant... a slightly fundamental businees requirement to my customers) then it HAS to be a serious shout. And it may well be worth the wait.
Lets hope we get some more info soon. My ipad went back as I don't need a toy, i've enough. I need a serious business tool that connects to secure corporate world and reads secure corporate documents. And dare I say it.. it would be nice to be able to edit them.
Don't get me wrong... it's a great consumer device and I can see loads of use for it. Price is still too steep for me though; try halfing it!
Lets not be negative. For a business with existing BES infrastructure this may well make fantastic sense. All depends how it ties together, and the costs.
But if this has a secure browser, doc editing, and can handle really high flying passworded docs and pdfs (you know.. the ones the ipad cant... a slightly fundamental businees requirement to my customers) then it HAS to be a serious shout. And it may well be worth the wait.
Lets hope we get some more info soon. My ipad went back as I don't need a toy, i've enough. I need a serious business tool that connects to secure corporate world and reads secure corporate documents. And dare I say it.. it would be nice to be able to edit them.
Don't get me wrong... it's a great consumer device and I can see loads of use for it. Price is still too steep for me though; try halfing it!
I agree with you - this thing is Vaporware.
The problem is that everyone wants to beat apple but no one wants to do what Apple did - come up with an innovative product that just delights the customer.
Everyone is so busy trying to beat Apple they don't have time for anything else.
JDS
The problem is that everyone wants to beat apple but no one wants to do what Apple did - come up with an innovative product that just delights the customer.
Everyone is so busy trying to beat Apple they don't have time for anything else.
JDS
If RIM is able to deliver a product superior to the ipad, I would purchase a unit. Battery life and price is very important to consumers who want to use a device for a long time without recharging regularly and able to buy the product without spending too much on it like desktop. Being skeptical is a good thing since they did not use the actual product in their announcement. They may be too late to gain a good market share. People have options and they may not wait to buy RIM's playbook.
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