If you asked the average Joe outside Sainsbury’s to name a type of smart-phone, chances are they’d either say iPhone or Blackberry. Whilst there have been others enter the smart-phone market, Apple and Research In Motion (RIM) remain the front runners. Apple of course are a multi format, technology powerhouse. Their name is as synonymous with good technology as Versace is with fashion. RIM’s Blackberry has taken off over the last few years, stepping away from the business only tag it previously held and smashing its way into the smart-phone market. So when Apple announced its tablet computer, the iPad, you knew it wouldn’t be too long before RIM entered the fray.
Welcome the PlayBook, announced at the CES 2011 in Las Vegas, it is RIM’s tablet effort. Rumour is that it will cost approx £439, which is cheaper than the iPad, and that it will sync with your Blackberry. News emulating from CES is that testers were happy with the device’s speed but there are concerns over the PlayBook’s battery life. Can they match the iPad’s 10 hour battery cycle, probably not, but with the starting price being cheaper than the iPad they may aim their marketing towards a younger audience.
So what are the chances of knocking Apple off their tablet perch and stealing a sizable share of what already is a crowded market? Not very good I’m afraid. One thing’s for certain, it will definitely NOT match the iPad’s 7 million units shifted since April 2010. I’ll bet my house on that!
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