The BlackBerry PlayBook is a neat, compact and capable tablet. We like it, but sadly that isn't enough, as the lack of apps severely lets it down. Without apps, you'll often find yourself wondering what to do with this tablet – a problem you'd never have with the iPad 2.

One of the things we love about the BlackBerry PlayBook is the fact that it's among the smaller tablets, with the 7-inch screen making it portable enough to take wherever you go; The compact screen also leads to a light weight, with the 425g body easily light enough to hold comfortably in one hand...

The biggest problem with the BlackBerry PlayBook is a lack of apps; The Apple iPad 2, RIM's biggest rival, features loads of apps specifically designed for the tablet form factor, and the PlayBook really struggles to compete without them

When RIM Revealed the BlackBerry PlayBook in September 2010, the tablet was met with great excitement and hype, particularly from the professional, die-hard BlackBerry crowd. According to RIM, the PlayBook was designed to "give users what they want, including uncompromised web browsing, true...

1 GHz dual-core processor; BlackBerry Tablet OS with multitasking capabilities; Upcoming support for Java and Android apps; Full WebKit browser

No microSD slot; Missing dedicated PIM apps; Small Power button

PlayBook may be an odd name for BlackBerry's first tablet, but RIM's 7in PlayBook offers a refreshing interface and smooth performance that live up to its name. However, beyond the great multitasking and intuitive UI, the PlayBook holds little appeal for non-BlackBerry smartphone users.

The BlackBerry PlayBook has a refreshing interface and excellent multitasking, but its lack of apps -- both default and through BlackBerry App World -- means it offers little incentive for non-BlackBerry smartphone owners. With future software updates and additions, the PlayBook will only improve, but it remains behind the competition.

Great software, multitasking and slick UI; Excellent performance; Comfortable size for travelling and commuting;

No native calendar, e-mail or contacts apps (yet); Limited selection of apps in App World; Not much appeal for non-BlackBerry users;

Well, everyone's jumping on the tablet bandwagon now aren't they - some being more successful than others. The latest company to take a leap into the pond of convergence is RIM - quite a surprise as it's never been big on innovation, preferring instead to stick to its tried and tested devices.

Excellent multitasking; intuitive; vibrant screen; it's also small enough to fit easily into your average bag

There's a lack of apps at BlackBerry App World compared with the likes of Apple and Android's app stores; The Wi-Fi-only net connection may deter some

The BlackBerry PlayBook is a superb piece of hardware with a great screen, powerful speakers, smart design, and feature packed innards. And were the software up to scratch it could easily be one of our top choice tablets.

Smaller size is easier to handle; Elegant design; Feature packed; Theoretically fast hardware

Performance too variable; Unstable; Limited app support; Requires BlackBerry phone for email

The BlackBerry PlayBook is pleasantly designed, easy to use, powerful and packed with features. But we still don't think you should buy it. With so many core features requiring you to have a BlackBerry phone nearby, the PlayBook just isn't as versatile or practical as its competitors.

Speedy multitasking; excellent Flash video playback in the browser; smooth, intuitive user interface; well-designed music store

Must be connected to a BlackBerry phone for many key features to work; video calling only works between PlayBooks; fewer available apps than on competing platforms

The tablet war is definitely hotting up now, and it isn't just a case of choosing a tablet that looks nice. RIM, maker of the BlackBerry, is the latest company wanting a slice of Apple's pie with its 7-inch screen pad, the PlayBook.

RIM has done a good job of designing a tablet aimed at a very particular type of business user, specifically its existing, security conscious BlackBerry smartphone owning customers.

Research in Motion used to sit at the top of the heap when it came to the smartphone market. But over the years both Apple, and Google have nibbled away at their lead, eventually knocking them into third place.

Stylish design; Great new OS; High end cameras; Web browsing with Flash

Power button placement; Lack of Apps; No native email

Blackberry's first tablet PC, Blackberry Playbook is really a sensational device. It has 1GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 CPU and runs on BlackBerry Tablet OS. Further, it is also featured with dual camera primary is of 5 MP and secondary one is of 3 MP.

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