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.

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

What the PlayBook can do, it does very well. We thought this would be the dry middle-aged tablet, but we've been impressed by how well it's been able to handle video, music (through the great 7Digital music store) and the internet browsing experience.

Right now, the BlackBerry PlayBook is ideal for a BlackBerry smartphone user looking to purchase a tablet. This is mainly due to the BlackBerry Bridge sync option. However, even then we would advise potential buyers to wait it out till there is a respectable apps eco-system.

Excellent multitasking; Brilliant display; Flash and Adobe AIR support

Limited number of apps; Biased towards BlackBerry smartphone users; Poor implementation of the power/sleep button

RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook has had the first update to its operating system almost a year after its launch. While OS 2 isn't a revolution for tablets, it at least gives the PlayBook a fighting chance against the marauding hordes from Apple and Android .

Native email client; sharp 7-inch screen; pocketable size; gesture controls; 5-megapixel camera and decent 3-megapixel front-facing camera; HDMI port; HD video recording

Still not many apps; no BBM; limited Android app support

RIM is walking the fine line between enterprise and consumer tablet with its BlackBerry PlayBook. Is the business-friendly tablet still fun and useful for consumers, or is it a tweener[...

Tough; solid build; BlackBerry Tablet OS responsive; fluid; Most complete tablet browser to date; Office apps superb

Missing basic apps at launch (coming soon; however; No SD card slot; Power button way too small; Memory management needs work

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;

The BlackBerry PlayBook is RIM's entry into the burgeoning tablet market that is currently dominated by Apple. It faces a stiff competition from Apple's iPad and the various Android tablets that are just now coming to market. Does RIM have what it takes to compete at this level of consumer tablet?

Fast response; great screen; solid build quality; future promise

BlackBerry smartphone required for many tasks; few apps; missing core functionality; mediocre camera

Research In Motion's much-maligned tablet computer, the BlackBerry PlayBook , is finally a viable choice, thanks to its heavily revised OS and a massive price drop. The PlayBook's user interface is beautiful, graceful, and operates with a simplicity that rivals that of the Apple iPad 2 ($399 for...

Far fewer third-party apps than the iPad; and the ones that exist aren't nearly as compelling.

To say that Research in Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook is a study in contrasts is an understatement.

Sharp display has vivid; accurate colors; High-definition video playback impresses; Light weight

Initial software is buggy and lacks polish; No integrated e-mail; contacts; or calendaring,

When we reviewed the BlackBerry PlayBook back in April , we couldn't help feeling the device's insides didn't match its outsides. The PlayBook is a well-built, good-looking device, but its software was buggy, frustrating, and frankly unfinished.

Much improved performance; Email; calendar; contacts apps are finally native; Smart UI enhancements

Still some bugs; particularly with scrolling; Android app selection is weak; Email app could be better