The new PlayBook from RIM

So it’s not going to be called a Blackpad, but yes, the rumours are true.  RIM will be launching its own tablet computer in 2011.  Called the PlayBook, this 7 inch tablet and forward (3MP) and rear (5MP) cameras will, unlike the iPad, support multi-tasking and Flash.  The PlayBook will weigh less than 1 pound and will, like the iPad, come Wi-Fi and 3G (and later 4G).  The device will use the BlackBerry Tablet OS.  The PlayBook also has the same “essentials” as your BlackBerry (BBM, email, calendar) and can be paired with your existing device.

But will this device succeed?  RIM has had issues lately and its stocks have been hit badly.  Their latest BlackBerry, the Torch, hasn’t been doing that well, and has recently announced a delay for its Canadian launch.  However, the announcement has apparently caused stocks to jump.  I am also hoping that this means a better AppWorld.  The one thing that RIM does NOT do well is the availablity of apps.  For example, as of last week, RIM *STILL* does not have a proper YouTube app. Facebook for BlackBerry is not as good as iPhone or Android, and neither are GPS apps.   However, since the first generation PlayBook not only supports multitasking and Flash, but also has ports that the iPad does not have, the device may attract different buyers.  Those of us who want to upload pictures, for example, can purchase a USB adapter for our memory cards. 

Will I purchase a PlayBook?  Maybe.  I’m not the type of person who’d line up and purchase something the day it comes out, so I’ll wait a month or so to see what the reviews say.