05 Oct 10

Blackberry’s answer to the iPad

The competition has arrived – Blackberry manufacturer RIM have revealed their answer to the iPad.

 The new device called ‘Playbook’ is due to launch in early 2011 and will be dual targeted to the professional market, in addition to satisfying mass consumer needs.

Unlike Apple’s iPad, The 7” touchscreen Playbook will enable users to connect to the internet via 3G through their Blackberry mobile (tethering) so no separate browsing subscription will be necessary. As further competition to the iPad, the Playbook will be able to multitask, with plans to roll out upgrades to the RIM tablet, which will include built in 3G.

Available to purchase in North America in Q1 of next year, and internationally launched in Q2, it sounds like the Playbook could well rival and potentially supersede Apple’s current domination of the tablet market. That said, there are a number of companies (Samsung amongst others) looking to launch their tablet devices next year, we could yet see an uphill battle for the coveted tablet top spot.