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A pint-sized tablet that packs a real punch
The area that surrounds the touch-sensitive screen is also touch-sensitive
The tablet computers we review tend to use one of two operating systems: the Apple iPad runs Apple's iOS, and most of the rest use Google's Android.
The Blackberry Playbook, on the other hand, uses its own operating system, Blackberry Tablet OS, which for the most part was very impressive.
Read more: tablet reviews | Blackberry news
On first turning it on, the screen showed some easy-to-follow tutorials. The area that surrounds the touch-sensitive screen is also touch-sensitive: rather than having separate buttons to access the home screen or see what apps are running, those are done by sliding your fingers from the bezel to the main screen.
A swipe upwards from the bottom displays apps currently running, swiping downwards accesses the settings for the current app, and swiping sideways moved between open applications. These gestures worked well and added to the stylish, slick feel, and the overall speed and responsiveness of the tablet was really impressive.
The Playbook's screen is a relatively small 7in which made it portable and at 425g it's light. The screen was bright and clear, with a good resolution, and the tablet's fast processor meant it was no slouch.
Internet browsing was good. No matter how quickly we moved around web pages the Playbook was able to keep up. It supports Flash so advanced websites appear as they're supposed to. The browser has tabs, improving navigation with multiple pages open. Videos from Youtube and the BBC iPlayer looked good and we were impressed by the Playbook's loud, clear speakers.
While the Playbook's operating system was hugely impressive, in some respects better than Android, it isn't well supported – relatively few apps are available in the download centre, Blackberry App World, especially compared with the number available for Apple and Android devices. One particularly glaring oversight was the lack of an email application. You need to connect the Playbook to a Blackberry phone to get email through that, or use webmail.
The price of the Blackberry Playbook matches that of the larger (10in) iPad 2 almost exactly. The cheapest model is £399, rising to £559 for the most expensive. Unlike the iPad, however, there isn't yet a version of the Playbook that can use a mobile phone Sim card to access the internet. You're limited to accessing it through a wireless network. Blackberry says a 3G model with mobile internet access is coming soon.
The Blackberry Playbook is in some ways a great tablet computer. It is fast, responsive and has a great screen. The web browser is good and its size means it good for popping in a bag to use while out and about.
However, the absence of apps is a big problem and this explains the huge price cut (from £399 at launch to around £130 a year later). At that cost, some people may find it appealing but don't expect the app store to fill up - developers have cast the Playbook aside.
Read more reviews
Our verdict
A fast tablet with a slick operating system, but for the price it doesn't do enough
Excellent screen; slick operating system; fast in use
Expensive; no email; not many apps available
£from 399
Updating your subscription status 
Basic Input-Output System. Essential software built into every PC that connects the vital components....
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FYI
Playbooks here in Canada recently dropped from 499 to 299 $CDN (for the 16GB model). Any corresponding price drop in the UK? (I don't know) The Playbook OS is a QNX Neutrino config and QNX has been around for a long time - well proven in the embedded space. OS 2 is rumoured to be out very soon (check google news frequently). Also SDKs for the playbook are available.
Posted by Perry Stovel, 06 Oct 2011
I love my Playbook.
I have had my Playbook for six weeks and do not know how I managed without it. Before buying I worked out what I wanted a tablet to do for me, the Playbook ticked all the boxes. Size was important as I can carry the Playbook in my pocket unlike some of the competition.
Posted by Jeff, 06 Oct 2011
Allergic reaction
I received a trial playbook from Vodafone; has to be said it looks a very stylish little unit. Unfortunately, after taking it out of the little case it comes in, and handling it for just a few moments to start the set-up, I suffered an allergic reaction to the rubber that covers the unit. I've not come across anything like this mentioned before and wondered what is used as I have no problems with the "rubbery-feel" that coats the HTC Desire, for example. And yes; I do have an allergy to latex rubber... shame really, as I really wanted to try this!
Posted by JoeC, 07 Oct 2011
Buying the playbook in the UK
Why would anyone buy this product for £399 in the UK, when folk on the other side of the Atlantic can get this for $299? Seeing as the exchange rate is 1.6 dollars to the pound, were already paying over the odds for this a similar technology?
Posted by Colin Brown, 09 Oct 2011
Buying playbook in the UK
check out insight.com until the 15th October selling the 32GB version for £299, well worth it at the price.
Posted by iain c, 12 Oct 2011
What about now?
I bought myself a playbook the other day, at a very good price of £199 for the 32GB model in PCWorld. I also read that today, at the CES event, BlackBerry announced that it is introducing native email. Also, i've heard rumours that android apps will soon be able t work on the blackberry playback. With all these in mind, would you review your review?
Posted by htw, 11 Jan 2012
Re Android apps
@htw, you're correct about android apps and native email. RIM have confirmed that they will be available in the release of the new OS2 firmware due for release on 17th February 2012. Should make the playbook even better!
Posted by bigsteve, 11 Jan 2012
Great Review
The presentation was clear and concise. I have the Blackbery Bridge function via my BBY phone. So far it is a great product and ideal for my purpose at £169.
Posted by BryanH, 19 Feb 2012
Even Cheaper now
I've had my Playbook a week now. Bought in the recent PC World sale for just £129 and that's for the 64GB version. What a Bargain.
Posted by R. Cloudesley, 31 Aug 2012
Excellent Buy
Bought the Playbook 64GB just 4 weeks ago at PC World for the amazing price of £129.my wife has now bought one. I'm spreading the good word..already have 15,000 photos in 20 folders and 10 movies.so easy to use..a real gem,so can't understand why BB are not "shouting this from the rooftops"..
Posted by Vince Fallon, 12 Oct 2012
At this price it's a steal!
I recently bought the 64gb version from PC World purely to replace my old ipod touch 16gb. I'm not too bothered about hundreds of apps, but for what I use it for it is excellent. I just use it for films, videos, music and pictures and at £129 it is far cheaper than replacing my old ipod touch with a new ipod touch and I also get a much larger screen as well.
Posted by Albert Greenfield, 04 Dec 2012
Awesome!
Bought my Playbook (64gb) from Currys PC World 3 weeks ago. I had done a lot of research, primarily looking for a 7 inch tablet (already have an Asus Transformer). I was well aware of the 'limitations' of the apps available, but have honestly been pleasantly surprised - and saying that, there is less chance to fill it up with junk apps! The screen is beautiful, using it is a joy, and I would say that for £129 there is nothing to rival this machine! I recently bought my partner an ipad 4, and can honestly say I have never been tempted to grab it from her! Altogether an excellent piece of kit!
Posted by Mark Leith, 04 Jan 2013