RIM
When the Blackberry Playbook was first released, it raised the ire of many a gadget reviewer. The chief issue was the fact that it didn't have a proper email client.
Sure, it had some good features like being able to play 1080p quality video, and a fast processor, but at the end of the day it felt like a rushed product that was put out there just so RIM would have a tablet device out there while every other manufacturer rushed to get their own device to the market.
Well, fortunately for those who do own a Playbook, and those who may want one, the OS2 upgrade finally makes the device a lot more useful and also makes the user experience far better.
When I first loaded up the Playbook (with OS2) that I was given, I was concerned with its slow start-up time. I thought that this was a sign that there would be major problems to come.
Well, I was wrong.
The browser experience was the first improvement that I noticed, as both HTML5 and Flash are now supported. The second was the email client, which is key because most people who stick to the Blackberry brand do so because of the need to quickly respond to and keep track of business emails. It also doesn't hurt that the inbox also consolidates messages from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Blackberry Bridge, which connects your Playbook directly with your Blackberry smartphone via Bluetooth, has also been updated. It's now easier to view files from your phone onto your device.
However, the best part about the updated Blackberry Bridge is the fact that it lets you use your phone as a wireless keyboard and mouse. That helps those people who hate touch screens, and besides, you buy Blackberry devices to use a great keyboard!
The Blackberry Playbook OS 2.0 update finally makes the tablet a device worth using, and should be extremely pleasing to those who haven't already updated their device.
This update makes me believe that this was the way that RIM originally envisioned their device. Perhaps it was pressure on the market that ended up with a rushed release last year, but at least Blackberry loyalists finally have a tablet that can be useful for them.
Final Score: 4/5
