BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ The Complete Guide to Specs Pricing Pros and Cons

Introduction to BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+

The BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ was an ambitious attempt by BlackBerry to carve a niche in the competitive tablet market. Released in 2011, it boasted features that were quite advanced for its time, offering both connectivity and multimedia capabilities. Despite its potential, the device is now discontinued, but it remains an interesting piece of technology from the early 2010s.

Network and Connectivity

The BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ offered a decent range of network capabilities. It supported GSM and HSPA technologies, with 2G bands including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands including HSDPA 900/1900/2100. The device promised HSPA speeds of up to 21.1 Mbps for downloads and 5.76 Mbps for uploads, allowing for relatively smooth internet browsing and media consumption.

Design and Build

Measuring 194 x 130 x 10 mm and weighing 425 g, the Playbook had a solid and substantial feel. Its compact 7.0-inch frame made it quite portable. The device featured a Mini-SIM slot, accommodating cellular connectivity, a significant feature for tablets during that period. The build quality was robust, embodying BlackBerry's reputation for durable, professional-grade devices.

Display

The Playbook sported a 7.0-inch TFT display with a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels, resulting in a moderate pixel density of approximately 170 ppi. While not the sharpest display for its time, it provided vibrant colors and adequate clarity for most tasks, such as video streaming and reading.

Platform and Performance

Under the hood, the BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ was powered by the dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, paired with the PowerVR SGX540 GPU. This setup, driven by the TI OMAP 4430 chipset, allowed the tablet to handle everyday tasks smoothly. Running on BlackBerry Tablet OS, the device supported multitasking and various productivity applications, embodying BlackBerry's focus on efficiency and communication.

Memory

The Playbook provided three storage options: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, all with 1GB of RAM. Despite lacking a card slot for expandable storage, these options catered to different types of users, from casual to power users, who could store a variety of content from apps to multimedia.

Camera

For photography and video recording, the Playbook was equipped with a 5MP rear camera capable of 1080p video capture at 30fps. Although not groundbreaking, this camera was more than sufficient for most casual photography needs and video calling. Additionally, a 3MP front camera allowed for video chats and self-portraits, catering to the burgeoning demand for social connectivity at the time.

Audio and Multimedia

The tablet came with stereo speakers that delivered clear and immersive audio, a plus for media consumption. It also included a 3.5mm audio jack, a standard but essential feature for personal audio listening through wired headphones.

Communication Features

The Playbook supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band capabilities, ensuring reliable wireless connectivity across various networks. Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR was included for connections with other devices like wireless headphones and car systems. However, it lacked GPS positioning and FM radio features.

Web and Productivity

Browsing on the Playbook was facilitated by an HTML browser with Adobe Flash support, providing a comprehensive web experience, allowing users to access flash-based content directly. This was particularly advantageous for business users accessing online applications and rich media content.

Battery Life

Powered by a non-removable Li-Po 5300 mAh battery, the Playbook offered satisfactory battery life, ensuring that the device could last through a day of moderate use, performing tasks like browsing, media playback, and some productivity-related work.

Conclusion

The BlackBerry 4G Playbook HSPA+ was a noteworthy device during its release period, balancing communication, productivity, and multimedia features. Although it did not achieve lasting success in the competitive tablet market and was eventually discontinued, it remains a testament to BlackBerry's innovative approach to mobile technology.